Character · The Shahnameh · Volume I

Uladاولاد

oo-LAHD

A march-lord of Mazandaran who guides Rostam to the White Div.

In the poem: First at B5.5, Rostam Takes Ulad Captive; last at B5.10, Kavus Wars with Mazandaran
Named: 25 times, in 4 sections
Main stories: B5 The Seven Labors of Rostam (25)

In the poem’s own words

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

B5.5

Rostam Takes Ulad Captive

Rostam crosses a land of total darkness and lets Rakhsh graze in a planted field. He tears off the ears of the angry watchman, routs the local lord Ulad and his men, catches Ulad with his kamand and forces him to guide him to Kavus and the White Div.

B5.5.20
He reached Ulad, the marzban young and bold,A famous Pahlevan whom men extolled.
B5.5.21
He found Ulad engaged upon the chase,With famed companions riding at his pace.
B5.5.26
Ulad rode forth with nobles at his side,To seek the stranger in his wounded pride.

Ulad named 10 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

B5.6

Rostam Fights the Div Arzhang

Rostam storms Arzhang Div’s camp, tears off his head and scatters the Divs. Guided by Ulad, he reaches the blinded, captive Kavus, who tells him the way to the White Div’s cave and that only that Div’s blood can cure their blindness.

B5.6.14
Beneath a lofty tree, with gentle hand,He freed Ulad from the binding kamand.
B5.6.16
Ulad described the road and took the lead,On foot he ran before the mounted steed.

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

B5.7

Rostam Slays the White Div

At noon, while the Divs sleep, Rostam enters the White Div’s cave, wakes him and, after a long and bloody wrestle, hurls him down and tears out his liver. The blood restores the Iranians’ sight. They sack Mazandaran, and Kavus decides to send its king a letter.

B5.7.2
Ulad beside him served as faithful guide,While Rakhsh like wind went racing at his side.
B5.7.6
He said to Ulad: “You have led me true;Now show the hidden road I must pursue.”
B5.7.7
Ulad replied: “When noon burns fierce and high,The Divs grow weary and in slumber lie.

Ulad named 7 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

B5.10

Kavus Wars with Mazandaran

The armies meet, and Rostam spears the boasting champion Juya out of the saddle. After a week of battle Kavus prays; Rostam then spears the sorcerer-king, who turns himself into a rock. Rostam carries it to camp, the king emerges and is killed, and Ulad receives Mazandaran.

B5.10.133
Then Rostam brought Ulad before the throne,Whose guidance through the wilds was clearly shown.
B5.10.136
Through Ulad’s guidance, victory was won;He showed the road by which these deeds were done.
B5.10.139
While Ulad lives, let every noble heedHis rule, and serve him faithfully in deed.”