{"title": "Words that move the story", "retrieved": "2026-10-22", "method": "Curated speech excerpts, not a complete count of dialogue. Tiles are equal excerpts, not speaking volume. Partner roles describe this relationship and can overlap other roles. Collective audiences are explicit. A passage between two principal women appears in both rows but counts once in totals.", "books": [{"volume": 1, "title": "Love Across the Walls", "principal_ids": ["women-rudabeh", "women-sindokht"], "selected_couplets_user_supplied": 1425, "estimated_pages_user_supplied": "358–368", "color": "#9c4b67"}, {"volume": 2, "title": "The Mother and the Warrior", "principal_ids": ["women-tahmineh", "women-gordafarid"], "selected_couplets_user_supplied": 1761, "estimated_pages_user_supplied": "355–365", "color": "#3b7892"}, {"volume": 3, "title": "The Queen and the Fire", "principal_ids": ["women-sudabeh"], "selected_couplets_user_supplied": 1150, "estimated_pages_user_supplied": "354–364", "color": "#c7773e"}, {"volume": 4, "title": "The Daughter Who Crossed the Border", "principal_ids": ["women-farangis"], "selected_couplets_user_supplied": 1503, "estimated_pages_user_supplied": "381–391", "color": "#587b5d"}, {"volume": 5, "title": "Mothers and the Crown", "principal_ids": ["women-faranak_abtin", "women-jarireh", "women-humai_bahman"], "selected_couplets_user_supplied": 2338, "estimated_pages_user_supplied": "363–373", "color": "#a08532"}, {"volume": 6, "title": "Desire and Its Price", "principal_ids": ["women-manijeh", "women-golnar"], "selected_couplets_user_supplied": 2983, "estimated_pages_user_supplied": "374–384", "color": "#8570a3"}, {"volume": 7, "title": "The Woman Who Chose a King", "principal_ids": ["women-katayun"], "selected_couplets_user_supplied": 3215, "estimated_pages_user_supplied": "381–391", "color": "#287b7c"}, {"volume": 8, "title": "Power Among the Ruins", "principal_ids": ["women-gordyeh", "women-purandokht", "women-azarmidokht"], "selected_couplets_user_supplied": 3105, "estimated_pages_user_supplied": "393–398", "color": "#9e5145"}, {"volume": 9, "title": "Love and the Reckoning", "principal_ids": ["women-shirin"], "selected_couplets_user_supplied": 1092, "estimated_pages_user_supplied": "361–371", "color": "#b16083"}, {"volume": 10, "title": "The Limits of Power", "principal_ids": ["women-kaidafa", "women-simorgh_guardian"], "selected_couplets_user_supplied": 2941, "estimated_pages_user_supplied": "352–362", "color": "#596ba1"}], "women": [{"id": "women-rudabeh", "label": "Rudabeh", "display_name": "Rudabeh", "home_book": 1, "bio": "Rudabeh chooses Zal across the hostility between their houses. She is Sindokht’s daughter and Rostam’s mother."}, {"id": "women-sindokht", "label": "Sindokht", "display_name": "Sindokht", "home_book": 1, "bio": "Sindokht negotiates with Sahm to protect Kabul and make room for Rudabeh’s marriage."}, {"id": "women-tahmineh", "label": "Tahmineh", "display_name": "Tahmineh", "home_book": 2, "bio": "Tahmineh declares her choice of Rostam and later tells Sohrab who his father is."}, {"id": "women-gordafarid", "label": "Gordafarid", "display_name": "Gordafarid", "home_book": 2, "bio": "Gordafarid arms herself and rides out from the White Fortress to confront Sohrab."}, {"id": "women-sudabeh", "label": "Sudabeh", "display_name": "Sudabeh", "home_book": 3, "bio": "Sudabeh’s desire for Siavash and her accusations place the royal household at the center of a crisis."}, {"id": "women-farangis", "label": "Farangis", "display_name": "Farangis", "home_book": 4, "bio": "Farangis marries Siavash, pleads for his life, and becomes the mother of Kay Khosrow."}, {"id": "women-faranak_abtin", "label": "Faranak", "display_name": "Faranak · mother of Fereydoon", "home_book": 5, "bio": "Faranak protects Fereydoon from Zahhak. She belongs to the earlier mythical story, separate from the later Faranak of Barzin’s household."}, {"id": "women-jarireh", "label": "Jarireh", "display_name": "Jarireh", "home_book": 5, "bio": "Jarireh, daughter of Golshahr and Piran, marries Siavash and becomes Forood’s mother."}, {"id": "women-humai_bahman", "label": "Homahyi Chehrzad", "display_name": "Homahyi Chehrzad · queen, daughter of Bahman", "home_book": 5, "bio": "Homahyi Chehrzad, called Homahyi and Chehrzad in the poem, inherits Bahman’s crown and is Darab’s mother."}, {"id": "women-manijeh", "label": "Manijeh", "display_name": "Manijeh", "home_book": 6, "bio": "Manijeh sustains the captive Bijan and seeks the help that will lead his rescuers to him."}, {"id": "women-golnar", "label": "Golnar", "display_name": "Golnar", "home_book": 6, "bio": "Golnar leaves Ardavan’s court with Ardeshir, taking part in his escape and the beginning of his rise."