Character · The Shahnameh · Volume II

Taynushطینوش

tay-NOOSH

Son of Queen Kaydafa and brother of Qaydrush, a headstrong prince who meets Iskandar.

In the poem: First at D5.21, Kaydafa Counsels Iskandar; last at D5.23, Iskandar and Kaydafa Reach an Agreement
Named: 11 times, in 3 sections
Main stories: D5 The Iskandar Cycle (11)
Parents: Kaydafa
Plates: Vol II: VII

Genealogical plate: The Houses beyond Iran — Volume II, Plate VII: The Houses beyond Iran. Tap to open the genealogies.

In the poem’s own words

The 3 sections that name Taynush most often, with the summary from the Notes and the couplets that name Taynush. Tap a couplet number to read it in the full poem.

D5.21

Kaydafa Counsels Iskandar

Kaydafa reproves Iskandar for risking his life, explains the gallery of royal portraits and horoscopes by which she knows every king, and promises secrecy if he swears to spare her kin. He swears by his faith and his sword; she warns him against her son Taynush.

D5.21.30
My son Taynush will scarcely heed my voice;He follows reckless paths of his own choice.
D5.21.41
Horse-felling Taynush stood with Qaydrush near;To Kaydafa’s commands both lent an ear.

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

D5.22

Taynush, Son of Kaydafa, Rages against Iskandar

Taynush threatens to tear off the envoy’s head in vengeance for Foor. His mother has him dragged out, then recalls him at Iskandar’s request. Iskandar offers to deliver Iskandar unarmed into an ambush; Taynush promises him a treasury. Kaydafa understands the trick and says nothing.

D5.22.1
When Taynush heard Iskandar’s spoken word,He raged like wind, with all his anger stirred.
D5.22.25
Taynush replied: “I hear what you have told;Do not delay until these words grow old.
D5.22.38
With priests and wise men, if you choose to go,Meet Taynush; he has treasures he would show.

Taynush named 4 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

D5.23

Iskandar and Kaydafa Reach an Agreement

Iskandar swears a Christian oath never to return in arms. Kaydafa’s chiefs counsel peace, and she sends him off with her father’s crown, a seventy-part throne and a vast inventory of gifts. He then rings Taynush’s ambush with armed men, spares him, and reveals himself.

D5.23.65
Taynush had all his men their steeds bestride,Then rode to court to stand by Kaydafa’s side.
D5.23.70
“Rest here, Taynush, and ease your heart and mind;Then take the wine-cup, leaving care behind.
D5.23.77
They formed an iron circle round the wood,To trap Taynush where he securely stood.