Character · The Shahnameh · Volume III

Sofryeسوفزای

sof-RAY

A seasoned marzban from Shiraz, of Gharan's line, who avenges Pirooz on Khoshnavaz and rules in all but name under Qobad until he is put to death.

In the poem: First at D11.4, Balawsh; last at E10.10, The Plot against Yazdegard
Named: 49 times, in 7 sections
Main stories: D11 Short Reigns and a Crisis with Khoshnavaz (26); D12 Qobad and the Mazdakite Revolution (18); E5 Hormizd, Son of Anooshirvan (3)
Plates: Vol III: V

Genealogical plate: Bahram Goor and His House — Volume III, Plate V: Bahram Goor and His House. Tap to open the genealogies.

In the poem’s own words

The 7 sections that name Sofrye most often, with the summary from the Notes and the couplets that name Sofrye. Tap a couplet number to read it in the full poem.

D11.4

Balawsh

Sofrye named 26 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

D12.1

How Qobad, Son of Pirooz, Assumes the Throne

Qobad is crowned and moves from Istakhr to Tisfoon. He promises an open door, then delivers a long address on patience, contentment and the folly of greed. The nobles bless him. He is sixteen, and Sofrye, not he, governs the kingdom.

D12.1.24
For Sofrye ruled the world by his command;Qobad was not the master of the land.
D12.1.26
No Mobad, no command was his to claim;No counsel; Sofrye ruled in all but name.

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

D12.2

The Fall of Sofrye

Sofrye retires to Shiraz and rules Pars as a king without a crown. Courtiers persuade Qobad that he is a rival, and Shapur of Rey is sent to arrest him. Sofrye submits with dignity; Qobad imprisons him and, on the Mobadan’s advice, has him killed.

D12.2.2
When he had reached his twenty-first full year,Then Sofrye before the king drew near.
D12.2.12
The people said, “The Shah has but the crown,While Sofrye holds the wealth, the troops, the town.
D12.2.13
The king commands no deed, decides no plan;The world serves Sofrye, every lord and man.”

Sofrye named 11 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

D12.3

Jamasp Takes the Throne after Qobad’s Fall

Iran rises at the news of Sofrye’s death, storms the palace, kills the counselors and enthrones the young Jamasp. Qobad is fettered and handed to Sofrye’s son Rizmehr for vengeance. Rizmehr instead bows to him, and Qobad begins to plan his escape.

D12.3.1
When word of elephantine Sofrye’s deathReached Iran, grief near stopped the people’s breath.
D12.3.5
They said, “Since Sofrye is lost and dead,We tear the crown from cruel Qobad’s head.”
D12.3.13
Now Sofrye had a single cherished son,A youth of wisdom, holy, harming none.

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

E5.24

Bahram Chubin Reveals His Ambition

Bahram lays his case before his chiefs, who answer in riddles and proverbs. His sister Gurdiyeh breaks in and argues from precedent that no subject has ever taken the crown. The council praises her; Bahram, unmoved, calls for wine and for Esfandiyar’s Seven Stages.

E5.24.109
There came Sofrye, of Gharan’s noble line,To raise the throne again by clear design.
E5.24.115
When young Qobad reached manhood, fate grew grim;He saw Sofrye stood high in rank by him.
E5.24.116
He had Sofrye, by wicked counsel, slain,The state’s strong pillar, guardian of the reign.

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

E6.23

The Intercepted Letter of Bahram Chubin

Bahram writes secretly to Khosrow’s chiefs, urging them to abandon the Sasanian line. His envoy, disguised as a merchant, sees Khosrow’s strength and hands the letters over. Khosrow forges encouraging replies, and Bahram, deceived, ignores his elders and marches to Azar Abadagan.

E6.23.15
You heard what Qobad, with his wicked will,Brought on Sofrye, and how he served him ill.

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

E10.10

The Plot against Yazdegard

Mahwi orders the miller to kill his guest. The Mobadan and nobles denounce him in turn — Radwi, Ormozd son of Kharrad, Shahruy, and Mehr-e-Nush, who recites seven murdered kings and the vengeance each brought. Mahwi listens until nightfall, then asks his son, who tells him to strike.