Character · The Shahnameh · Volume I

Shirviyehشیروی

sheer-VEE

An Iranian champion of Manuchehr’s reign.

In the poem: First at A6.15, The Birth of Manuchehr; last at A6.26, Fereydoon Receives the Head of Salm
Named: 10 times, in 4 sections
Main stories: A6 The First Kings: Fereydoon (10)

In the poem’s own words

The 4 sections that name Shirviyeh most often, with the summary from the Notes and the couplets that name Shirviyeh. Tap a couplet number to read it in the full poem.

A6.15

The Birth of Manuchehr

Iraj’s daughter bears a son. Fereydoon, blinded by weeping, regains his sight when he holds the child, whom he names Manuchehr. He raises him in splendor, gathers arms and treasure, and calls the champions of Iran together for vengeance.

A6.15.28
There Gharan of the Kaveh line was seen,With Shirviyeh, the lion fierce and keen.

Shirviyeh 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.

A6.18.13
At one hand Shidush, proven in the fray;Fierce Shirviyeh the lion shows the way.
A6.18.74
Shirviyeh, tearing lion of the field;And Shapur, elephant-brave, who would not yield.

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

A6.23

Gharan Takes the Castle of the Alanons

Manuchehr foresees that Salm will retreat to the sea-fortress of the Alanons. Gharan goes ahead with Tur’s signet ring, poses as Tur’s envoy and is let in, then signals Shirviyeh. The fortress is stormed and burned, and its garrison slaughtered.

A6.23.20
To Shirviyeh he gave the army’s care:“I mean to hide myself and work the snare.
A6.23.24
He left the army by the sea to stay,With lion-slaying Shirviyeh, then rode away.
A6.23.46
He cried aloud and gave the promised signTo Shirviyeh and all the chiefs in line.

Shirviyeh named 5 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

A6.26

Fereydoon Receives the Head of Salm

Manuchehr reports his victory and returns with the treasure of the Alanons fortress. Fereydoon comes out on foot to greet him, entrusts him to Sahm, prays to be released from life, and crowns Manuchehr with his own hand.

A6.26.12
He sent Shirviyeh back toward the hold,A seasoned warrior, world-wise and bold.
A6.26.47
Then Shirviyeh returned with treasure bright,And set it all before the Shah’s clear sight.

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