}, {"id": "women-katayun", "label": "Katayun", "display_name": "Katayun", "home_book": 7, "bio": "Katayun chooses Goshtasb and later warns their son Esfandiyar against the mission to bind Rostam."}, {"id": "women-gordyeh", "label": "Gurdiyeh", "display_name": "Gurdiyeh", "home_book": 8, "bio": "Gurdiyeh, named Gurdiyeh in the poem, advises Bahram Chubin, leads his people after his death, and later marries Khosrow Parviz."}, {"id": "women-purandokht", "label": "Poorandokht", "display_name": "Poorandokht", "home_book": 8, "bio": "Poorandokht, named Poorandokht in the poem, takes the throne and speaks of relieving the realm’s suffering."}, {"id": "women-azarmidokht", "label": "Azarmidokht", "display_name": "Azarmidokht", "home_book": 8, "bio": "Azarmidokht follows Poorandokht as ruler. Her declaration of royal law and her brief reign are recorded in E9.5."}, {"id": "women-shirin", "label": "Shirin", "display_name": "Shirin", "home_book": 9, "bio": "Shirin’s story links desire, royal marriage, rivalry, and the collapse of Khosrow Parviz’s reign."}, {"id": "women-kaidafa", "label": "Kaydafa", "display_name": "Kaydafa", "home_book": 10, "bio": "Kaydafa, named Kaydafa in the poem, recognizes the disguised Iskandar at her court."}, {"id": "women-simorgh_guardian", "label": "Simorgh", "display_name": "The nurturing Simorgh", "home_book": 10, "bio": "The nurturing Simorgh raises Zal, guides the intervention at Rostam’s birth, and later aids Rostam. She is distinct from the bird slain by Esfandiyar."}], "people": [{"id": "rudabeh", "name": "Rudabeh", "woman": true, "registry_id": "women-rudabeh"}, {"id": "sindokht", "name": "Sindokht", "woman": true, "registry_id": "women-sindokht"}, {"id": "zal", "name": "Zal", "woman": false, "registry_id": null}, {"id": "sahm", "name": "Sahm", "woman": false, "registry_id": null}, {"id": "rostam", "name": "Rostam", "woman": false, "registry_id": null}, {"id": "kay_kavus", "name": "Kay Kavus", "woman": false, "registry_id": null}, {"id": "siavash", "name": "Siavash", "woman": false, "registry_id": null}, {"id": "afrasiab", "name": "Afrasiab", "woman": false, "registry_id": null}, {"id": "farangis", "name": "Farangis", "woman": true, "registry_id": "women-farangis"}, {"id": "manijeh", "name": "Manijeh", "woman": true, "registry_id": "women-manijeh"}, {"id": "bijan", "name": "Bijan", "woman": false, "registry_id": null}, {"id": "katayun", "name": "Katayun", "woman": true, "registry_id": "women-katayun"}, {"id": "esfandiyar", "name": "Esfandiyar", "woman": false, "registry_id": null}, {"id": "tahmineh", "name": "Tahmineh", "woman": true, "registry_id": "women-tahmineh"}, {"id": "sohrab", "name": "Sohrab", "woman": false, "registry_id": null}, {"id": "gordafarid", "name": "Gordafarid", "woman": true, "registry_id": "women-gordafarid"}, {"id": "sudabeh", "name": "Sudabeh", "woman": true, "registry_id": "women-sudabeh"}, {"id": "faranak_abtin", "name": "Faranak", "woman": true, "registry_id": "women-faranak_abtin"}, {"id": "jarireh", "name": "Jarireh", "woman": true, "registry_id": "women-jarireh"}, {"id": "humai_bahman", "name": "Homahyi Chehrzad", "woman": true, "registry_id": "women-humai_bahman"}, {"id": "golnar", "name": "Golnar", "woman": true, "registry_id": "women-golnar"}, {"id": "gordyeh", "name": "Gurdiyeh", "woman": true, "registry_id": "women-gordyeh"}, {"id": "purandokht", "name": "Poorandokht", "woman": true, "registry_id": "women-purandokht"}, {"id": "azarmidokht", "name": "Azarmidokht", "woman": true, "registry_id": "women-azarmidokht"}, {"id": "shirin", "name": "Shirin", "woman": true, "registry_id": "women-shirin"}, {"id": "kaidafa", "name": "Kaydafa", "woman": true, "registry_id": "women-kaidafa"}, {"id": "simorgh_guardian", "name": "Simorgh", "woman": true, "registry_id": "women-simorgh_guardian"}, {"id": "herdsman", "name": "Barmayeh’s keeper", "woman": false, "kind": "unnamed", "registry_id": null}, {"id": "holy_man", "name": "The holy man on Alborz", "woman": false, "kind": "unnamed", "registry_id": null}, {"id": "forood", "name": "Forood", "woman": false, "kind": "named", "registry_id": null}, {"id": "darab", "name": "Darab", "woman": false, "kind": "named", "registry_id": null}, {"id": "ardeshir", "name": "Ardeshir", "woman": false, "kind": "named", "registry_id": null}, {"id": "khosrow_parviz", "name": "Khosrow Parviz", "woman": false, "kind": "named", "registry_id": null}, {"id": "iskandar", "name": "Iskandar", "woman": false, "kind": "named", "registry_id": null}, {"id": "humai_court", "name": "Homahyi Chehrzad’s assembled court", "woman": false, "kind": "collective", "registry_id": null}, {"id": "purandokht_court", "name": "Poorandokht’s