Character · The Shahnameh · Volume III

Nushzadنوشزاد

noosh-ZAHD

Anooshirvan's son by a Christian wife, who turns Christian, rebels, and dies fighting Ram Barzin.

In the poem: First at D13.16, The Birth of Anooshirvan’s Son Nushzad; last at D13.19, The Death of Nushzad
Named: 24 times, in 4 sections
Main stories: D13 Anooshirvan and the Road to the End-time (24)
Parents: Anooshirvan’s Christian wife, Anooshirvan
Plates: Vol III: VI

Genealogical plate: Qobad and Anooshirvan — Volume III, Plate VI: Qobad and Anooshirvan. Tap to open the genealogies.

In the poem’s own words

The 4 sections that name Nushzad most often, with the summary from the Notes and the couplets that name Nushzad. Tap a couplet number to read it in the full poem.

D13.16

The Birth of Anooshirvan’s Son Nushzad

The Shah’s Christian wife bears a son, Nushzad, raised in luxury, who takes his mother’s faith and is baptized. His father shuts him up at Gund-e-Shapur. When the Shah falls ill on his return from Rum, a rumor of his death reaches Nushzad, who rejoices.

D13.16.13
The child was called Nushzad, so gently bredNo harsh wind stirred the hair upon his head.
D13.16.25
One bore the tidings to Nushzad and said,“The empire’s grace has fled; the Shah is dead.”
D13.16.26
His father’s death brought joy to Nushzad’s heart;May every joy from such a man depart!

Nushzad named 3 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

D13.17

The Revolt of Nushzad

Ferdowsi condemns a son who fights a just father, then tells how Nushzad, believing the Shah dead, frees the prisoners, gathers Christians and troops, takes his mother’s treasure and the revenues of Ahvaz and Shushtar, and declares for Caesar. Word reaches the Shah, who calls for a scribe.

D13.17.1
I have named Nushzad; give my counsel heed,And never quit the path of righteous deed.
D13.17.10
Of Nushzad ancient legend tells the same,As old tradition handed down his name.
D13.17.14
Nushzad released from prison and from chains,And panic swept the streets and crowded lanes.

Nushzad named 5 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

D13.18

Anooshirvan Orders Nushzad’s Capture

Anooshirvan writes to Ram Barzin about his rebel son Nushzad. He praises God, reflects that death levels all alike, and orders the prince taken alive and housed in comfort, while the marzbans who joined him are to be cut down.

D13.18.8
I heard of felons broken from their ward,Who now around Nushzad have drawn the sword.
D13.18.10
First Anooshirvan, then Nushzad must go;No earthly life escapes death’s overthrow.
D13.18.20
Though Nushzad turned his head from our command,Because the Div has guided his right hand,

Nushzad named 5 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

D13.19

The Death of Nushzad

Ram Barzin marches from Madain; Nushzad arrays the Christians and the men of Rum under Shammas. Old Pirooz pleads with him in vain. An arrow strikes the prince; dying, he asks for Christian burial and sends word to his mother, and Ram Barzin weeps over him.

D13.19.1
He handed Ram Barzin the Shah’s command,Which told him how to deal with Nushzad’s band.
D13.19.6
News reached Nushzad; he called and paid his men,And gathered all who served his banner then.
D13.19.9
From Nushzad’s portal rose a mighty shout;The army surged like storm-tossed seas throughout.