Character · The Shahnameh · Volume II

Zarirزریر

za-REER

Son of Lohrasp and brother of Goshtasb, a great champion slain in the war with Arjasp.

In the poem: First at C5.2, Goshtasb Departs in Anger; last at C8.29, Bishutan Brings Esfandiyar Home
Named: 84 times, in 25 sections
Main stories: C6 Goshtasb, Zardosht, and the War with Arjasp (56); C5 Lohrasp (23); C8 The Tragedy of Rostam and Esfandiyar (5)
Parents: Lohrasp
Children: Nastur
Plates: Vol II: VI

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

In the poem’s own words

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

C5.3

Goshtasb Returns with Zarir

Zarir overtakes his brother near Kabul. A noble argues that a Shah must not submit to idolaters in Hind, and Goshtasb turns for home; Lohrasp rides out to meet him and feasts him. But the Shah still favors Kavus’s line, and Goshtasb begins planning to leave alone.

C5.3.8
Zarir rode headlong in pursuit, and pressedHis way, and scarcely paused to take his rest.
C5.3.11
“That neigh can only come from Zarir’s horse;It has a lion’s voice in all its force.
C5.3.14
Zarir came at the head of all his men,Like rushing wind along the road again.

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

C5.17

Zarir Bears Word to Caesar

Lohrasp sends Zarir to Rum with the crown, the throne and Kaveh’s banner, secretly meaning to abdicate but instructed to speak only of war. Zarir musters the sons and grandsons of the old houses, camps at Halab, and delivers a defiance that leaves Caesar promising battle.

C5.17.1
Lohrasp sat long in thought; he sent to callZarir, who came before him in the hall.
C5.17.7
The noble Zarir answered, “I shall go;The hidden mystery I soon shall know.
C5.17.17
Zarir left proud Bahram to lead the force,Then rode away upon his chosen course.

Zarir named 8 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

C5.18

Goshtasb Receives the Kingship

Goshtasb rides to his brother’s camp and is given the crown; Iran’s chiefs hail him Shah. Caesar comes to make peace, learns who his son-in-law is, and sends Katayun a treasure train. Goshtasb remits the tribute, rides home, and Lohrasp crowns him.

C5.18.8
Crowned, he rode forth to reach Zarir’s abode;His wind-swift charger bore him down the road.
C5.18.12
Zarir dismounted as his brother came,No longer stirred by war’s consuming flame.
C5.18.15
The blessed Zarir said, “May fortune stayBeside you through the years and never stray.

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

C6.7

Zarir Replies to Arjasp

Zarir and Esfandiyar draw their swords and swear death to anyone rejecting Zardosht. Zarir, with Esfandiyar and Jamasp, drafts the reply. Goshtasb seals it, tells the envoys that only the Avesta’s law on safe-conduct saves them, and promises war in Dey.

C6.7.1
When sovereign Goshtasb had spoken so,Zarir and young Esfandiyar, aglow
C6.7.7
Then brave Zarir, Iran’s renowned spear,Fierce as a rending lion, without fear,
C6.7.11
Zarir, Esfandiyar, and at their sideJamasp, the king’s wise minister and guide,

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

C6.10

Goshtasb Hears Jamasp’s Prophecy

At the Jihun, Goshtasb makes Jamasp read the stars. Under oath of safety, the sage foretells the whole battle: Ardeshir, Shidasp, his own son Girami, Nivzar and finally Zarir will fall, Esfandiyar will kill Bidarfesh and Arjasp will flee. Goshtasb faints with grief.

C6.10.17
And by the life of brave Zarir in fight, And great Esfandiyar, my shining light,
C6.10.52
Next will advance a lion without peer, The mighty warrior, valiant Prince Zarir.
C6.10.60
Zarir sees Ardeshir, his body cold, His cheeks grown dark, his flesh like saffron gold.

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

C6.14

Zarir Is Slain by Bidarfesh

After two weeks Zarir breaks the Turkish ranks. Arjasp three times offers his daughter and treasure for the man who will face him, and is answered by silence until Bidarfesh accepts, kills Zarir from ambush with a poisoned javelin and strips him. Goshtasb offers Homahyi for vengeance; nobody moves.

C6.14.2
Then brave Zarir advanced before the line,The Pahlevan through whom Iran would shine.
C6.14.9
And now Zarir is in your midst today,A wolf, a rending lion in the fray.
C6.14.14
Who has the strength to make Zarir give ground,And turn his back while battle roars around?

Zarir named 11 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

C6.15

Esfandiyar Hears of Zarir’s Death

Told that Zarir is dead, Esfandiyar hands over his own flag and troops, takes his uncle’s command and the royal standard, and preaches courage to the chiefs. From the mountain Goshtasb swears by the Faith that if he comes home he will give Esfandiyar the crown.

C6.15.1
Then bitter news was brought through grief and pain:“Zarir, the royal rider, has been slain.
C6.15.4
When bright Zarir still rode before my sight,I always feared the coming of this night.
C6.15.8
He armed himself and took Zarir’s command,Then in the army’s center made his stand.

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

C6.17

Nastur and Esfandiyar Slay Bidarfesh

Mounted on Behzad, Nastur challenges Bidarfesh, who is riding Zarir’s horse in Zarir’s armor. As they fight Esfandiyar arrives; Bidarfesh flees, hurls his poisoned weapon, and Esfandiyar catches it in flight and drives it through him, then recovers Zarir’s arms, horse and banner.

C6.17.2
Zarir’s bereaved son, equipped for fight,Rode out between the armies in their sight.
C6.17.3
Before the hostile line he drew the rein,And drew one bitter sigh for Zarir slain.
C6.17.4
He cried, “Nastur am I, Zarir’s own heir;No lion dares confront me anywhere.