assembled court", "woman": false, "kind": "collective", "registry_id": null}, {"id": "sages_veterans", "name": "Sages & veterans", "woman": false, "kind": "collective", "registry_id": null}, {"id": "go_between", "name": "The unnamed go-between", "woman": true, "kind": "unnamed", "registry_id": null}, {"id": "tobarg", "name": "Tobarg", "woman": false, "kind": "named", "registry_id": null}, {"id": "khan_chin", "name": "Khan of Chin", "woman": false, "kind": "named", "registry_id": null}], "roles": [{"id": "beloved", "name": "Beloveds & spouses"}, {"id": "child", "name": "Children & wards"}, {"id": "kin", "name": "Parents & kin"}, {"id": "power", "name": "Rulers & warriors"}, {"id": "public", "name": "Courts & communities"}, {"id": "ally", "name": "Attendants & allies"}], "records": [{"id": "wm01", "source": "rudabeh", "target": "zal", "type": "direct", "thread": "love", "scene": "A welcome from the roof", "note": "Rudabeh calls to Zal from the roof. The words are hers, addressed to the approaching champion.", "via": null, "ref": "A8.5.3", "evidence": [{"id": "A8.5.3", "lines": ["Meanwhile Rudabeh, rosy-cheeked and bright,", "A cypress bathed beneath the moon’s full light,"]}, {"id": "A8.5.4", "lines": ["Ascended to the roof with watchful gaze,", "She marked the son of Sahm through evening haze."]}, {"id": "A8.5.5", "lines": ["She loosed her coral lips and called his name:", "“O noble youth, welcome, to love’s own flame!"]}, {"id": "A8.5.6", "lines": ["May Heaven’s blessing rest upon your head,", "And happy fortune on your pathways spread."]}, {"id": "A8.5.7", "lines": ["May lofty heaven bow beneath your feet,", "And may your coming make this moment sweet."]}, {"id": "A8.5.8", "lines": ["May she who praised you live in joy and cheer;", "From head to foot, as told, you now appear."]}, {"id": "A8.5.9", "lines": ["To come on foot from out your lordly place", "Must weary well a prince of such high grace.”"]}], "original_record": "sp01", "roles": {"women-rudabeh": "beloved"}}, {"id": "wm02", "source": "zal", "target": "rudabeh", "type": "direct", "thread": "love", "scene": "A vow despite their fathers", "note": "Zal tells Rudabeh that opposition from Manuchehr and Sahm will not break his pledge.", "via": null, "ref": "A8.5.43", "evidence": [{"id": "A8.5.43", "lines": ["Then spoke the prince: “O silver-bosomed fair,", "O swaying cypress, musk within your hair,"]}, {"id": "A8.5.44", "lines": ["Though Manuchehr should hear and answer no,", "He will not bless the path on which we go."]}, {"id": "A8.5.45", "lines": ["And Sahm will roar and rise against me still,", "But none of this can bend my heart or will."]}, {"id": "A8.5.46", "lines": ["I count as little now this life and breath;", "For you I take my shroud and welcome death."]}, {"id": "A8.5.47", "lines": ["Before the Just I bind myself and swear:", "I shall not break the covenant we share."]}, {"id": "A8.5.48", "lines": ["To God I pray that hearts opposed may bend,", "And all the wrath between our houses end."]}, {"id": "A8.5.49", "lines": ["And if He grants what faithful hearts implore,", "You shall be mine, my bride for evermore.”"]}], "original_record": "sp02", "roles": {"women-rudabeh": "beloved"}}, {"id": "wm03", "source": "rudabeh", "target": "zal", "type": "direct", "thread": "love", "scene": "The answering vow", "note": "Rudabeh answers Zal’s pledge with her own. This is a later passage than the greeting.", "via": null, "ref": "A8.5.50", "evidence": [{"id": "A8.5.50", "lines": ["Rudabeh answered: “By the Just, the True,", "No man shall ever claim me, none but you."]}, {"id": "A8.5.51", "lines": ["Let God bear witness to this vow I make:", "No other lord shall my allegiance take,"]}, {"id": "A8.5.52", "lines": ["Except Zal-e-Zar, the Pahlevan of fame,", "With crown and treasure, farr and noble name.”"]}], "original_record": "sp03", "roles": {"women-rudabeh": "beloved"}}, {"id": "wm04", "source": "sindokht", "target": "sahm", "type": "direct", "thread": "power", "scene": "What guilt have Kabul’s people?", "note": "Sindokht personally addresses Sahm in his camp. Although she arrives as an envoy, this line represents her own appeal, not a quoted message authored by Mehrab.", "via": null, "ref": "A8.16.25", "evidence": [{"id": "A8.16.25", "lines": ["When all withdrew and strangers left the place,", "She turned to Sahm and spoke with steady grace:"]}, {"id": "A8.16.26", "lines": ["“Your wisdom grants the old their youth again,", "And teaches wisdom to the greatest men."]}, {"id": "A8.16.27", "lines": ["Through you the road of darkness turns to light;", "The wise grow wiser standing in your sight."]