Character · The Shahnameh · Volumes I, II

Sipahramسپهرم

se-pah-RAM

A Turanian commander, Afrasiab's kinsman, defeated by Siavash and later killed by Hajir.

In the poem: First at B9.16, Siavash Leads the Army; last at C3.35, Hajir Battles Sipahram
Named: 10 times, in 6 sections
Main stories: C3 The Battle of the Twelve Rukhs (6); B9 The Story of Siavash (3); B10 Vengeance for Siavash and the Retrieval of Kay Khosrow (1)
Plates: Vol II: IV

Genealogical plate: The House of Viseh — Volume II, Plate IV: The House of Viseh. Tap to open the genealogies.

In the poem’s own words

The 6 sections that name Sipahram most often, with the summary from the Notes and the couplets that name Sipahram. Tap a couplet number to read it in the full poem.

B9.16

Siavash Leads the Army

Kavus equips twelve thousand horsemen and twelve thousand foot under the Kaviani banner and parts from Siavash in tears. After a month in Zabulistan, Siavash and Rostam march by Herat to Balkh, defeat the forces of Garsivaz and take the city.

B9.16.39
With Barman in the van and in the rearSipahram marched, alert as news drew near.
B9.16.53
Sipahram fled and crossed the river’s course,And came to Afrasiab with broken force.

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

B9.17

Siavash’s Letter to Kavus

From Balkh, Siavash has a letter written on silk in musk and rosewater. After praising God, it reports his victory: the Turks have fled across the Jihun, and Afrasiab waits in Sughd. He asks leave to cross the river and attack.

B9.17.11
Sipahram fled to Tarmez from the fray;Like arrow from the bow, Barman sped away.

Sipahram named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes

B10.26

Afrasiab Comes upon Piran

Afrasiab rides to the battlefield and hears that Giv alone routed his men. Piran arrives bound on his saddle and tells his story. Afrasiab drives him away and swears to kill Khosrow, Giv and Farangis.

B10.26.10
Then Sipahram replied: “This grief were lightHad some great army brought us to this plight.

Sipahram named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes

C3.6

The Armies Are Set in Array

The armies take position between Raibad and Kanabad. Gudarz sets wings, rear and flank guards under named chiefs, with the Kaviani standard at the center; Piran, finding no ground to attack on, hides Ruyin and ten thousand men in the woods.

C3.6.85
Zangula, Kulbad, Sipahram drew near,All quick to help when battle-cries rang clear.

Sipahram named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes

C3.28

Gudarz and Piran Choose the Warriors

Piran offers terms: let chosen champions and the two old chiefs decide the war, with the losing side renouncing revenge. Gudarz answers with the charge of Siavash’s murder and accepts. Ten pairs are matched, Gudarz against Piran, and each side marks a hill for its victors’ banners.

C3.28.48
Hajir and Sipahram, fierce in the fight,Raised battle-cries and wheeled their steeds in sight.

Sipahram named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes

C3.35

Hajir Battles Sipahram

Hajir faces Sipahram, a kinsman of Afrasiab. Their swords strike sparks until Hajir, calling on the Maker’s name, kills him with one blow to the helmet. He ties the body to his saddle, leads the dead man’s horse away and climbs the height to bless his fortune.

C3.35.2
Then Sipahram, Afrasiab’s own kin,A chief of rank and honor, now rode in.
C3.35.6
Brave Hajir, like a lion, pressed the fight,And faced Sipahram boldly in his might.
C3.35.8
He struck the head and helm with one fell blow,And death at once laid bold Sipahram low.