Character · The Shahnameh · Volumes I, II, III

Turتور

TOOR

Fereydoon’s second son, ruler of Turan and Chin; a murderer of Iraj.

In the poem: First at A6.6, Fereydoon Tests His Sons; last at E10.10, The Plot against Yazdegard
Named: 96 times, in 60 sections
Main stories: A6 The First Kings: Fereydoon (36); B9 The Story of Siavash (11); C4 The Final Afrasiab Wars and the Disappearance of Kay Khosrow (8)
Parents: Fereydoon, Shahrnaz, Arnavaz
Plates: Vol I: I, Vol I: II, Vol I: III

Genealogical plate: The Four Houses at a Glance — Volume I, Plate I: The Four Houses at a Glance. Tap to open the genealogies.

In the poem’s own words

The 8 sections that name Tur most often, with the summary from the Notes and the couplets that name Tur. Tap a couplet number to read it in the full poem.

A6.6

Fereydoon Tests His Sons

Fereydoon meets his returning sons disguised as a dragon. The eldest flees, the second draws his bow, and the youngest orders the beast away. The king names them Salm, Tur and Iraj accordingly, names their brides, and reads in their horoscopes a war to come.

A6.6.34
So Tur shall be his name, a lion bold,Whom raging elephants could never hold.
A6.6.43
Mah-e Azadeh, free in noble ways,Was joined to Tur, moon-bright before their gaze.
A6.6.49
For Tur the Lion rose; the Sun held sway,A bold, auspicious ruler on display.

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

A6.8

Salm Grows Envious

As Fereydoon ages, Salm resents that the youngest brother has been given Iran. He sends word to Tur, who flares up at their father’s ‘fraud’, and the two brothers meet in secret to plot.

A6.8.9
He spoke the thoughts that long had burned unseen,Then sent to Chin, to Tur, an envoy keen.
A6.8.20
Then wind filled Tur’s rash, foolish head with rage;He sprang like a fierce lion from its cage.
A6.8.30
The messenger returned with Tur’s reply;The hidden secret bared its face thereby.

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

A6.12

Iraj Is Slain

Tur demands to know why the youngest should rule. Iraj gives up all claim to the crown and begs for peace, but Tur strikes him with a golden chair, stabs him and cuts off his head. The brothers send it, packed in musk, to Fereydoon.

A6.12.6
Tur said, “You are the youngest; why be king,And wear the crown that sovereign honors bring?
A6.12.10
Iraj heard Tur, then framed his answer clear;A purer answer rose for all to hear.
A6.12.21
Tur heard his brother; anger creased his brow;No peace could find a welcome in him now.

Tur named 6 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

A6.19

Manuchehr Marches for Vengeance

The enemy crosses the Jihun, and Fereydoon sends Manuchehr out with Gharan in the van. The vast army marches from Tammisheh with its elephants. Tur taunts Manuchehr as a king born of a daughter, and Manuchehr vows to take his head.

A6.19.38
Swift riders told both Salm and Tur with dread:“Iran’s ranks from forest over plain have spread.”
A6.19.41
Once more Qobad rode out beyond the line;Tur saw him there and charged with dark design.
A6.19.51
Qobad returned and told the youthful kingEach word that battle-seeking Tur would fling.

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

A6.22

Fereydoon Receives News from Manuchehr

Manuchehr writes to Fereydoon of three days’ fighting and Tur’s death, and sends Tur’s head, promising that Salm will follow. The envoy is ashamed to bring a son’s head to his father, but Fereydoon only prays for Manuchehr.

A6.22.10
I heard that Tur prepared a raid by night;In helplessness he turned from open fight.
A6.22.12
When Tur at last turned back from battle’s face,I followed close and caught him in the chase.
A6.22.17
Tur showed no mercy, felt no shame at all;The World-Creator set me for his fall.

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

B1.2

Pashang Hears of Manuchehr’s Death

Hearing that Manuchehr is dead and Nohzar’s rule is faltering, Pashang of Turan resolves to avenge Tur and Salm. He summons his son Afrasiab, who eagerly takes command, although his brother Aghriras counsels caution.

B1.2.4
He thought of Zadeshm, his father of old,And sighed for Tur, whose vengeance still lay cold.
B1.2.10
He spoke of Tur and Salm: “Revenge,” he said,“Should not beneath the garment hide its head.
B1.2.35
You know what Salm and mighty Tur enduredFrom that old wolf whose sword their doom ensured.

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

B9.48

Garsivaz Returns to Siavash

Garsivaz tells Siavash not to ride out to greet him, then weeps false tears and warns that Afrasiab has turned murderous, like the king who killed his own brother Aghriras. He urges Siavash to write instead of going to court, and to be ready to flee. Siavash trusts him.

B9.48.38
Since Tur first struck at Iran’s royal line,And guiltless Iraj fell by his design,
B9.48.39
For Tur’s dark deed his royal farr withdrew,And wisdom left him when that blood he drew.
B9.48.41
From Tur to Afrasiab the hatred ran,And ruin followed every bitter plan.

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

B14.20

Rostam Fights Kafur the Maneater

Fariborz returns with the Shah’s gifts. Rostam marches to Sughd, then to Bidad, whose man-eating king Kafur overwhelms Gostaham’s force until Rostam kills him. Rostam undermines and burns the walls of Tur’s ancient fortress, takes it, and sends Giv raiding towards Khutan.

B14.20.49
When Tur, Fereydoon’s son, left Iran’s land,He called on builders skilled in what they planned.
B14.20.51
By toil and magic, sweating, Tur suppliedHis treasury’s wealth to raise each mighty side.
B14.20.56
Tur’s spells, the Catholicos’s breath defyYour catapults, however hard you try.”