}, {"id": "A8.16.28", "lines": ["Your seal has bound the hand that evil led;", "Your gorz has opened God’s true road ahead."]}, {"id": "A8.16.29", "lines": ["If fault there was, it lay with Mehrab’s hand;", "His eyes hold heart-blood shed for Kabul’s land."]}, {"id": "A8.16.30", "lines": ["Why should the innocent heads of Kabul fall?", "What guilt have they committed, one and all?"]}, {"id": "A8.16.31", "lines": ["They live to serve you, dust beneath your feet,", "And deem your favor all their joy complete."]}, {"id": "A8.16.32", "lines": ["Fear Him who fashioned mind and strength on high,", "Bright Venus and the sun within the sky."]}, {"id": "A8.16.33", "lines": ["Such slaughter cannot please the Maker’s will;", "He did not shape the world for needless ill."]}, {"id": "A8.16.34", "lines": ["Gird not your strength for slaughter and for flame;", "Let mercy, not bloodshed, attend your name.”"]}], "original_record": "sp07", "roles": {"women-sindokht": "power"}}, {"id": "wm05", "source": "sahm", "target": "sindokht", "type": "direct", "thread": "power", "scene": "An assurance of safety", "note": "After Sindokht reveals her identity, Sahm speaks his assurance and praises the proposed marriage.", "via": null, "ref": "A8.16.55", "evidence": [{"id": "A8.16.55", "lines": ["Sahm listened well and saw before his sight", "A woman wise, with soul both strong and bright."]}, {"id": "A8.16.56", "lines": ["Her face was spring, her form a cypress slim;", "Her waist was narrow, every feature trim."]}, {"id": "A8.16.57", "lines": ["Her gait was like a pheasant, proud and fair;", "Deep judgment marked her speech and every air."]}, {"id": "A8.16.58", "lines": ["He said: “My word shall stand, though life be lost;", "My oath is firm, whatever be the cost."]}, {"id": "A8.16.59", "lines": ["Return in peace and dwell without alarm;", "No shadow shall approach or bring you harm."]}, {"id": "A8.16.60", "lines": ["Throughout the world Zal could not find a bride", "Like Rudabeh to stand as equal at his side."]}, {"id": "A8.16.61", "lines": ["Though sprung from other roots, your house I own", "As worthy too of diadem and throne."]}, {"id": "A8.16.62", "lines": ["No shame is found in what the heavens send;", "Against the Maker’s will no man can contend."]}], "original_record": "sp08", "roles": {"women-sindokht": "power"}}, {"id": "wm06", "source": "rostam", "target": "tahmineh", "type": "direct", "thread": "love", "scene": "Who enters at night?", "note": "Rostam addresses the woman entering his chamber. The reply identifies her as Tahmineh.", "via": null, "ref": "B8.4.9", "evidence": [{"id": "B8.4.9", "lines": ["Brave Rostam marveled at the wondrous sight,", "Blessed Yazdan, then addressed her in the night:"]}, {"id": "B8.4.10", "lines": ["“Who are you, coming here while others sleep?", "What do you seek, what purpose do you keep?”"]}, {"id": "B8.4.11", "lines": ["She said: “Tahmineh is the name I bear;", "Grief split my heart in two and left it bare."]}, {"id": "B8.4.12", "lines": ["I am the daughter of Samangan’s king,", "From royal blood my birth and lineage spring."]}], "original_record": "sp11", "roles": {"women-tahmineh": "beloved"}}, {"id": "wm07", "source": "tahmineh", "target": "rostam", "type": "direct", "thread": "love", "scene": "Tahmineh declares her choice", "note": "Tahmineh states her wish for Rostam and a child. This is her direct declaration, not an inference from the marriage.", "via": null, "ref": "B8.4.23", "evidence": [{"id": "B8.4.23", "lines": ["Now Yazdan brought your destined path this way,", "And led you into Samangan today."]}, {"id": "B8.4.24", "lines": ["If you desire me, I am yours tonight;", "I choose you freely, with my heart alight."]}, {"id": "B8.4.25", "lines": ["No other man shall ever see my face;", "For you alone I leave my guarded place."]}, {"id": "B8.4.26", "lines": ["For love of you has driven reason hence;", "Desire has overcome my guarded sense."]}, {"id": "B8.4.27", "lines": ["Perhaps the Maker may decree for me", "A son of yours within my arms to see."]}, {"id": "B8.4.28", "lines": ["May he be like you, strong of heart and limb;", "May Saturn and the Sun grant shares to him."]}, {"id": "B8.4.29", "lines": ["Besides, I shall restore your Rakhsh to you,", "And lay Samangan at your feet as due.”"]}, {"id": "B8.4.30", "lines": ["The moon-faced maiden’s words at last were done,", "And Tahamtan had heard them one by one."]}], "original_record": "sp12", "roles": {"women-tahmineh": "beloved"}}, {"id": "wm08", "source": "rostam", "target": "tahmineh", "type": "direct", "thread": "family", "scene": "A token for the child", "note": "Rostam gives Tahmineh the identifying token and instructions for a daughter or son.", "via": null, "ref": "B8.4.40", "evidence": [{"id": "B8.4.40", "lines": ["In secret Tahmineh shared Rostam’s place,", "And long the dark night held them in embrace."]