New Naqqaliشاهنامه
Character · one of the people named Shangul

Shangul (king of Hind, Bahram Goor’s time)شنگل

shan-GOL

King of Hind who tests the disguised Bahram Goor, gives him his daughter Sapinud, and later visits Iran with seven kings.

In the poem
First at D10.26, Bahram’s Embassy to Shangul of Hind; last at D10.39, Bahram Calls the Gypsies from Hindustan
Named
55 times, in 13 sections, counting only the books Shangul (king of Hind, Bahram Goor’s time) appears in
Same name
Shangul (king of Hind, Kamus war); see everyone named Shangul
Pictures
7 panels · identity sheets

How we draw Shangul (king of Hind, Bahram Goor’s time)

The identity sheet the illustrator works from. Tap to open full size. More in the Art section.
Shangul (king of Hind, Bahram Goor's time), identity sheet: Mature king
Mature king

In the pictures

Shangul (king of Hind, Bahram Goor’s time) in 7 woodcut panels of the illustrated poem, in story order. Tap one to see it with the couplets it illustrates.
Shangul Threatens the EnvoyD10.27Shangul Threatens the EnvoyThe Envoy Hurls the Wrestler DownD10.28The Envoy Hurls the Wrestler DownThe Shaft Shatters the MarkD10.28The Shaft Shatters the MarkBahram Chooses SapinudD10.32Bahram Chooses SapinudShangul Lays His Turban ByD10.35Shangul Lays His Turban ByShangul and the Seven Kings ArriveD10.37Shangul and the Seven Kings ArriveShangul Finds His Daughter EnthronedD10.37Shangul Finds His Daughter Enthroned

In the poem’s own words

The 8 sections that name Shangul (king of Hind, Bahram Goor’s time) most often, with the summary from the Notes and the couplets that name Shangul (king of Hind, Bahram Goor’s time). Tap a couplet number to read it in the full poem.
D10.26

Bahram’s Embassy to Shangul of Hind

A vizier warns that Shangul of Hind is raiding toward Iran. Bahram has a letter written demanding tribute, then carries it himself in the guise of an envoy. He reaches Ghanooj, is admitted to the crystal-roofed hall, and delivers his own message to Shangul.

  • D10.26.3
    Our borders now are free from war’s distress,Yet famed Shangul persists in wickedness.
  • D10.26.7
    Consider this, and search his hidden aim;Let no new harm arise from Shangul’s claim.”
  • D10.26.47
    To Shangul, lord of Hind, this word I send,Whose bounds from Ghanooj’s stream to Sind extend.”
Shangul (king of Hind, Bahram Goor’s time) named 8 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes
D10.28

Shangul’s Feast and Bahram’s Prowess

Shangul puts the embassy off and holds a feast. Wrestlers perform; Bahram asks leave to try them and breaks a champion’s bones. Next morning at the polo ground he strings a Kayanian bow and shatters the mark with a single shaft, and the Indians call blessings on him.

  • D10.28.1
    When Shangul heard, he answered with a frown,“Such words befit no warrior of renown.
  • D10.28.6
    When at his word the royal board was laid,Shangul gave orders to a waiting aide:
  • D10.28.13
    King Shangul called two mighty men to stand,Both strong wrestlers, fit to face a Div’s hand.
Shangul (king of Hind, Bahram Goor’s time) named 5 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes
D10.29

Shangul Detains Bahram in Hind

Shangul, reading farr in his guest’s stature and archery, guesses he is the Shah’s brother; Bahram denies it and asks leave to go. The king has his minister offer land, office and wealth, and press for a name. Bahram calls himself Barzvi, and Shangul resolves to destroy him.

  • D10.29.1
    Shangul, suspicious, scrutinized his guest,And pondered what his stature might attest.
  • D10.29.12
    Shangul replied, “Do not insist, but hear;I still have matters meant for your own ear.
  • D10.29.45
    Report to King Shangul these words I say:Beneath an alien rule, too long I stay.”
Shangul (king of Hind, Bahram Goor’s time) named 4 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes
D10.30

Bahram Slays the Wolf for Shangul

Shangul sends Bahram against a monstrous wolf in a nearby wood. His companions beg him not to try; he answers that God fixes the place of a man’s death, kills the beast with arrows and khanjar, and sends the head back by cart. Shangul thinks next of the dragon.

