Character · The Shahnameh · Volumes I, II

Zavarehزواره

za-vah-REH

Rostam's brother, killed with him in Shaghad's pit.

In the poem: First at B6.6, Rostam Battles the Three Kings; last at C9.5, Zal Hears of Rostam’s Death
Named: 74 times, in 37 sections
Main stories: C8 The Tragedy of Rostam and Esfandiyar (31); B7 The Fight of the Seven Warriors (11); B8 The Tragedy of Rostam & Sohrab (10)
Parents: Zal, Rudabeh
Plates: Vol I: VII, Vol II: VIII

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

In the poem’s own words

The 8 sections that name Zavareh most often, with the summary from the Notes and the couplets that name Zavareh. 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.

B7.3.58
Zavareh rode and gave a challenge loud,And Alkus wheeled toward him through the crowd.
B7.3.60
Zavareh charged, a lion in the fight,And thrust his lance with all his warrior might.
B7.3.61
The spear broke into two; Zavareh fearedThe warrior whose deadly strength appeared.

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

B8.21

The Tragedy of Sohrab

Rostam throws Sohrab and stabs him. Dying, Sohrab warns that his father will avenge him, and the token on his arm reveals the truth. Sohrab asks mercy for his army and for Hajir. Rostam nearly kills Hajir and then himself, and Gudarz restrains him.

B8.21.80
Then Zavareh came near with garments rent,His body bruised, his spirit grief-bent.
B8.21.89
Then Rostam called Zavareh to his side:“My clear-souled brother, go with him,” he cried.
B8.21.91
Zavareh went at once across the plain,Still bearing in his heart his brother’s pain.

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

C8.8

Bahman Delivers Esfandiyar’s Message

From the height Bahman sees Rostam at the hunt and rolls a boulder down at him; Rostam kicks it aside without setting down his meal. Awed, Bahman delivers the message, eats almost nothing while Rostam eats a whole wild ass, and marvels at him.

C8.8.12
Zavareh saw it hurtling toward the ground,And heard the mountain thunder with its sound.
C8.8.14
But Rostam neither moved nor set asideThe wild ass, while Zavareh loudly cried.
C8.8.24
Then Rostam, with Zavareh and the rest,Went out to meet Bahman as honored guest.

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

C8.10

Bahman Returns to Esfandiyar

Rostam sends word to Zal to prepare a royal welcome and rides to the Hirmund. Bahman reports Rostam’s answer and his strength; Esfandiyar shames him in open court, then tells Bishutan privately that the old lion is still preparing for war.

C8.10.2
But peerless Rostam lingered on the way,Then called Zavareh, Faramarz, to say:
C8.10.16
Zavareh answered him, “Have no such thought;No man without a grudge has battle sought.
C8.10.19
Zavareh went to Zal; but Rostam spedToward the Hirmund, full of fear and dread.

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

C8.21

Rostam Battles Esfandiyar

At dawn Rostam posts Zavareh with the troops and rides out alone. He offers to let the armies fight instead; Esfandiyar refuses, and the two agree that no one will help either of them. Spears, swords and gorzes break, and their wrestling ends in deadlock.

C8.21.3
He summoned brave Zavareh to his side,And spoke at length of troops he must provide.
C8.21.5
Zavareh went and mustered for the frayThe troops that toward the battlefield made way.
C8.21.8
Zavareh followed, trusted in command,As Rostam rode toward Hirmund’s river strand.

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

C8.22

Zavareh and Faramarz Slay Esfandiyar’s Sons

Zavareh taunts the waiting Iranians and Esfandiyar’s sons answer. Zavareh kills Nush Azar and Faramarz kills Mehr-e-Nush. Rostam swears he gave no order and offers his brother and son for punishment; Esfandiyar refuses the exchange and promises to pin him to his horse.

C8.22.2
Zavareh brought his troops from farther ground,Their hearts seared, bent on vengeance, battle-bound.
C8.22.6
Zavareh cursed; his speech was harsh to hear,Unseemly words that struck the listening ear.
C8.22.15
Zavareh cried, “Now strike, and do not spare;Set crowns of blood upon each chieftain’s hair.”

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

C8.23

Rostam Flees to the Heights

The archery begins. Esfandiyar’s arrows pierce Rostam and Rakhsh while Rostam’s cannot hurt him. Rostam takes to a height on foot, refuses Zavareh’s horse, and crosses the river bleeding. Esfandiyar mourns his sons, sends them home, and marvels at his enemy.

C8.23.21
Zavareh saw the glossy Rakhsh return,Wounded and riderless, and felt grief burn.
C8.23.22
The world grew dark before Zavareh’s eyes;He hurried toward the field with grieving cries.
C8.23.29
Zavareh left his brother in despair,And turned toward Rakhsh, whose wounds were hard to bear.

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

C9.5

Zal Hears of Rostam’s Death

One rider carries the news to Zabul, where Zal mourns Rostam, Zavareh and Rakhsh. Faramarz finds Kabul deserted, has the bodies washed, perfumed and coffined, and brings them home, where Rostam is laid on golden thrones in a garden tomb.

C9.5.1
In yet another pit Zavareh lay;All but one rider perished on that day.
C9.5.4
Zavareh too, and all the escort, lie;No other horseman lived to bring reply.”
C9.5.8
Zavareh too, that noble warrior bold,That dragon-hearted lion, fierce of old!