}, {"id": "B8.4.41", "lines": ["A famous mohreh from his arm he drew,", "And placed the token in Tahmineh’s view."]}, {"id": "B8.4.42", "lines": ["“If you should bear a daughter, let it lie", "Sewn in her hair beneath a fortunate sky."]}, {"id": "B8.4.43", "lines": ["But if the stars should grant to you a son,", "Bind this, his father’s sign, when life’s begun."]}, {"id": "B8.4.44", "lines": ["In stature he shall match great Sahm’s own line,", "With noble heart and manly strength shall shine."]}, {"id": "B8.4.45", "lines": ["He shall bring down the eagle from the height,", "Nor shall the blazing sun oppress his sight.”"]}], "original_record": "sp13", "roles": {"women-tahmineh": "beloved"}}, {"id": "wm09", "source": "sohrab", "target": "tahmineh", "type": "direct", "thread": "recognition", "scene": "Name my father", "note": "Sohrab demands his father’s name from his mother. The threat in his words is preserved in the evidence.", "via": null, "ref": "B8.5.7", "evidence": [{"id": "B8.5.7", "lines": ["One day he came before his mother’s place,", "And spoke with boldness written in his face:"]}, {"id": "B8.5.8", "lines": ["“Since none among my fellows match my height,", "My head seems raised beyond the heavens’ sight."]}, {"id": "B8.5.9", "lines": ["Tell me the seed and lineage that I bear,", "And name the father whose great blood I share."]}, {"id": "B8.5.10", "lines": ["What shall I say when others ask of me?", "Speak plainly now and hide no mystery."]}, {"id": "B8.5.11", "lines": ["And if you keep this hidden from my sight,", "You shall not live to see another night.”"]}], "original_record": "sp14", "roles": {"women-tahmineh": "child"}}, {"id": "wm10", "source": "tahmineh", "target": "sohrab", "type": "direct", "thread": "recognition", "scene": "Your father is Rostam", "note": "Tahmineh names Rostam and describes Sohrab’s descent. These are the signs he later tries to recognize.", "via": null, "ref": "B8.5.12", "evidence": [{"id": "B8.5.12", "lines": ["His mother said: “Then hear me and rejoice;", "Be not too rash, but listen to my voice."]}, {"id": "B8.5.13", "lines": ["Your father is great Rostam, battle-tried,", "The Piltan whose renown spreads far and wide."]}, {"id": "B8.5.14", "lines": ["From Dastan, Sahm, and Nariman you spring,", "Renowned stock fit to stand beside a king."]}, {"id": "B8.5.15", "lines": ["Since the World-Creator set the world in frame,", "No rider yet has matched your father’s fame."]}, {"id": "B8.5.16", "lines": ["No peer to Sahm was known beneath the sky;", "The sphere itself dared not approach so high.”"]}], "original_record": "sp15", "roles": {"women-tahmineh": "child"}}, {"id": "wm11", "source": "farangis", "target": "afrasiab", "type": "direct", "thread": "power", "scene": "A daughter pleads for Siavash", "note": "Farangis comes before her father and asks him not to kill Siavash. Her warning is direct speech to the Shah.", "via": null, "ref": "B9.54.1", "evidence": [{"id": "B9.54.1", "lines": ["The news reached Farangis; her cheek she tore,", "A bloodied zunnar round her waist she wore."]}, {"id": "B9.54.2", "lines": ["On foot she came, her moon-bright face blood-stained,", "By grief and terror all her beauty waned."]}, {"id": "B9.54.3", "lines": ["In trembling fear she came before the throne,", "And cast dust on her head with anguished moan."]}, {"id": "B9.54.4", "lines": ["She cried: “O king, whose name the wise proclaim,", "Why bring me down to sorrow, grief, and shame?"]}, {"id": "B9.54.5", "lines": ["Why bind your heart in fraud and dark deceit?", "From such a height, do you not see defeat?"]}, {"id": "B9.54.6", "lines": ["Do not strike down a guiltless monarch’s head;", "The Judge of Sun and Moon sees blood you shed."]}, {"id": "B9.54.7", "lines": ["When Siavash left Iran to seek your aid,", "He praised you to the Maker as he prayed."]}, {"id": "B9.54.8", "lines": ["He angered Kavus, left his crown and gold,", "And sought your court as refuge and stronghold."]}, {"id": "B9.54.9", "lines": ["What fault have you perceived in him that you", "Now turn from justice and from what is due?"]}, {"id": "B9.54.10", "lines": ["Who severs from a king his crowned head", "Will not sit long where royal carpets spread."]}, {"id": "B9.54.11", "lines": ["Do not wrong me as well, for life is brief;", "This passing world is only wind and grief."]}, {"id": "B9.54.12", "lines": ["One guiltless man is cast into a pit,", "While guilty men on royal thrones may sit."]}, {"id": "B9.54.13", "lines": ["But both at last lie level in the clay,", "Within the darkened grave they fade away."]