Character · The Shahnameh · Volumes I, II

Visehویسه

vee-SEH

A Turanian commander, father of Piran.

In the poem: First at B1.2, Pashang Hears of Manuchehr’s Death; last at C3.45, The Deaths of Lahhak and Farshidvard
Named: 33 times, in 24 sections
Main stories: C3 The Battle of the Twelve Rukhs (13); B1 The Crisis after Manuchehr (12); B12 Forood and the Snowstorm Campaign (3)
Children: Piran, Houman, Pilsam, Barman, Lahhak, Farshidvard, Farshidvard (Viseh)
Plates: Vol I: VI, Vol II: IV

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

In the poem’s own words

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

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.

B1.2.8
And Viseh, quick of claw, came to the king,Sepahbod of the troops Pashang could bring.

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

B1.6

Nohzar’s Third Battle with Afrasiab

In the third battle Shapur falls and Nohzar retreats into the fortress of Dehestan. When Afrasiab sends Kurukhan to seize the royal women in Pars, Gharan and the chiefs slip away by night against the Shah’s wishes, and Gharan kills Barman on the road.

B1.6.25
He summoned Kurukhan of Viseh’s line,And gave his charge with purpose and design:

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

B1.7

Nohzar Is Taken by Afrasiab

Nohzar rides after Gharan but is overtaken and captured with twelve hundred nobles. Afrasiab orders a search for Gharan, learns that Gharan has killed Barman, and sends Barman’s grieving father, Viseh, after him.

B1.7.23
He turned to Viseh: “Harden now your heart;Your son is dead; prepare to play your part.

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

B1.8

Viseh Finds His Son Slain

Riding for vengeance, Viseh finds Barman dead on the field. He meets Gharan, who has come from Pars, and taunts him with the captive Shah, but the Turanians are beaten in the battle that follows, and Viseh returns weeping to Afrasiab.

B1.8.1
Viseh, sepahbod of Turan’s array,Set forth for vengeance with his troops that day.
B1.8.6
The sight so struck Viseh with grief and pain,It seemed his heart had split beneath the strain.
B1.8.9
Word reached Gharan that Viseh now drew near,With victory and farr, his army at his rear.

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

B1.10

Zal Comes to Mehrab’s Aid

Zal comes to Kabul and announces himself by shooting three arrows into the enemy camp at night. Next day he kills Khazarvan with his father’s ox-headed gorz and Kulbad with an arrow. Shamasas flees, only to run into Gharan, and escapes with a handful of men.

B1.10.41
For Gharan came, returning from the fray,Where he had driven Viseh’s men away.

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

C3.9

Houman Challenges Rohham

Houman rides out at dawn with an interpreter, passes the Iranian outposts, and challenges Rohham on the left wing. Rohham replies that no Iranian may fight without Gudarz’s leave and sends him to the commander; Houman mocks him and rides on.

C3.9.16
He seeks a champion in the open fight;He is Houman, Viseh’s son, a man of might.
C3.9.17
He leads the sons of Viseh to the field;Before his blade a lion’s heart must yield.”

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

C3.16

Nastihan Is Slain in a Night-Attack

Piran sends Nastihan with ten thousand men to attack by night. The scouts see them coming; Bijan meets them with a thousand horsemen, destroys two-thirds of the force and kills Nastihan with his gorz. Piran, told the news, mourns, and both armies fight all day.

C3.16.30
He caught up with Nastihan; overhead,Above his spear, the flag of Viseh spread.
C3.16.53
My dear world-guarding brother, lost to me,My Houman, head of Viseh’s family!

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

C3.41

Lahhak and Farshidvard Bewail Piran

Turan’s watchman reports the disaster. Lahhak and Farshidvard climb to the lookout, see Piran and the ten dead, and mourn, but remember his last order. The leaderless army debates quarter, flight and battle; the brothers refuse to submit and choose the desert road.

C3.41.27
No man of Viseh’s line will then remainWith wisdom and good judgment in his brain.
C3.41.62
No man of Viseh’s race has lived unboundBy warrior’s belt when battle raged around.

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

All 24 sections that name Viseh