Character · The Shahnameh · Volumes I, II

Pashang of Turanپشنگ

pa-SHANG

Father of Afrasiab; the name is also given to Afrasiab's son Shideh.

In the poem: First at A9.7, Manuchehr’s Last Counsel to His Son; last at C4.54, Khosrow’s Answer and Zal’s Apology
Named: 34 times, in 17 sections (including 14 where the name may belong to Pashang of Iran)
Main stories: C4 The Final Afrasiab Wars and the Disappearance of Kay Khosrow (12); B1 The Crisis after Manuchehr (7); B3 Kay Qobad (5)
Parents: Zadeshm
Children: Afrasiab, Garsivaz, Aghriras
Plates: Vol I: III, Vol I: VI, Vol II: III

Genealogical plate: Fereydoon and the Division of the World — Volume I, Plate III: Fereydoon and the Division of the World. Tap to open the genealogies.

In the poem’s own words

The 8 sections that name Pashang of Turan most often, with the summary from the Notes. Tap a couplet number to read it in the full poem.

B1.2

Pashang Hears of Manuchehr’s Death

Hearing that Manuchehr is dead and Nohzar’s rule is faltering, Pashang of Turan resolves to avenge Tur and Salm. He summons his son Afrasiab, who eagerly takes command, although his brother Aghriras counsels caution.

Pashang of Turan named 6 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

B2.1

Afrasiab Invades after Garshasp’s Death

Zav’s son Garshasp reigns briefly and dies. Pashang, still estranged from Afrasiab over Aghriras, orders him to invade again. The Iranians turn to Zal, who is too old to fight and offers instead his young son Rostam, arming him with Sahm’s ancestral gorz.

Pashang of Turan named 4 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

B3.4

Pashang Sues Kay Qobad for Peace

Pashang writes to Kay Qobad offering peace on the basis of Fereydoon’s ancient division of the world, with the Jihun as the frontier. Qobad accepts and the Turanians withdraw. Despite Rostam’s protest, the Shah rewards his champions and gives Rostam the rule of Nimruz.

Pashang of Turan named 4 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

B9.47

Garsivaz Returns and Slanders Siavash

Envious of Afrasiab’s pleasure at Siavash’s letter, Garsivaz tells the king that Siavash is plotting with Kavus, Rum and Chin. Afrasiab hesitates, unwilling to wrong his son-in-law, but Garsivaz keeps pressing until the king sends him to summon Siavash to court.

Pashang of Turan named 2 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

C4.3

Afrasiab Hears of Piran’s Death

At Baikand, Afrasiab learns that Piran, Lahhak and Farshidvard are dead. He mourns, throws down his crown, swears to live as a soldier until he is avenged, pays his troops, leaves Qarakhan in Bukhara, ferries his army over the Jihun and ranks his sons for battle.

Pashang of Turan named 3 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

C4.8

Kay Khosrow Battles Shideh

At dawn Shideh calls Khosrow out. The Shah arms despite his soldiers’ protest, leaves Rostam in command if he falls, and rides with Shideh to a waste in Khwarazm. They fight with lance, gorz and sword until noon, and then Shideh proposes wrestling on foot.

Pashang of Turan named 2 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

C4.27

Afrasiab’s Message to Kay Khosrow

Afrasiab’s envoys count the dead of a thousand farsangs, offer to resign Turan entirely, plead kinship and blame Siavash, and challenge Khosrow to single combat far from both armies. Khosrow is tempted, but Rostam tells him a Shah does not duel and urges a full assault.

Pashang of Turan named 2 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

C4.54

Khosrow’s Answer and Zal’s Apology

Khosrow answers with deliberate mildness for Rostam’s sake: he is proud of both descents, blames no king for high aims, has avenged his father, and fears only becoming a Jamshid or a Zahhak. Zal, abashed, apologizes; the Shah takes his hand and seats him at his side.

Pashang of Turan named 2 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

All 17 sections that name Pashang of Turan