}, {"id": "B9.54.14", "lines": ["Do not become the mockery of men", "Through Garsivaz, whose poisoned words condemn."]}], "original_record": "sp31", "roles": {"women-farangis": "kin"}}, {"id": "wm12", "source": "manijeh", "target": "rostam", "type": "direct", "thread": "love", "scene": "Carry news of Bijan", "note": "Manijeh asks the apparent merchant for news and help. The addressed person is Rostam in disguise; she does not yet know that identity.", "via": null, "ref": "C2.22.1", "evidence": [{"id": "C2.22.1", "lines": ["News reached Manijeh of the caravan;", "To seek the merchant, into town she ran."]}, {"id": "C2.22.2", "lines": ["Bareheaded, weeping, worn with grief, heart-sore,", "Afrasiab’s daughter came to his door."]}, {"id": "C2.22.3", "lines": ["She wiped her bloody tears upon her sleeve,", "And blessed him, asking what news she might receive:"]}, {"id": "C2.22.8", "lines": ["What news have you of warriors of Iran,", "Of Giv, Gudarz, and every Pahlevan?"]}, {"id": "C2.22.9", "lines": ["Has news of Bijan not reached Iran’s ear?", "Will not his grandfather bring rescue here?"]}, {"id": "C2.22.10", "lines": ["That youth, a scion of Gudarz’s line,", "Is bowed by pain that seems to break his spine."]}, {"id": "C2.22.11", "lines": ["His feet are galled by fetters’ crushing bands;", "The blacksmiths’ iron rivets bind his hands."]}, {"id": "C2.22.12", "lines": ["Poor wretch, his garments with his blood are wet;", "He lies in chains, his bonds about him set."]}, {"id": "C2.22.13", "lines": ["His lamentations fill my eyes with tears;", "No sleep can soothe my care for him, my fears."]}, {"id": "C2.22.14", "lines": ["If you should travel to Iran one day,", "Where famous men and mighty warriors stay,"]}, {"id": "C2.22.15", "lines": ["And see Giv there before the royal throne,", "Or valiant Rostam, let his plight be known."]}, {"id": "C2.22.16", "lines": ["Tell them that Bijan languishes in chains;", "Delay will only multiply his pains.”"]}], "original_record": "sp35", "roles": {"women-manijeh": "power"}}, {"id": "wm13", "source": "rostam", "target": "manijeh", "type": "direct", "thread": "love", "scene": "The merchant denies knowing", "note": "Rostam, maintaining his merchant disguise, denies knowledge of the Iranian court. This is a spoken denial within a disguise, not a statement of fact.", "via": null, "ref": "C2.22.17", "evidence": [{"id": "C2.22.17", "lines": ["Alarmed by what she said, he raised a cry,", "And shouted harshly at her in reply:"]}, {"id": "C2.22.18", "lines": ["“Be off!” he cried. “I do not know Khosrow,", "Nor that brave chief, nor how his fortunes go."]}, {"id": "C2.22.19", "lines": ["Of Giv and of Gudarz I know no word;", "My brain is emptied by the talk I heard.”"]}], "original_record": "sp36", "roles": {"women-manijeh": "power"}}, {"id": "wm14", "source": "bijan", "target": "manijeh", "type": "direct", "thread": "love", "scene": "Where did you find this food?", "note": "Bijan calls from the pit to ask Manijeh about the food she has brought.", "via": null, "ref": "C2.23.1", "evidence": [{"id": "C2.23.1", "lines": ["Manijeh hurried to the pit and pressed", "The dishes that she carried to her breast."]}, {"id": "C2.23.2", "lines": ["As she received it, wrapped and tightly bound,", "She passed the food to Bijan underground."]}, {"id": "C2.23.3", "lines": ["Bijan looked up in wonder from the ground;", "His call rose from the pit, a startled sound."]}, {"id": "C2.23.4", "lines": ["He called: “O sun-faced maiden, tell me true,", "Where did you find this food, so fine and new?"]}, {"id": "C2.23.5", "lines": ["What toil and hardship for my sake you bear,", "Forever roaming, bowed by grief and care!”"]}], "original_record": "sp37", "roles": {"women-manijeh": "beloved"}}, {"id": "wm15", "source": "manijeh", "target": "bijan", "type": "direct", "thread": "love", "scene": "The merchant and the meal", "note": "Manijeh tells Bijan about the merchant and his gift. The merchant’s instructions are quoted within her report, not counted as another live conversation here.", "via": null, "ref": "C2.23.6", "evidence": [{"id": "C2.23.6", "lines": ["Manijeh said: “Among the caravan", "There is a merchant, a widely known man."]}, {"id": "C2.23.7", "lines": ["From Iran into Turan, seeking gain,", "He bore a heavy load of grief and pain."]}, {"id": "C2.23.8", "lines": ["A worthy man, discerning and refined,", "With jewels of each precious sort combined."]}, {"id": "C2.23.9", "lines": ["He has a spacious place to sell his store,", "A lodging set before the palace door."]}, {"id": "C2.23.10", "lines": ["He gave this food to me just as you see,", "And said: ‘Before the Maker pray for me."]