Character · The Shahnameh · Volume I

Shamasasشماساس

sha-mah-SAHS

A Turanian commander.

In the poem: First at B1.3, Afrasiab Invades Iran; last at B3.3, Afrasiab Goes to His Father
Named: 15 times, in 5 sections
Main stories: B1 The Crisis after Manuchehr (12); B3 Kay Qobad (3)

In the poem’s own words

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

B1.3

Afrasiab Invades Iran

In spring Afrasiab crosses the Jihun with a vast army and camps before Nohzar at Dehestan. He sends a force against Zabulistan, where Zal is building Sahm’s tomb, and writes in triumph to Pashang that Iran’s one feared champion is dead.

B1.3.12
Shamasas, Khazarvan, chiefs of command,Received picked cavalry from his own hand.
B1.3.27
By now Shamasas sits in Nimruz crowned,With world-illuming splendor spread around.

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

B1.9

Shamasas and Khazarvan Raid Zabulistan

Shamasas and Khazarvan march on Zabulistan while Zal mourns at Sahm’s tomb. Mehrab of Kabul, claiming descent from Zahhak, pretends to submit and buys time with promises of gold, while secretly sending a rider to summon Zal.

B1.9.2
Shamasas rode from Jihun toward the plain,While Khazarvan led on his warrior train.
B1.9.7
The messenger approached Shamasas’s tent,To bring the words Mehrab, his master, sent:
B1.9.22
Thus Mehrab soothed Shamasas where he stayed,While secretly a counterplan he laid.

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

B1.10

Zal Comes to Mehrab’s Aid

Zal comes to Kabul and announces himself by shooting three arrows into the enemy camp at night. Next day he kills Khazarvan with his father’s ox-headed gorz and Kulbad with an arrow. Shamasas flees, only to run into Gharan, and escapes with a handful of men.

B1.10.11
Said Shamasas: “O Khazarvan, take heed;This long delay has served the foe’s own need.
B1.10.29
Zal pressed ahead, his warriors drawing near,And called for Shamasas to face his spear.
B1.10.30
But Shamasas stood still, his courage fled;The blood within his face and heart seemed dead.

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

B3.1

Kay Qobad Takes the Throne

Kay Qobad is crowned and at once leads the army against Afrasiab. The Iranian battle order is set out with Rostam in the van, the Kaviani banner flies, and Gharan cuts through the Turanian ranks and kills Shamasas.

B3.1.24
Shamasas roared like a lion in the fight,And came to meet Gharan with all his might.
B3.1.27
Thus Shamasas fell dead beneath the sky;Now bow, now arrow turns old heaven on high.

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

B3.3

Afrasiab Goes to His Father

Afrasiab returns to Pashang and blames him for the war. He describes Rostam’s terrifying strength, lists the Turanian champions lost, confesses the shame of killing Aghriras, and urges his father to make peace and keep to Fereydoon’s old frontiers.