Character · The Shahnameh · Volume I

Sarvسرو

SARV

King of Yemen, father of the three princesses.

In the poem: First at A6.2, Jandal Goes to Yemen; last at C9.1, The Prelude
Named: 36 times, in 8 sections
Main stories: A6 The First Kings: Fereydoon (35); C9 Rostam and Shaghad (1)

In the poem’s own words

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

A6.2

Jandal Goes to Yemen

When his three sons are grown, Fereydoon sends the shrewd Jandal to find three sisters as their brides. Jandal finds them at the court of Sarv, king of Yemen. Sarv dreads losing his daughters and consults his chiefs, but finds their advice useless.

A6.2.19
At last to Yemen’s royal court he came,Where Sarv the Shah possessed a noble name.
A6.2.22
Then like a pheasant moving toward a flower,He came before King Sarv within his bower.
A6.2.24
King Sarv replied, “May praise attend your name;Now state the cause and purpose why you came.

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

A6.3

The King of Yemen Answers Jandal

Sarv agrees to the marriages on condition that the princes come to Yemen first. Fereydoon sends them off, warning that Sarv will seat his daughters in a misleading order and ask which is the eldest, and he tells them the answer.

A6.3.16
Jandal received the answer Sarv had made,And kissed the throne, then honors duly paid.
A6.3.26
Listen with care whenever Sarv may speak,And let your answers show the truth you seek.
A6.3.30
Now heed me well: King Sarv’s advice is sound;In council, his the wisest voice around.

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

A6.4

Fereydoon’s Sons Go to Yemen

Yemen welcomes the three princes with jewels, musk and wine. At the feast Sarv presents his daughters in a misleading order and asks which is which, but the princes answer correctly, and he has to agree to the three marriages.

A6.4.3
When Sarv was told the princes were close by,He decked his army bright with pheasant dye.
A6.4.10
King Sarv received the princes at his hall,And gave a monarch’s welcome to them all.
A6.4.11
At dawn King Sarv’s three daughters duly came,Just as Fereydoon had foretold his aim.

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

A6.5

Sarv Tests Fereydoon’s Sons

Sarv, a sorcerer, raises a killing frost over the sleeping princes, but their farr and their father’s charms protect them. Beaten, he hands over his daughters with rich dowries, complaining that daughters are raised only to leave.

A6.5.1
Then Sarv brought wine and gathered friends that day,And kept the feast till daylight passed away.
A6.5.5
But Sarv, the sorcerers’ king, devised his guile,And left the royal garden for a while.
A6.5.11
When morning crowned the mountain peak with gold,King Sarv came forth, the outcome to behold.

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

A6.18

Fereydoon Answers His Sons

Fereydoon rejects the plea: the murderers will meet Manuchehr only on the battlefield, and no treasure can buy a son’s blood. The envoy reports the splendor of Iran’s court, and Salm and Tur, alarmed, gather their armies and march on Iran.

A6.18.14
There Sahm, son of Nariman, will stand;And Sarv of Yemen guide the war he planned.
A6.18.70
Sarv, Yemen’s king, gave counsel with great care;Victorious Gashasb watched the treasure rare.

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

A6.19

Manuchehr Marches for Vengeance

The enemy crosses the Jihun, and Fereydoon sends Manuchehr out with Gharan in the van. The vast army marches from Tammisheh with its elephants. Tur taunts Manuchehr as a king born of a daughter, and Manuchehr vows to take his head.

A6.19.33
He held the center, Sarv beside him near,The wise king’s counselor without a peer.

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

A6.20

Manuchehr Attacks the Army of Tur

On the eve of battle a herald promises heaven to the fallen and glory to the victors. At dawn the armies clash, and Iran’s young king wins the day. Shaken, Salm and Tur turn to plans for a night attack.

A6.20.2
Before the army Gharan held the line,With Sarv of Yemen, wise in war’s design.

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

C9.1

The Prelude

Ferdowsi closes the tale of Esfandiyar and turns to Rostam’s death, naming as his source Azad Sarv of Marv, a descendant of Sahm who held an old book of kings. He praises Mahmud, laments his age and poverty, and calls the poem his monument.

C9.1.3
There was an ancient man named Azad Sarv,Who lived with Ahmad, son of Sahl, in Marv.
C9.1.31
To Sarv, who shone for Sahl Mahan at Marv,I turn again; the words of Azad Sarv.

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