}, {"id": "C2.23.11", "lines": ["Go to the dungeon, to the man in chains,", "Take all else that he needs to ease his pains.’”"]}], "original_record": "sp38", "roles": {"women-manijeh": "beloved"}}, {"id": "wm16", "source": "bijan", "target": "manijeh", "type": "direct", "thread": "love", "scene": "An apology and restored trust", "note": "Bijan apologizes to Manijeh and tells her that the merchant has come to rescue him. Her intervening lament addresses the Creator and is not mislabeled as a turn to Bijan.", "via": null, "ref": "C2.23.34", "evidence": [{"id": "C2.23.34", "lines": ["Bijan replied: “The truth is on your side;", "For me you lost your fortune and your pride."]}, {"id": "C2.23.35", "lines": ["I should not have said that, beloved friend,", "Prudent companion, faithful to the end."]}, {"id": "C2.23.36", "lines": ["Counsel me in all things; grief and pain", "Have clouded wit and judgment in my brain."]}, {"id": "C2.23.37", "lines": ["That jewel-merchant, he who gave last night", "The roasted bird, has come to end my plight."]}, {"id": "C2.23.38", "lines": ["He came to Turan for my sake alone;", "He had no need of any precious stone."]}], "original_record": "sp39", "roles": {"women-manijeh": "beloved"}}, {"id": "wm17", "source": "katayun", "target": "esfandiyar", "type": "direct", "thread": "family", "scene": "Do not give your life for a crown", "note": "Katayun warns her son against the mission and asks him to hear his mother.", "via": null, "ref": "C8.4.1", "evidence": [{"id": "C8.4.1", "lines": ["Much moved, with tearful cheeks, Katayun came", "Before her glorious son and spoke his name."]}, {"id": "C8.4.2", "lines": ["She said, “O crown of warriors, famed in fight,", "Whose name among the chiefs burns ever bright,"]}, {"id": "C8.4.3", "lines": ["Bahman has told me you intend to ride", "From this rose-garden toward Zabul’s side,"]}, {"id": "C8.4.4", "lines": ["And bind great Rostam, gorz and sword in hand,", "The son of Zal, whom you would now withstand."]}, {"id": "C8.4.5", "lines": ["Now hear the words your mother brings today;", "Do not rush into evil on your way."]}, {"id": "C8.4.10", "lines": ["Do not give up your life for royal power;", "No newborn wears a crown in his first hour."]}, {"id": "C8.4.11", "lines": ["A curse upon this crown and royal throne,", "On killing, pillage, tumult they have sown!"]}, {"id": "C8.4.12", "lines": ["Your father now is old, while you are young,", "With strength and valor through your sinews strung."]}, {"id": "C8.4.13", "lines": ["The army turns its gaze upon your face;", "Do not through anger fall into disgrace."]}, {"id": "C8.4.14", "lines": ["The world has places other than that land", "Of Sistan; do not raise a reckless hand."]}, {"id": "C8.4.15", "lines": ["Do not make me mourn in life and after death;", "Hear your mother’s grief in every breath.”"]}], "original_record": "sp42", "roles": {"women-katayun": "child"}}, {"id": "wm18", "source": "esfandiyar", "target": "katayun", "type": "direct", "thread": "family", "scene": "Wrong, yet commanded", "note": "Esfandiyar admits the wrong of binding Rostam but says he cannot abandon the Shah’s command.", "via": null, "ref": "C8.4.16", "evidence": [{"id": "C8.4.16", "lines": ["Esfandiyar replied, “My mother dear,", "Attend my words and keep your judgment clear."]}, {"id": "C8.4.17", "lines": ["Great Rostam is the man you know so well;", "His deeds, like sacred Zand, you read and tell."]}, {"id": "C8.4.18", "lines": ["Search all the heroes, wander where you may;", "No greater benefactor comes your way."]}, {"id": "C8.4.19", "lines": ["To bind him is a wrong, a deed of shame;", "Such evil ill becomes the royal name."]}, {"id": "C8.4.20", "lines": ["Yet do not break my heart with what you say;", "To break my heart would take my life away."]}, {"id": "C8.4.21", "lines": ["How can I turn from what the Shah commands,", "And cast away such kingship from my hands?"]}, {"id": "C8.4.22", "lines": ["If Zabul marks the ending of my days,", "Then heaven draws me there through all its ways."]}, {"id": "C8.4.23", "lines": ["If Rostam comes obedient to my word,", "No harsh rebuke from me shall then be heard.”"]}], "original_record": "sp43", "roles": {"women-katayun": "child"}}, {"id": "wm19", "source": "gordafarid", "target": "sohrab", "type": "direct", "scene": "A way out of the snare", "note": "Gordafarid appeals to Sohrab’s reputation to escape captivity. This is tactical persuasion, not an unconditional offer of surrender.", "via": null, "roles": {"women-gordafarid": "power"}, "ref": "B8.9.41", "evidence": [{"id": "B8.9.41", "lines": ["She saw no path but cunning left to choose,", "And shaped her words, determined not to lose:"]}, {"id": "B8.9.42", "lines": ["“O lion among warriors, hear me well;", "Two armies watch, and what they see they tell."]