Character · The Shahnameh · Volumes I, III

Shangulشنگل

shan-GOL

King of Hind, ally of the Khan of Chin; Bahram Goor visits his court as his own envoy and marries his daughter Sapinud.

In the poem: First at B13.18, Afrasiab Sends Aid to Piran; last at D10.39, Bahram Calls the Gypsies from Hindustan
Named: 80 times, in 25 sections
Main stories: D10 The Bahram Goor Cycle: Justice, Foreign Adventures, and End of a Reign (55); B14 The Great Battle with the Khan of Chin (18); B13 Mount Hamavan and the Kamus Campaign (7)

In the poem’s own words

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

B14.6

Turan’s Counsel before Battle

Piran warns his kinsmen and the Khan that Rostam has come for vengeance, while the kin of Kamus and Chingish swear to burn Sistan. Shangul, king of Hind, mocks the fear of ‘one Sagzi’ and promises to lead the attack. Houman foresees disaster.

B14.6.61
Then Shangul said, “Exalted one, why speakAt such great length? What answer do you seek?
B14.6.82
The army heard Shangul’s words, fierce and bold;Young grew the hearts of men already old.
B14.6.88
Piran told all that brave Shangul had said,And how the troops had pledged to fight instead.

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

B14.11

Rostam Puts Shangul to Flight

Shangul challenges ‘the Sagzi’. Rostam, stung, unhorses him with one spear-thrust, but his men carry him off unhurt. Shangul warns that no one can face Rostam alone, so the Khan orders a mass attack, and Rostam cuts through Chin’s left wing. Piran fears Afrasiab’s anger.

B14.11.1
Shangul came forth before the ranks and cried,“I conquer lions; battle is my pride.
B14.11.3
When Shangul’s voice reached Rostam, from his placeHe looked across the ranks and saw his face.
B14.11.7
He came to Shangul, calling out in scorn:“You low-born wretch, of shameful lineage born!

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

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 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 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 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 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 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.