New Naqqaliشاهنامه
Character · The Shahnameh · Volume III

Parmudehپرموده

par-moo-DEH

Son of King Saveh and Khan of Chin and the Turks, who is besieged by Bahram Chubin in Avaza and submits to Hormizd.

In the poem
First at E5.7, Bahram Chubin Rides against Saveh; last at E5.26, Bahram’s Letter and Khosrow’s Flight
Named
37 times, in 11 sections
Main stories
E5 Hormizd, Son of Anooshirvan (37)

In the poem’s own words

The 8 sections that name Parmudeh most often, with the summary from the Notes and the couplets that name Parmudeh. Tap a couplet number to read it in the full poem.
E5.7

Bahram Chubin Rides against Saveh

Bahram asks for a recorder of deeds and marches from Tisfoon. He takes a sheep’s head from a seller’s basket as an omen of Saveh’s beheading. The Shah, warned he will one day turn, tries to recall him and is refused. A horseman is executed for stealing straw.

  • E5.7.94
    At midnight Saveh sent Parmudeh out,His valiant son, to act as prince and scout;
  • E5.7.98
    Parmudeh, Saveh’s prince and darling, seeksThe army’s chief, with whom he freely speaks.”
  • E5.7.101
    Parmudeh saw him come, and spurred his horse,And rode in haste along the open course.
Parmudeh named 4 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes
E5.10

The Second Exchange with King Saveh

Saveh boasts of uncountable troops, a thousand armored elephants and the homage of every king, and offers Bahram his daughter, a crown and Iran’s throne. Bahram answers with proverbs and gives him two days before his head goes up on a spear.

  • E5.10.7
    The first am I, the world’s true king by right;The next my son Parmudeh, high in might.
  • E5.10.66
    Parmudeh said, “Why plead in such despair?Those meager troops deserve no fear or care!”
Parmudeh named 2 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes
E5.12

Bahram Chubin Announces His Victory

Bahram beheads the Turkish chiefs, sets their heads and banners on mules, and sends Saveh’s head to Hormizd on a spear. The Shah gives thanks, spends the treasure on the poor, the fires and the roads, remits four years’ tribute, and grants Bahram the eastern lands.

  • E5.12.18
    They were to seek the Shah’s express commandTo march against Prince Parmudeh’s own band.
  • E5.12.23
    When tidings reached Parmudeh, low he bowedHis stricken head, and wept before the crowd.
  • E5.12.31
    I could say more, but you have heard enough.”Parmudeh brooded, sullen, dark, and rough.
Parmudeh named 4 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes
E5.13

Bahram Chubin Overcomes Parmudeh

Parmudeh crosses the Jihun to avenge Saveh. Warned against Wednesdays, Bahram spends one feasting in a garden and is surrounded; he breaks out, then storms the Turkish camp by night. Parmudeh flees to Avaza, and Bahram rings the fortress.

  • E5.13.1
    When news came Bahram sought him as a foe,Parmudeh fled to ward the coming blow;
  • E5.13.6
    Next day brave Bahram rode abroad to scanParmudeh’s troops and judge each fighting man.
  • E5.13.8
    Parmudeh saw them fill the desert’s face,With Bahram at their head in warlike grace.
Parmudeh named 10 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes
E5.14

Parmudeh Seeks Mercy from Bahram

Bahram calls on Parmudeh to open the gate, send down his treasure and ask for grace. Parmudeh answers with a long warning on Fortune’s turns, admits his father sought what was not his, and agrees to ask the Shah — not Bahram — for quarter.

  • E5.14.2
    At sunrise on the fourth, he sent a callTo Prince Parmudeh, sheltered by the wall:
  • E5.14.17
    The envoy came and spoke the message true;Parmudeh heard and answered what was due:
Parmudeh named 2 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes
E5.15

Bahram Seeks Mercy for Parmudeh

Bahram writes asking a safe-conduct for the Khan. Delighted, Hormizd rewards the envoy, has the warrant written on silk under seal with God as witness, and orders Parmudeh brought to court with honor and the spoil forwarded to the treasury.

  • E5.15.21
    “Parmudeh Khan shall rest in peace secure;Beneath our royal seal this pledge is sure:
  • E5.15.25
    “Send Prince Parmudeh with his army here;Treat him with honor, free of harm or fear.
Parmudeh named 2 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes
E5.16

Bahram Chubin’s Anger at Parmudeh

Parmudeh rides past without a glance; Bahram has him dragged on foot and strikes his head. Warned, he repents and sends gifts, but Parmudeh will not hide it from the Shah. The scribes inventory Avaza, where Siavash’s belt lies — and Bahram keeps two prizes back.

  • E5.16.6
    Parmudeh’s darkened spirit brightened then;He praised the king before his gathered men.
  • E5.16.13
    Parmudeh said, “Once I was raised aboveThe folk, with kingship, majesty, and love.
  • E5.16.20
    He raised his whip and struck Parmudeh’s head,A wanton stroke that filled the chiefs with dread!
Parmudeh named 5 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes
E5.18

Hormizd Seeks Alliance with the Khan

The chief scribe reports that Bahram Chubin has kept part of the Turkish spoil, including Siavash’s crown. Hormizd, angered, honors the captive Parmudeh instead, binds him by oath and sends him home laden; the Khan snubs Bahram on the road, and the Shah’s resentment hardens.

  • E5.18.7
    Hormizd said to Parmudeh, “Tell me trueAll that you saw in this affair and knew.”
  • E5.18.16
    He took the Khan’s hand firmly in his own;Parmudeh marveled at the favor shown.
  • E5.18.39
    Upon the fourth, Parmudeh sent to say:“Turn back; you have endured enough today.”
Parmudeh named 3 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes
All 11 sections that name Parmudeh
  1. E5.7 Bahram Chubin Rides against Saveh
  2. E5.10 The Second Exchange with King Saveh
  3. E5.12 Bahram Chubin Announces His Victory
  4. E5.13 Bahram Chubin Overcomes Parmudeh
  5. E5.14 Parmudeh Seeks Mercy from Bahram
  6. E5.15 Bahram Seeks Mercy for Parmudeh
  7. E5.16 Bahram Chubin’s Anger at Parmudeh
  8. E5.17 Parmudeh Appears before Hormizd
  9. E5.18 Hormizd Seeks Alliance with the Khan
  10. E5.24 Bahram Chubin Reveals His Ambition
  11. E5.26 Bahram’s Letter and Khosrow’s Flight

On the maps

E5.7–E5.13Bahram Chubin's War against Savah

Where the name appears

Named mentions by book, from the Universe Registry, the index behind this site. Titles and epithets are not counted.
E5Hormizd, Son of Anooshirvan37

More in the Glossary and the index of characters.