Character · The Shahnameh · Volume II

Qaydrushقیدروش

ghayd-ROOSH

Son of Queen Kaydafa and son-in-law of King Faryan, captured by Iskandar's men.

In the poem: First at D5.19, Iskandar Captures King Faryan’s Fortress; last at D5.23, Iskandar and Kaydafa Reach an Agreement
Named: 12 times, in 4 sections
Main stories: D5 The Iskandar Cycle (12)
Parents: Kaydafa
Plates: Vol II: VII

Genealogical plate: The Houses beyond Iran — Volume II, Plate VII: The Houses beyond Iran. Tap to open the genealogies.

In the poem’s own words

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

D5.19

Iskandar Captures King Faryan’s Fortress

Iskandar storms King Faryan’s fortress within a week and forbids bloodshed. Among the captives are Kaydafa’s son Qaydrush and his bride. Iskandar sets his minister Bitlqun on the throne to condemn Qaydrush, then pleads for him in the guise of an envoy, and wins the prince’s gratitude.

D5.19.11
The bridegroom’s name was Qaydrush; for his part,He was King Faryan’s eyes and ears and heart.
D5.19.12
Then Shahrgeer took both Qaydrush and his fairYoung bride, and held them fast, a captive pair.
D5.19.18
Then bid the headsman make Qaydrush lie dead,And from his shoulders cut away his head.

Qaydrush named 7 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

D5.20

Iskandar Plays Envoy and Is Recognized

Calling himself Bitlqun, Iskandar rides with Qaydrush to Kaydafa’s court, marvels at her crystal halls, and delivers his own demand for tribute. Taken aside, he is confronted with the silk portrait and named. Cornered, he regrets having no blade and threatens bloodshed.

D5.20.3
Qaydrush led on; the king, intent to hear,Entrusted him with watchful eye and ear.
D5.20.9
The queen approached; Qaydrush dismounted, bowed,And blessed his mother, speaking it aloud.
D5.20.11
Qaydrush recounted all his pain and woe;His pallor deepened as he told her so.

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

D5.21

Kaydafa Counsels Iskandar

Kaydafa reproves Iskandar for risking his life, explains the gallery of royal portraits and horoscopes by which she knows every king, and promises secrecy if he swears to spare her kin. He swears by his faith and his sword; she warns him against her son Taynush.

D5.21.41
Horse-felling Taynush stood with Qaydrush near;To Kaydafa’s commands both lent an ear.

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

D5.23

Iskandar and Kaydafa Reach an Agreement

Iskandar swears a Christian oath never to return in arms. Kaydafa’s chiefs counsel peace, and she sends him off with her father’s crown, a seventy-part throne and a vast inventory of gifts. He then rings Taynush’s ambush with armed men, spares him, and reveals himself.