Character · The Shahnameh · Volume I

Pilsamپیلسم

peel-SAM

Piran’s brother, a Turanian champion.

In the poem: First at B7.3, Pilsam Battles the Iranians and Alkus’ Battle; last at B14.5, Piran Comes before Rostam
Named: 22 times, in 5 sections
Main stories: B7 The Fight of the Seven Warriors (9); B10 Vengeance for Siavash and the Retrieval of Kay Khosrow (8); B9 The Story of Siavash (4)
Parents: Viseh
Plates: Vol I: VI

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

In the poem’s own words

The 5 sections that name Pilsam most often, with the summary from the Notes and the couplets that name Pilsam. Tap a couplet number to read it in the full poem.

B7.3

Pilsam Battles the Iranians and Alkus’ Battle

Piran’s brother Pilsam unhorses Gorgin and holds off four champions until Piran protests and Rostam drives him away. Alkus then fells Zavareh, taking him for Rostam, but Rostam lifts Alkus from the saddle on his spear, and the seven champions rout the Turanians.

B7.3.1
There was a warrior known by Pilsam’s name,Of royal blood and fierce in quest of fame.
B7.3.4
When Pilsam heard, his brow drew tight with ire,His anger kindled like a rising fire.
B7.3.13
Then like a great tabira Pilsam roared,And like a storm upon the center poured.

Pilsam named 9 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

B9.53

Siavash Is Taken by Afrasiab

Siavash rides towards Iran but meets Afrasiab’s army. He refuses to fight his king, and the Turanians kill his thousand Iranians. Wounded by arrows, he is bound by Gurvi. Pilsam urges Afrasiab to wait for Piran, but Garsivaz, Damur and Gurvi urge death, and the king wavers.

B9.53.61
Then Pilsam, Piran’s younger brother, rose,A thoughtful warrior skilled among his foes.

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

B9.55

Siavash Falls by Gurvi’s Hand

Gurvi drags Siavash to the archery ground and cuts his throat over a golden basin, and a plant springs from the blood poured on barren earth. Darkness covers the world. Afrasiab orders Farangis beaten to kill her unborn child, the nobles protest, and Pilsam rides to warn Piran.

B9.55.8
Behind them Pilsam followed, sick with dread,His eyes ran blood; his grieving heart seemed dead.
B9.55.50
Then Pilsam came, both cheeks with blood made red,His soul was scarred, his grieving heart half-dead.
B9.55.60
Then Pilsam said: “Make haste, delay no more,Or greater grief than this will reach our door.”

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

B10.8

The Death of Pilsam

Piran’s young brother Pilsam asks leave to fight Rostam, and Afrasiab promises him a crown and his daughter. He holds off Giv and Faramarz together. Rostam rides out, lifts him from the saddle and hurls him dead before Afrasiab.

B10.8.1
Pilsam came forward, vengeance in his breast,His face grown grim, his heart denied him rest.
B10.8.18
But Pilsam said: “My heart will not give way;If I should meet that warrior in the fray,
B10.8.24
Then Pilsam armed and rode with lion force,His breath like wind as onward sped his horse.

Pilsam named 8 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

B14.5

Piran Comes before Rostam

Rostam names himself to Piran and brings greetings from Kay Khosrow and Farangis. Piran pours out his grief for Siavash and his divided loyalties, and pleads for peace. Rostam demands the guilty men or Piran’s defection; Piran secretly chooses war.