Character · The Shahnameh · Volumes I, II

Ruyinرویین

roo-YEEN

Son of Piran, slain by Bijan in the Twelve Rukhs.

In the poem: First at B9.33, Siavash Displays His Prowess before Afrasiab; last at C4.6, Afrasiab Sends Envoys to Khosrow
Named: 31 times, in 14 sections
Main stories: C3 The Battle of the Twelve Rukhs (20); C4 The Final Afrasiab Wars and the Disappearance of Kay Khosrow (4); B12 Forood and the Snowstorm Campaign (3)
Parents: Piran
Plates: Vol II: IV

Genealogical plate: The House of Viseh — Volume II, Plate IV: The House of Viseh. Tap to open the genealogies.

In the poem’s own words

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

B9.33

Siavash Displays His Prowess before Afrasiab

Afrasiab tests his guest at polo, archery and the hunt. Siavash hits the ball out of sight, strings a bow no Turanian can bend, pierces the target and cuts a Gur-e-Khar in equal halves. The king grows fonder, but some Turanians grow uneasy.

B9.33.22
Then to Siavash the king assigned his men:Brave Ruyin and Shideh rode with him then.

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

B9.56

Piran Shields Farangis

Warned by his brothers, Piran rides for two days and nights and arrives as Farangis is being dragged to her death. He halts the guards, rebukes Afrasiab for following a Div’s counsel, and wins her life, promising to bring the child to the king. He takes her to Khutan.

B9.56.3
With Ruyin and Farshidvard he sped,And clouds of dust rose thick where hoofbeats led.

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

B12.24

Tazhav Slays Bahram

Piran hears of Bahram and offers him friendship and rank if he will stay, but refuses him a horse home. Bahram fights on. Tazhav leads a crowd of warriors against him and, when Bahram’s strength fails, cuts off his arm from behind.

B12.24.6
He turned to brave Ruyin there at his side:“Rise now; the task is yours; mount up and ride.
B12.24.9
Ruyin rode out, resolved to prove his might;He rode against him, eager for the fight.
B12.24.12
His arrows wounded Ruyin in the fight;The others’ hands and feet grew slack with fright.

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

C3.6

The Armies Are Set in Array

The armies take position between Raibad and Kanabad. Gudarz sets wings, rear and flank guards under named chiefs, with the Kaviani standard at the center; Piran, finding no ground to attack on, hides Ruyin and ten thousand men in the woods.

C3.6.87
Then brazen-bodied Ruyin led his band,Ten thousand warriors from Khutan’s land.
C3.6.91
Then Ruyin, like a lion in attack,Would bring his warriors down upon his back.

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

C3.20

Piran’s Letter to Gudarz

Alarmed by Iran’s mobilization, Piran writes to Gudarz offering peace: every province from Sistan to Sughd returned, treasure and hostages sent, or else the war decided by paired champions. His son Ruyin carries the letter, and Gudarz feasts him for a week without answering.

C3.20.87
His son, named Ruyin, led the gathered men,His iron strength renowned among them then.
C3.20.89
Ruyin rode out from Piran’s gate in pride,And ten bold horsemen gathered at his side.
C3.20.91
When Ruyin came to old Gudarz’s gate,A runner told the chief who stood in wait.

Ruyin named 5 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

C3.21

Gudarz Replies to Piran

On the eighth day Gudarz dictates his answer and refuses point by point: Piran’s heart and tongue are strangers, the feud reaches back to Iraj, seventy sons are unavenged, the lands are already taken. Ruyin carries it home; Piran hides it and calls his troops to arms.

C3.21.5
And Ruyin brought your message to my side,Each matter that you charged him to confide.
C3.21.64
Send all the wealth and hostages you name,With Lahhak and with Ruyin of your fame.
C3.21.121
Then Ruyin left his saddle on the plain,And brought before Gudarz his mounted train.

Ruyin named 6 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

C3.34

Bijan Battles Ruyin

Bijan and Ruyin, Piran’s son, gain nothing with their bows. Bijan’s Roman gorz breaks Ruyin’s head and he dies in the saddle thinking of his father. Bijan beheads him, hauls the body up with his kamand and raises his lion banner on the height.

C3.34.1
The sixth fight brought Bijan, brave Giv’s own son,Against Ruyin; their combat had begun.
C3.34.5
He charged and struck Ruyin upon the head,And from his crown both blood and brains were shed.
C3.34.6
There in the saddle Ruyin gave up life,Remembering Piran amid the strife.

Ruyin named 4 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.

C4.3.36
“O world-seeing one, my Ruyin,” he cried,“My noble horseman, once my strength and pride!
C4.3.49
He spoke of Ruyin, Farshidvard, and allThe horsemen who had perished in their fall.
C4.3.54
Such men as Piran, Ruyin, shining bright,And Farshidvard, were never matched in fight.