  • D10.30.1
    Shangul said, “Valiant man, this task is oneThat by your strength and courage can be done.
  • D10.30.10
    Shangul supplied a guide who knew the ground,And where the bloodthirsty beast could be found.
  • D10.30.18
    Say to Shangul, ‘This deed cannot be done;I lack my Shah’s command to face this one.
Shangul (king of Hind, Bahram Goor’s time) named 6 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes
D10.31

Bahram Slays a Dragon

Shangul promises Hind’s tribute if Bahram will rid the land of a dragon that lives by sea and shore. With thirty Iranians he rides to the water, sews the beast’s mouth with arrows and cuts through its heart. The head is carted to the throne, and Shangul pales.

  • D10.31.1
    Shangul then said to Bahram: “In my reign,A dragon brings my people grief and pain.
  • D10.31.9
    Shangul dispatched a guide to show the way;Bahram set out without the least delay.
  • D10.31.26
    He drew its head by cart before the throne;To Shangul there the dragon’s head was shown.
Shangul (king of Hind, Bahram Goor’s time) named 4 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes
D10.32

Shangul Gives His Daughter to Bahram

Shangul asks his council how to have the envoy killed; a sage forbids it. Instead he offers his daughter and command of his troops. Bahram, seeing a lion caught in a fox’s net, consents, chooses Sapinud from the three princesses, and a week of feasting follows.

  • D10.32.16
    When Shangul heard, his heart grew dark with doubt;He sat, confounded, turning it about.
  • D10.32.28
    He said to King Shangul, “I give consent;I will obey your word and its intent.
  • D10.32.31
    Shangul’s three daughters entered like the spring,With scents and colors fit to grace a king.
Shangul (king of Hind, Bahram Goor’s time) named 4 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes
D10.33

Faghfoor of Chin Writes to Bahram

Faghfoor of Chin hears of the envoy’s marriage and his killing of wolf and dragon, and writes inviting him to visit freely. Bahram answers in anger: the titles Faghfoor claims belong to Bahram Goor alone. He praises his own Shah, declines the gifts and the visit.

  • D10.33.2
    He reached Shangul’s high court in envoy’s guise,Of hero stock, with valor in his eyes.
  • D10.33.3
    Shangul has given him his child to wed;Her crown would brush the moon above her head.”
  • D10.33.34
    When King Shangul bestowed his child as bride,My valor won that honor at his side.
Shangul (king of Hind, Bahram Goor’s time) named 4 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes
D10.37

Shangul and Seven Kings Visit Bahram

Hearing from Sapinud of the Iranian court, Shangul obtains a fresh treaty and comes with seven Indian kings, elephants and tribute. Bahram meets him at Nahravan and feasts him; Shangul sees his daughter enthroned, hunts a month with the Shah, and deeds Ghanooj to him after his death.

  • D10.37.1
    From Sapinud, Shangul received reportOf Shah Bahram and life within his court.
  • D10.37.7
    To Shangul’s court the envoy went, and gainedGhanooj, where jeweled splendor still remained.
  • D10.37.8
    On reading all that Shah Bahram had sent,Shangul prepared at once with firm intent.
Shangul (king of Hind, Bahram Goor’s time) named 8 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes
All 13 sections that name Shangul (king of Hind, Bahram Goor’s time)
  1. D10.26 Bahram’s Embassy to Shangul of Hind
  2. D10.28 Shangul’s Feast and Bahram’s Prowess
  3. D10.29 Shangul Detains Bahram in Hind
  4. D10.30 Bahram Slays the Wolf for Shangul
  5. D10.31 Bahram Slays a Dragon
  6. D10.32 Shangul Gives His Daughter to Bahram
  7. D10.33 Faghfoor of Chin Writes to Bahram
  8. D10.34 Bahram’s Flight from Hind to Iran
  9. D10.35 Shangul Learns Bahram’s Identity
  10. D10.36 Shangul and Bahram Return to Their Realms
  11. D10.37 Shangul and Seven Kings Visit Bahram
  12. D10.38 Bahram Remits the Landowners’ Tax
  13. D10.39 Bahram Calls the Gypsies from Hindustan

On the maps

Story maps that show Shangul (king of Hind, Bahram Goor’s time) or tell a part of the story that names Shangul (king of Hind, Bahram Goor’s time).
D10.26–D10.36Bahram Goor’s Incognito Journey to HindD10.39Bahram Goor Brings the Luri from Hind

Where he appears

Named mentions by book, from the Universe Registry, the index behind this site, in the books where this Shangul appears. Titles and epithets are not counted.
D10The Bahram Goor Cycle: Justice, Foreign Adventures, and End of a Reign55

More in the Glossary, all the characters and the Art.