Character · The Shahnameh · Volumes I, II

Shidehشیده

shee-DEH

Afrasiab's son, a Turanian commander, killed in single combat by Kay Khosrow.

In the poem: First at B9.32, Siavash’s Audience with Afrasiab; last at C4.54, Khosrow’s Answer and Zal’s Apology
Named: 55 times, in 18 sections
Main stories: C4 The Final Afrasiab Wars and the Disappearance of Kay Khosrow (39); B14 The Great Battle with the Khan of Chin (7); C3 The Battle of the Twelve Rukhs (6)
Parents: Afrasiab
Plates: Vol I: VI, Vol II: III

Genealogical plate: The House of Tur — Volume I, Plate VI: The House of Tur. Tap to open the genealogies.

In the poem’s own words

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

B14.21

Afrasiab Hears of Rostam’s Coming

Afrasiab’s warriors urge him to fight, and he vows to kill Rostam and even his own grandson. He sends Farghar to spy and confides his dread of Rostam to his son Shideh, who counsels caution. After Farghar reports and Piran arrives, Afrasiab sends Piran out with the army.

B14.21.34
He summoned Shideh, born of royal line,And shared with him the secrets, by design:
B14.21.66
Then Shideh answered, “Prudent king, live brightWhile crown and throne endure in royal light.

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

B14.22

Afrasiab Writes to Puladvand

Afrasiab has a letter written to Puladvand, lord of the mountains of Chin, promising half his kingdom for Rostam’s death, and sends Shideh with it. Puladvand arrives with his army. Wary of Rostam, he advises cunning, then boasts over his wine that he will cut him to pieces.

B14.22.4
He told Shideh, “Do not delay; prepareTwo hundred riders, and the letter bear.”
B14.22.26
Before his father Shideh girt his waist,His envoy, bearing care, prepared for haste.
B14.22.30
Shideh blessed him, gave the scroll to read,And told of Rostam’s every mighty deed:

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

B14.25

Rostam Wrestles Puladvand

The champions wrestle. Afrasiab rides up to urge Puladvand to use his khanjar, despite his son Shideh’s protest. Giv warns Rostam, who is unmoved, lifts Puladvand and hurls him down. The Div, thought dead, leaps onto his horse and flees, and his army scatters.

B14.25.6
When Shideh saw that chest and neck, he sighed;A cold breath from his liver rose and died.
B14.25.14
But Shideh said, “This is not what the kingAgreed before us in the open ring.

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

C4.5

Shideh Appears before His Father

Shideh urges his father to fight at once and offers to break Iran himself. Afrasiab praises the dead Piran, counts what his loss has cost Turan, and prefers single combats to a general battle. Shideh asks to go first, and his brothers forbid the king to fight.

C4.5.1
Upon the fourth day, when the strain was great,Brave Shideh came before his father’s state.
C4.5.46
Then Shideh said: “If thus you seek the fight,Let me go first to prove a champion’s might.
C4.5.56
Then Shideh said: “O father, worldly-wise,If he should challenge you before our eyes,

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

C4.6

Afrasiab Sends Envoys to Khosrow

Afrasiab sends Shideh with terms: kinship, all his treasure and withdrawal from Iranian land, or else combat between the kings, or with Shideh, or three days of escalating battle. Turkish outriders attack Iran’s pickets before Shideh can stop them, and Gharan comes out to hear the message.

C4.6.23
Let Jahan and brave Shideh brothers beTo you; in war they turn Mount Gang to sea.
C4.6.39
Then Shideh, girded, comes to meet your might;Delay no longer when he offers fight.
C4.6.54
Then Shideh chose four wise men for his train,Men proved in counsel, hardship, loss, and gain.

Shideh named 10 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

C4.7

Khosrow Replies to Afrasiab

Khosrow refuses the treasure and the delay, accepts Shideh’s challenge for the morning, and sends word that Shideh has come to his own grave. Afrasiab, hearing the answer, remembers the dream he had long kept secret and begs his son for two days’ postponement.

C4.7.12
Now Shideh, armed and ready for the fight,Has come and challenged me to prove his might.
C4.7.13
At break of day I answer Shideh’s dare,And with my khanjar scatter heads in air.
C4.7.16
If I prevail and strike Prince Shideh dead,I shall not wait the days that you have said.

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

C4.8

Kay Khosrow Battles Shideh

At dawn Shideh calls Khosrow out. The Shah arms despite his soldiers’ protest, leaves Rostam in command if he falls, and rides with Shideh to a waste in Khwarazm. They fight with lance, gorz and sword until noon, and then Shideh proposes wrestling on foot.

C4.8.2
Then Shideh mounted on his battle-steed,His youthful heart aflame with wrath and speed.
C4.8.4
A Turkish warrior bore his banner high,And Shideh rode beneath it, fierce of eye.
C4.8.7
He says: ‘Tell Khosrow I have come to fight;Prince Shideh waits to meet his royal might.’”

Shideh named 10 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

C4.9

Khosrow Slays Shideh

Khosrow lifts Shideh and throws him, breaking his back, then stabs him through the heart. He mourns him, orders a royal washing and burial, and sends the interpreter back as a witness. Afrasiab tears his hair, and his nobles swear a new vengeance.

C4.9.3
When Shideh saw Khosrow come on apace,He left his steed and met him face to face.
C4.9.5
When Shideh saw Khosrow’s commanding frame,And God’s own farr that clothed his royal name,
C4.9.23
The nobles watched the road with anxious eyes:“When will Prince Shideh come?” arose their cries.