Character · The Shahnameh · Volume III

Yalan-sinaیلان‌سینه

ya-LAHN see-NAH

One of Bahram Chubin's chief commanders and counselors, who later gives Gurdiyeh in marriage.

In the poem: First at E5.6, Bahram Chubin Takes Command; last at E6.45, Gostaham Rebels and Weds Gurdiyeh
Named: 33 times, in 16 sections
Main stories: E6 Khosrow Parviz (20); E5 Hormizd, Son of Anooshirvan (13)
Plates: Vol III: VII

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

In the poem’s own words

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

E5.13

Bahram Chubin Overcomes Parmudeh

Parmudeh crosses the Jihun to avenge Saveh. Warned against Wednesdays, Bahram spends one feasting in a garden and is surrounded; he breaks out, then storms the Turkish camp by night. Parmudeh flees to Avaza, and Bahram rings the fortress.

E5.13.28
When Bahram learned the purpose of their raid,He called Yalan-sina and sought his aid:
E5.13.74
He bade Yalan-sina choose from the fieldThree thousand horsemen armed with sword and shield.

Yalan-sina named 2 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

E5.21

The Lady Foretells Bahram’s Future

Hunting, Bahram follows a strange Gur-e-Khar to a splendid palace where a crowned lady seats him beside her and speaks with him in private. His men are feasted; he leaves shaken and transfigured, guided back by the same animal, and tells no one what happened.

E5.21.12
Behind them, Yalan-sina swiftly came,Upon a warhorse, armed for deeds of fame.
E5.21.15
Yalan-sina went on with anxious heart,To find the chief and search each hidden part.
E5.21.26
When Yalan-sina entered, she addressedA handmaid standing near in service dressed:

Yalan-sina named 3 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

E5.22

Bahram Chubin Claims Royal Title

Bahram holds court on an ivory throne, wearing Siavash’s crown. The chief scribe warns Kharrad, and the two flee Balkh by night. Horsemen bring the scribe back; Bahram, hearing that he fled in fear, pays him for his losses and returns him to his desk.

E5.22.16
He said to bold Yalan-sina, “Now ride;Take a full hundred horsemen at your side.
E5.22.19
Yalan-sina assailed him where he turned,And seized him like a wolf as anger burned;

Yalan-sina named 2 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

E5.24

Bahram Chubin Reveals His Ambition

Bahram lays his case before his chiefs, who answer in riddles and proverbs. His sister Gurdiyeh breaks in and argues from precedent that no subject has ever taken the crown. The council praises her; Bahram, unmoved, calls for wine and for Esfandiyar’s Seven Stages.

E5.24.3
Yalan-sina, renowned in many a fight,With valiant Bahram, proved in martial might.
E5.24.47
He turned to bold Yalan-sina and said,“What thoughts now move beneath your warrior head?”
E5.24.126
Yalan-sina spurs his horse, as though to say,‘I raise to kingship, winning fame this way,

Yalan-sina named 4 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

E6.24

Khosrow Battles Bahram Chubin

The armies meet. Bahram kills the Roman champion Kut in single combat and sends the split body back; Khosrow laughs, and Niyatus rebukes him. A Roman charge is destroyed, the dead heaped into a hill called Bahram-chid, and Khosrow gives the next day’s fighting to Iranians.

E6.24.7
He went himself to view the left and right,To Yalan-sina spoke before the fight:
E6.24.34
Then Yalan-sina warned, his meaning clear:“Brave rider, guard yourself; the Div draws near.
E6.24.50
Then Bahram cried, “O chiefs of glorious birth,Yalan-sina, Ram, whose names have worth,

Yalan-sina named 3 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

E6.25

Soroush Saves Khosrow from Bahram

Bahram’s elephant is shot from under him and he fights on foot. Khosrow rides out with fourteen chosen men, who scatter; chased into a blind cave, he prays and is carried to safety by Soroush. Bahram, seeing it, despairs of his fortune, and Khosrow renews the battle.

E6.25.69
Tukhar as well, a helper in the fight,A mortal foe to Yalan-sina’s might.
E6.25.86
He told Yalan-sina, “That proud foeHas proved himself a hardy man, I know.
E6.25.90
To Yalan-sina and Gashasp he spoke:“True valor cannot hide beneath a cloak.

Yalan-sina named 4 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

E6.27

Bahram Escapes to the Khan of Chin

Nastooh gives chase. Bahram, resting at an old woman’s hut, is served barley bread on a sieve and wine in a gourd, and hears from her what the world thinks of him. He fires a reed-bed, takes Nastooh, spares him, and rides on by Rey to the Khan.

E6.27.9
Yalan-sina and Izad Gashasp rodeAlong one flank as on the army flowed.
E6.27.16
Yalan-sina gave barsom for the prayer;Bahram forgot the words in his despair.

Yalan-sina named 2 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

E6.45

Gostaham Rebels and Weds Gurdiyeh

Hearing that Khosrow has killed his brother Bandvi, Gostaham raises the north in revolt and lives off raids. Gurdiyeh reaches him with her warriors after her flight from Chin. Yalan-sina sounds her out, and she agrees to marry Gostaham because he is Iranian.

E6.45.25
He saw Yalan-sina and, close beside,Izad Gashasp; he left his mount and cried.
E6.45.32
Seeing Yalan-sina, he will renewHis wrath and all the hate he bears to you.
E6.45.40
He said to Yalan-sina, “Probe with tact:Would this proud lady wed, and seal the pact?”