Character · The Shahnameh · Volume III

Rizmehrرزمهر

reez-MEHR

Son of Sofrye, given the captive Qobad to guard, who becomes his confidant and helps him.

In the poem: First at D12.3, Jamasp Takes the Throne after Qobad’s Fall; last at E5.24, Bahram Chubin Reveals His Ambition
Named: 14 times, in 5 sections
Main stories: D12 Qobad and the Mazdakite Revolution (12); E5 Hormizd, Son of Anooshirvan (2)

In the poem’s own words

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

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.

D12.3.14
Rizmehr, whose love had made his father glad,A gentle son, the joy that Sofrye had.
D12.3.17
Good Rizmehr, faithful to Yazdan above,Spared King Qobad and answered hate with love.
D12.3.23
Rizmehr replied, “O king, let those words rest;To speak no more of this would serve you best.

Rizmehr named 5 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.

D12.4.1
Good Rizmehr heard his words and straightawayReleased his feet from fetters that same day.
D12.4.9
He went at once to Rizmehr and confessed,“I have a secret hidden in my breast.
D12.4.11
Rizmehr went swiftly, told the noble lord,And shaped his words with counsel in accord.

Rizmehr 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.

D12.5.24
Qobad entrusted Rizmehr with command,For he had served with loyal heart and hand.

Rizmehr named 1 time 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.

D12.7.42
He called Rizmehr, Khordad, Behzad by name,With Farayin and Bandvi, to proclaim.

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

E5.24

Bahram Chubin Reveals His Ambition

Bahram lays his case before his chiefs, who answer in riddles and proverbs. His sister Gurdiyeh breaks in and argues from precedent that no subject has ever taken the crown. The council praises her; Bahram, unmoved, calls for wine and for Esfandiyar’s Seven Stages.

E5.24.119
They gave him to Rizmehr, that he might takeRevenge upon him for his father’s sake.
E5.24.120
Rizmehr saw none more worthy of the crownThan royal-born Qobad, though then cast down.

Rizmehr named 2 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes