Character · The Shahnameh · Volume III

Zarvanزروان

zar-VAHN

An aged chamberlain at Anooshirvan's court who plots with a Jew to destroy Mahbud.

In the poem: First at E1.1, Zarvan’s Sorcery and the Fall of Mahbud; last at E1.3, Anooshirvan’s Wisdom and Sursan
Named: 24 times, in 3 sections
Main stories: E1 The Story of Mahbud and Other Matters (24)
Plates: Vol III: VI

Genealogical plate: Qobad and Anooshirvan — Volume III, Plate VI: Qobad and Anooshirvan. Tap to open the genealogies.

In the poem’s own words

The 3 sections that name Zarvan most often, with the summary from the Notes and the couplets that name Zarvan. Tap a couplet number to read it in the full poem.

E1.1

Zarvan’s Sorcery and the Fall of Mahbud

Mahbud, the Shah’s trusted minister, has his two sons carry the royal food. The envious chamberlain Zarvan and a sorcerer look on the dishes, then warn that the milk is poisoned; the sons die tasting it, and the Shah destroys Mahbud, his house and his kin.

E1.1.21
Among the nobles Zarvan held high place,An aged chamberlain of rank and face.
E1.1.29
A Jew once came to old Zarvan for aid,And asked for money to pursue his trade.
E1.1.31
Through friendship with Zarvan he came to standAmong the servants at the Shah’s command.

Zarvan named 13 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

E1.2

Anooshirvan Avenges Mahbud

Years later Mahbud’s brand on a hunting horse reopens the Shah’s grief. Zarvan’s talk of milk and magic betrays him; he confesses and blames the sorcerer, who is fetched and confirms it. Both are flayed alive and hung on the gibbet, and the Shah endows Mahbud’s surviving kin.

E1.2.12
Before the Shah, the scribes and chief vizierRode on with old Zarvan, who traveled near.
E1.2.17
Zarvan replied, “May you forever reign,And may your words give wisdom to the brain.
E1.2.21
He looked at old Zarvan but nothing said,Then urged his prancing charger on ahead.

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

E1.3

Anooshirvan’s Wisdom and Sursan

With the sorcery tale done, the poet praises just rule. Iran rests, arms are laid aside and tribute comes in. The Shah builds a city in the style of Rum, settles craftsmen from Rum and Hind and captives from Barbar and Rum in it, and names it Sursan.