Character · The Shahnameh · Volumes I, II

Zangehزنگه

zan-GEH

Zangeh of Shavaran, an Iranian champion.

In the poem: First at B5.10, Kavus Wars with Mazandaran; last at C4.2, Kay Khosrow Musters against Afrasiab
Named: 48 times, in 28 sections
Main stories: B9 The Story of Siavash (19); C3 The Battle of the Twelve Rukhs (8); B12 Forood and the Snowstorm Campaign (6)
Parents: Shavaran
Plates: Vol II: IV, Vol II: V

Genealogical plate: The House of Viseh — Volume II, Plate IV: The House of Viseh. Tap to open the genealogies.

In the poem’s own words

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

B7.3

Pilsam Battles the Iranians and Alkus’ Battle

Piran’s brother Pilsam unhorses Gorgin and holds off four champions until Piran protests and Rostam drives him away. Alkus then fells Zavareh, taking him for Rostam, but Rostam lifts Alkus from the saddle on his spear, and the seven champions rout the Turanians.

B7.3.7
What dust are Tus and Giv before my spear,Or Bahram, Zangeh, Guraza drawn near?
B7.3.24
When Zangeh saw Gostaham’s plight from right,He spurred to aid him through the press of fight.
B7.3.27
The gallant Zangeh rose amid the sand,And bound his jowshan tight with steady hand.

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

B9.16

Siavash Leads the Army

Kavus equips twelve thousand horsemen and twelve thousand foot under the Kaviani banner and parts from Siavash in tears. After a month in Zabulistan, Siavash and Rostam march by Herat to Balkh, defeat the forces of Garsivaz and take the city.

B9.16.11
With Bahram, Zangeh, chiefs of high renown,The foremost warriors beneath the crown.
B9.16.35
There more foot soldiers gathered to his band,And Zangeh took the baggage train in hand.

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

B9.28

Siavash Consults Bahram and Zangeh

Siavash pours out his sorrows to Bahram and Zangeh and resolves to keep his oath: he will return the hostages and gifts, leave the army to Tus and seek refuge abroad. Bahram begs him to write to Kavus instead, but he refuses and sends Zangeh to Afrasiab.

B9.28.1
Then Siavash called Bahram to his side,And Zangeh too, on whom his heart relied.
B9.28.35
Then Zangeh, son of Shavaran, arise,Prepare for toil, and act with watchful eyes.
B9.28.43
When Bahram heard these words, his heart was torn,While Zangeh wept, his spirit left forlorn.

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

B9.29

Zangeh Bears Word to Afrasiab

Zangeh brings the hostages and gifts to Afrasiab, who consults Piran. Piran praises Siavash and urges the king to welcome him as a son and give him a daughter. Afrasiab quotes a proverb about raising a lion cub, but Piran persuades him.

B9.29.1
Then Zangeh rode with chosen men of might,A hundred horsemen, nobly born and bright.
B9.29.3
When Zangeh reached the city of the king,The watchman saw him as the shouts took wing.
B9.29.7
The letter given, Zangeh spoke it through,And told each matter plainly, firm, and true.

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

B9.30

Afrasiab’s Offer to Siavash

Afrasiab writes Siavash a warm letter, swearing by God to treat him as a son, offering crown, treasure and army, and warning that the road beyond Turan ends at the Sea of Chin. Siavash is glad but uneasy, and the poet warns against trusting an old enemy.

B9.30.9
From Zangeh I have heard your whole intent,And every word your faithful envoy sent.
B9.30.30
He sealed the letter, called good Zangeh near,And charged him with the message, plain and clear.
B9.30.32
He gave a steed with golden trappings bright;Then Zangeh sped away with all his might.

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

B12.5

Bahram Meets Forood on the Mountain

Bahram rides up the mountain. Forood answers his threats courteously, names him, and proves who he is by Siavash’s birthmark. He invites the chiefs to a week’s feast before they march together, but Bahram warns that Tus is proud and may refuse.

B12.5.27
With Zangeh, Shavaran’s renowned son,And Guraza, whose blows make warriors run.”
B12.5.32
‘Seek Bahram first among your father’s kin,And Zangeh too, when Iran’s troops come in.

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

C2.20

Rostam Arms His Men

Khosrow offers troops and treasure. Rostam answers that this task needs craft, not weapons: they will travel as merchants. He takes ten camel-loads of minted gold and a hundred of goods, a thousand horsemen for the caravan, and names seven chiefs to guard it.

C2.20.18
Gorgin, and Zangeh of Shavaran born,Gostaham next, the lion, battle-worn.
C2.20.24
Then Zangeh asked: “Where is our Khosrow? Say—What has befallen, that he calls today?”

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

C3.36

How Zangeh, Son of Shavaran, Battles Awkhast

Zangeh and the veteran Awkhast batter each other with gorzes until the heat exhausts men and horses alike. They agree to rest, then arm again and fight with spears. Zangeh’s spear flings Awkhast from his horse; he binds him head-down and takes the height.

C3.36.1
Eighth, Zangeh, son of Shavaran, rode outTo meet Awkhast in their appointed bout.
C3.36.13
Then Zangeh saw his opening and spedStraight at Awkhast, his spearpoint aimed ahead.
C3.36.16
Then Zangeh dismounted and seized his foe,And dragged him face-down through scorched dust below.