Character · The Shahnameh · Volume I

Tahminehتهمینه

tah-mee-NEH

Daughter of the king of Samangan, Rostam‘s wife and Sohrab’s mother.

In the poem: First at B8.4, Tahmineh Seeks Out Rostam; last at B8.25, Tahmineh Hears of Sohrab’s Death
Named: 9 times, in 4 sections
Main stories: B8 The Tragedy of Rostam & Sohrab (9)
Plates: Vol I: VII

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

In the poem’s own words

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

B8.4

Tahmineh Seeks Out Rostam

At midnight the king’s daughter Tahmineh comes to Rostam’s room. She has loved him from the tales, offers herself in hope of his son, and promises to recover Rakhsh. They marry that night. Rostam leaves her a token for their child and rides home.

B8.4.11
She said: “Tahmineh is the name I bear;Grief split my heart in two and left it bare.
B8.4.36
With Tahmineh’s consent the pact was made,By rite and judgment, faithfully arrayed.
B8.4.40
In secret Tahmineh shared Rostam’s place,And long the dark night held them in embrace.

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

B8.5

The Birth of Sohrab

Sohrab is born and grows at astonishing speed. At ten he demands to know his father. Tahmineh names Rostam, shows his gifts and warns her son to hide the secret from Afrasiab. Sohrab resolves to dethrone Kavus, crown Rostam and then take Turan.

B8.5.3
The infant smiled, his face grew fresh and bright,Tahmineh named him Sohrab with delight.
B8.5.20
Then Tahmineh said low: “Now heed me well;There is one danger I must also tell.

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

B8.15

Rostam Slays Zhendeh Razm

At night Rostam slips into the Turanian camp disguised as a Turk and studies Sohrab at his feast. Zhendeh Razm, Tahmineh’s brother, sent along to point out Rostam to Sohrab, challenges the stranger and is killed by one blow. Rostam reports back to Kavus.

B8.15.21
When Sohrab armed to march with spear and shield,Tahmineh called her brother from the field.

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

B8.25

Tahmineh Hears of Sohrab’s Death

News of Sohrab’s death reaches Samangan. Tahmineh tears and burns her hair and embraces her son’s horse, arms and robe. She gives his wealth to the poor, mourns for a year and dies. Bahram the eloquent warns against loving what death takes.