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Character · The Shahnameh · Volumes I, II

Shapurشاپور

shah-POOR

An Iranian champion who serves from Manuchehr's reign through Kay Khosrow's wars.

In the poem
First at A6.17, Fereydoon Receives a Message from Salm and Tur; last at C5.18, Goshtasb Receives the Kingship
Named
15 times, in 12 sections
Main stories
A6 The First Kings: Fereydoon (3); C2 The Tale of Bijan and Manijeh (3); B1 The Crisis after Manuchehr (2)

In the poem’s own words

The 8 sections that name Shapur most often, with the summary from the Notes and the couplets that name Shapur. Tap a couplet number to read it in the full poem.
A6.17

Fereydoon Receives a Message from Salm and Tur

Fereydoon receives the envoy in full state, with Manuchehr crowned beside him. The envoy flatters the old king and delivers the message, dressing up the murder in excuses and offering treasure as the price of blood.

  • A6.17.10
    Then Shapur came, whom all the court held great,And led Salm’s envoy through the royal gate.
Shapur named 1 time 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.

  • A6.18.12
    Gharan will lead, the battle-seeking chief;Stout Shapur backs the ranks and brings relief.
  • A6.18.74
    Shirviyeh, tearing lion of the field;And Shapur, elephant-brave, who would not yield.
Shapur named 2 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes
B1.6

Nohzar’s Third Battle with Afrasiab

In the third battle Shapur falls and Nohzar retreats into the fortress of Dehestan. When Afrasiab sends Kurukhan to seize the royal women in Pars, Gharan and the chiefs slip away by night against the Shah’s wishes, and Gharan kills Barman on the road.

  • B1.6.10
    Taliman claimed the left with warrior’s pride,While bold Shapur secured the right-hand side.
  • B1.6.16
    Where Shapur stood, the ranks were torn apart,And scattered troops gave way with failing heart.
Shapur named 2 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes
B9.35

Piran Proposes Farangis to Siavash

Piran suggests that a marriage to Afrasiab’s daughter Farangis would suit Siavash better still. The prince, accepting that he may never see Iran or his friends again, weeps and agrees, asking that the plan be kept secret.

  • B9.35.17
    Or Bahram and Zangeh, Shavaran’s pride,Or Giv and Shapur, comrades at my side,
Shapur named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes
B10.2

Kavus Hears of Siavash’s Fate

News reaches Kavus that Gurvi Zereh has cut off Siavash’s head over a golden basin at Afrasiab’s command. The king falls from his throne in grief, and the Iranian chiefs put on dark blue and black.

  • B10.2.12
    Tus, Gudarz, Giv, and Shapur came to mourn,With Farhad, Bahram, all with sorrow torn.
Shapur named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes
B10.4

Rostam Takes Vengeance

Rostam drags Sudabeh from her chamber and cuts her in two while Kavus sits silent. After seven more days of mourning he rallies the chiefs, vows a war of vengeance, and marches with a hundred thousand men.

  • B10.4.11
    Then Shapur, Fariborz, and Rohham pressed,With Guraza, vengeance burning in each breast.
Shapur named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes
C2.2

Irman’s People Appeal to Khosrow

Khosrow is feasting with his champions when envoys from the Irman marches beg help against giant boars ruining their fields. He offers treasure to whoever will go, and only Bijan volunteers. Giv protests that his son is too young, and Khosrow sends Gorgin as guide.

  • C2.2.13
    There Farhad sat with Giv, and Shapur too,The brave, whose name for valor all men knew.
Shapur named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes
C4.55

Kay Khosrow Gives His Last Counsel

Khosrow has the army drawn up on the plain in full order of battle, then tells it from the throne that he is leaving the world, and gives away treasury, provinces and arms. Someone in the crowd says the Shah is mad. A week of feasting follows.

  • C4.55.12
    In front stood Tus and Gudarz, brave and tried,With Giv, Shapur, Farhad, Gorgin beside.
  • C4.55.16
    Tus, Giv, Gudarz stood on the other flank;Rohham, Shapur, and Gorgin joined their rank.
Shapur named 2 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes
All 12 sections that name Shapur
  1. A6.17 Fereydoon Receives a Message from Salm and Tur
  2. A6.18 Fereydoon Answers His Sons
  3. B1.6 Nohzar’s Third Battle with Afrasiab
  4. B9.35 Piran Proposes Farangis to Siavash
  5. B10.2 Kavus Hears of Siavash’s Fate
  6. B10.4 Rostam Takes Vengeance
  7. C2.2 Irman’s People Appeal to Khosrow
  8. C2.15 Giv Brings Word to Rostam
  9. C2.18 The Pahlevans Feast with Khosrow
  10. C3.3 Kay Khosrow Sends Gudarz against Turan
  11. C4.55 Kay Khosrow Gives His Last Counsel
  12. C5.18 Goshtasb Receives the Kingship

Where the name appears

Named mentions by book, from the Universe Registry, the index behind this site. Titles and epithets are not counted.
A6The First Kings: Fereydoon3B1The Crisis after Manuchehr2B9The Story of Siavash1B10Vengeance for Siavash and the Retrieval of Kay Khosrow2C2The Tale of Bijan and Manijeh3C3The Battle of the Twelve Rukhs1C4The Final Afrasiab Wars and the Disappearance of Kay Khosrow2C5Lohrasp1

More in the Glossary and the index of characters.