Character · The Shahnameh · Volume III

Qobad (Pirooz’s son)قباد

gho-BAHD

Qobad son of Pirooz, Sasanian king and father of Anooshirvan, who is deposed, regains the throne and embraces Mazdak's creed. Also the throne name of Shiruyeh.

In the poem: First at D12.1, How Qobad, Son of Pirooz, Assumes the Throne; last at D12.8, Anooshirvan Is Named Qobad’s Successor
Named: 52 times, in 8 sections
Main stories: D12 Qobad and the Mazdakite Revolution (52)
Parents: Pirooz
Children: Anooshirvan
Plates: Vol III: I, Vol III: V, Vol III: VI

Genealogical plate: The Sasanian Succession — Volume III, Plate I: The Sasanian Succession. Tap to open the genealogies.

In the poem’s own words

The 8 sections that name Qobad (Pirooz’s son) most often, with the summary from the Notes and the couplets that name Qobad (Pirooz’s son). Tap a couplet number to read it in the full poem.

D12.1

How Qobad, Son of Pirooz, Assumes the Throne

Qobad is crowned and moves from Istakhr to Tisfoon. He promises an open door, then delivers a long address on patience, contentment and the folly of greed. The nobles bless him. He is sixteen, and Sofrye, not he, governs the kingdom.

D12.1.1
When glorious Qobad rose to take the throne,He wore the crown that made his kingship known.
D12.1.24
For Sofrye ruled the world by his command;Qobad was not the master of the land.

Qobad (Pirooz’s son) named 2 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

D12.2

The Fall of Sofrye

Sofrye retires to Shiraz and rules Pars as a king without a crown. Courtiers persuade Qobad that he is a rival, and Shapur of Rey is sent to arrest him. Sofrye submits with dignity; Qobad imprisons him and, on the Mobadan’s advice, has him killed.

D12.2.1
Thus tulip-bright the wine shone in the bowl,Till manhood’s strength had ripened Qobad’s soul.
D12.2.18
These words corrupted Qobad’s royal heart,And made past services from thought depart.
D12.2.34
Shapur, who traced to Mehrak his descent,Smiled as he read the words that Qobad sent.

Qobad (Pirooz’s son) named 10 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

D12.3

Jamasp Takes the Throne after Qobad’s Fall

Iran rises at the news of Sofrye’s death, storms the palace, kills the counselors and enthrones the young Jamasp. Qobad is fettered and handed to Sofrye’s son Rizmehr for vengeance. Rizmehr instead bows to him, and Qobad begins to plan his escape.

D12.3.5
They said, “Since Sofrye is lost and dead,We tear the crown from cruel Qobad’s head.”
D12.3.6
The troops and townsmen joined in one accord;No longer would they own Qobad as lord.
D12.3.10
He was a noble youth of royal birth,Whom Qobad cherished tenderly on earth.

Qobad (Pirooz’s son) named 9 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

D12.4

Qobad’s Escape and Flight to the Heytalians

Rizmehr strikes off Qobad’s fetters and the two ride east with five confidants. At a village near Ahvaz Qobad marries a dehqan’s daughter, leaves her his signet, and goes on to the Heytalian king, who lends him forty thousand horsemen for the promise of Chaghaniyan.

D12.4.8
When young Qobad beheld her moon-bright face,All wisdom fled his heart and left no trace.
D12.4.16
Wise Rizmehr came to young Qobad and said,“May Fortune bless the Moon you mean to wed.
D12.4.18
Qobad then called that fairy-faced one near,And set her on his knee with royal cheer.

Qobad (Pirooz’s son) named 5 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

D12.5

Qobad Returns and Reascends the Throne

Qobad reaches the village to find a son born, and names him Kisra. The nobles come out with the boy Jamasp to beg pardon; Qobad forgives them and retakes the throne. He rewards Rizmehr, campaigns in Rum, founds cities, and opens canals.

D12.5.1
Qobad approached the noble’s house and sawCrowds thronging every street in joy and awe.
D12.5.4
Qobad, on hearing, entered full of cheer;They named the newborn Kisra, bright and dear.
D12.5.8
Qobad rejoiced far more that day, when told,Than when he first received his crown of gold.

Qobad (Pirooz’s son) named 6 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

D12.6

Qobad Adopts the Faith of Mazdak

Mazdak rises at court as Qobad’s minister and treasurer. When drought brings famine he draws two judgments from the king, that withholding a remedy or food is murder, then tells the crowd to take the grain stores. Qobad, persuaded, adopts his faith.

D12.6.3
Brave King Qobad gave ear to what he said,And raised him high, where royal counsels led.
D12.6.8
They stood before Qobad’s imperial gate,Afflicted by the famine and their fate.
D12.6.12
Qobad replied, “Speak on, and by your artBring fresh illumination to my heart.”

Qobad (Pirooz’s son) named 8 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

D12.7

Anooshirvan Overthrows Mazdak’s Faith

Mazdak demands that Kisra join his faith; the prince asks five months and gathers sages. At the appointed debate a Mobad demolishes the doctrine, Qobad renounces it, and Mazdak with three thousand followers is handed to Kisra, who plants them head down in a garden and hangs their leader.

D12.7.3
Qobad then bade the chamberlain obey,And bring Mazdak’s assembled men that day.
D12.7.6
Qobad commanded that his throne be setOut in the open, where the throngs had met.
D12.7.18
Then Mazdak took Prince Kisra’s hand; surpriseFilled Shah Qobad, who watched with wondering eyes.

Qobad (Pirooz’s son) named 8 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

D12.8

Anooshirvan Is Named Qobad’s Successor

Qobad, feeling death near, writes his testament on silk, leaving crown and throne to Kisra, and entrusts it to a Mobad. He dies at eighty and is entombed with crown and golden throne. The will is read to the assembled chiefs, and Kisra is crowned Anooshirvan.

D12.8.6
“All you who read Qobad’s command today,Attend the wise and hold to counsel’s way.
D12.8.12
Qobad reached eighty years, yet even thenHe had no wish to leave the world of men.
D12.8.23
The testament was read before them all,And gladly they obeyed King Qobad’s call.