Character · The Shahnameh · Volume II

Nush Azarنوش‌آذر

noosh-ah-ZAR

A son of Esfandiyar, builder of a fire temple, killed in battle with Rostam's Sistani troops.

In the poem: First at C6.18, Arjasp Flees from the Battle; last at D1.2, Bahman Humiliates Zal
Named: 18 times, in 12 sections
Main stories: C8 The Tragedy of Rostam and Esfandiyar (9); C6 Goshtasb, Zardosht, and the War with Arjasp (6); D1 The Reign of Bahman, Son of Esfandiyar (2)
Parents: Esfandiyar
Plates: Vol II: VI

Genealogical plate: The House of Lohrasp — Volume II, Plate VI: The House of Lohrasp. Tap to open the genealogies.

In the poem’s own words

The 8 sections that name Nush Azar most often, with the summary from the Notes and the couplets that name Nush Azar. Tap a couplet number to read it in the full poem.

C6.18

Arjasp Flees from the Battle

Esfandiyar forms three Kayanian lines under himself, Nastur and his brother. Nastur and Nush Azar swear not to leave the field alive. Esfandiyar’s lance breaks the Turkish ranks; Arjasp holds his ground until dusk, then flees into the wilderness with Iran in pursuit.

C6.18.7
Nastur, Zarir’s high-born and valiant son,And Nush Azar, through whose strength wars were won,

Nush Azar named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes

C6.23

Jamasp Comes to Esfandiyar

Hunting when the summons comes, Esfandiyar laughs bitterly and tells his son Bahman that his father has turned against him. Jamasp arrives with the letter and says a Div has clouded the Shah’s mind, but advises obedience. Esfandiyar leaves his troops to Bahman and rides to court.

C6.23.6
The fourth, Nush Azar, built a sacred domeTo give the holy fire a sheltered home.

Nush Azar named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes

C6.28

News of Lohrasp’s Death Reaches Goshtasb

Goshtasb’s wife rides to Sistan in Turkish disguise with the news: Lohrasp killed, Balkh sacked, the fire quenched, Homahyi and Bih Afrid led away in chains. Goshtasb summons his Pahlevans and marches to Balkh, where three days of battle kill thirty-eight of his sons.

C6.28.13
They stormed the shrine of Nush Azar in wrath,And slew the chiefs and priests across their path.

Nush Azar named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes

C6.30

Jamasp Visits Esfandiyar

Nush Azar nearly kills Jamasp for his Turanian cap. Esfandiyar refuses his father’s message, and Lohrasp, his sisters, his father’s plight and his dead brothers all leave him unmoved; only Farshidvard’s name breaks him. He snaps his own fetters, faints, then calls for arms.

C6.30.1
One of Esfandiyar’s exalted sons,Nush Azar, watched the walls for hostile ones.
C6.30.14
When Nush Azar had heard his father’s word,He went back to the wall, alert and stirred.

Nush Azar named 2 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

C6.31

Farshidvard Comes before Esfandiyar

Esfandiyar rides out by night with Bahman, Nush Azar and Jamasp, vowing fire-temples and wells if he is granted vengeance. He finds his brother Farshidvard dying, shrouds him under a tree, curses the dead Gurazm, and cuts through Turkish scouts to reach his father.

C6.31.3
Bahman and noble Nush Azar took horse,While wise Jamasp rode first to steer their course.

Nush Azar named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes

C7.11

Bishutan Attacks the Ruyin Dezh

Esfandiyar’s bonfire on the rampart signals Bishutan, who brings up the army carrying his brother’s gorz and banner and passing for the prince. Bahman kills Turk-Khan, Kuhram is driven back to the walls, and Arjasp sends out the Turks to fight.

C7.11.24
Then Nush Azar, the swordsman, galloped out,And challenged all Turan with ringing shout.

Nush Azar named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes

C8.22

Zavareh and Faramarz Slay Esfandiyar’s Sons

Zavareh taunts the waiting Iranians and Esfandiyar’s sons answer. Zavareh kills Nush Azar and Faramarz kills Mehr-e-Nush. Rostam swears he gave no order and offers his brother and son for punishment; Esfandiyar refuses the exchange and promises to pin him to his horse.

C8.22.8
His name was Nush Azar, renowned and bright,A joyful youth who felled horsemen in fight.
C8.22.17
They slew Iranians, countless, in the fight;Nush Azar joined the battle at that sight.
C8.22.21
When Nush Azar saw Alva far away,He drew his sword out, ready for the fray.

Nush Azar named 6 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

C8.23

Rostam Flees to the Heights

The archery begins. Esfandiyar’s arrows pierce Rostam and Rakhsh while Rostam’s cannot hurt him. Rostam takes to a height on foot, refuses Zavareh’s horse, and crosses the river bleeding. Esfandiyar mourns his sons, sends them home, and marvels at his enemy.