}, {"id": "B8.9.43", "lines": ["Now that my face and loosened hair are shown,", "What honor comes from pressing me alone?"]}, {"id": "B8.9.44", "lines": ["Men will declare you drove me from the field,", "And forced a maiden warrior to yield."]}, {"id": "B8.9.45", "lines": ["Do not prolong this struggle to your shame,", "Or let a woman’s battle stain your name."]}, {"id": "B8.9.46", "lines": ["Let silence hide what happened on this plain,", "And spare yourself dishonor and disdain."]}, {"id": "B8.9.47", "lines": ["Let wisdom rule; it is the great man’s art,", "Invite no blame before these ranks depart."]}, {"id": "B8.9.48", "lines": ["This fortress, wealth, and all its guarded store", "Are yours already; why seek battle more?"]}, {"id": "B8.9.49", "lines": ["The army and the fortress are your prize;", "Choose peace when peace is offered to the wise.”"]}]}, {"id": "wm20", "source": "sohrab", "target": "gordafarid", "type": "direct", "scene": "Trust neither promise nor walls", "note": "Sohrab answers Gordafarid’s proposed peace with a demand and a threat against the fortress.", "via": null, "roles": {"women-gordafarid": "power"}, "ref": "B8.9.53", "evidence": [{"id": "B8.9.53", "lines": ["Then Sohrab said: “Stand firm by what you swore;", "You saw my strength upon the field of war."]}, {"id": "B8.9.54", "lines": ["Trust not these walls, however high they rise;", "No fortress wall can reach the wheeling skies."]}, {"id": "B8.9.55", "lines": ["My gopal’s blow will cast them to the ground;", "My spear will leave their ruined stones around.”"]}]}, {"id": "wm21", "source": "sudabeh", "target": "kay_kavus", "type": "direct", "scene": "The warning before the feast", "note": "Sudabeh warns Kavus that her father intends a trap. The following narration says Kavus does not heed her warning.", "via": null, "roles": {"women-sudabeh": "beloved"}, "ref": "B6.3.6", "evidence": [{"id": "B6.3.6", "lines": ["But fair Sudabeh saw the snare ahead,", "And warned the Shah of treachery and dread:"]}, {"id": "B6.3.7", "lines": ["“This bodes no good; you must not share his board,", "Lest treachery be planned against you, lord."]}, {"id": "B6.3.8", "lines": ["Beneath the feast they mean to seize you fast,", "And bind you without cause when trust is cast."]}, {"id": "B6.3.9", "lines": ["For my sake only is this mischief sown,", "And grief will fall upon your crown and throne.”"]}, {"id": "B6.3.10", "lines": ["He heeded not her warning or her plan,", "And held her people scarcely worth a man."]}]}, {"id": "wm22", "source": "sudabeh", "target": "siavash", "type": "direct", "scene": "A troubling welcome", "note": "Sudabeh praises Siavash on his arrival in the women’s hall. The framing narration describes his unease at the embrace and her desire; this is not treated as an ordinary maternal greeting.", "via": null, "roles": {"women-sudabeh": "child"}, "ref": "B9.7.23", "evidence": [{"id": "B9.7.23", "lines": ["And when the prince drew near, she left her seat,", "And came alone, with graceful steps, to meet."]}, {"id": "B9.7.24", "lines": ["She bowed to him, then took him in embrace,", "And held him long before her moon-bright face."]}, {"id": "B9.7.25", "lines": ["She kissed his eyes and face with lingering sight,", "And could not tire of gazing on that light."]}, {"id": "B9.7.26", "lines": ["She said: “A hundred thanks to Yazdan now I raise;", "By day, through three night watches, still I praise."]}, {"id": "B9.7.27", "lines": ["No man has ever had a son your peer;", "No Shah possessed such kin in any year.”"]}, {"id": "B9.7.28", "lines": ["But Siavash perceived what lay concealed,", "And knew what kind of love her words revealed."]}, {"id": "B9.7.29", "lines": ["He knew such love ran counter to Yazdan’s way,", "And would not let his judgment go astray."]}, {"id": "B9.7.30", "lines": ["He hastened to his sisters from her sight,", "For all that passed within seemed far from right."]}]}, {"id": "wm23", "source": "faranak_abtin", "target": "herdsman", "type": "direct", "scene": "Keep this nursing child safe", "note": "Faranak entrusts her infant to Barmayeh’s keeper. The keeper is identified by role, not by an invented personal name.", "via": null, "roles": {"women-faranak_abtin": "ally"}, "ref": "A5.3.17", "evidence": [{"id": "A5.3.17", "lines": ["She sought the meadow where Barmayeh fed,", "And wept before the herdsman as she said:"]}, {"id": "A5.3.18", "lines": ["“Protect this nursing child and keep him near;", "Receive him as a father; hold him dear."]}, {"id": "A5.3.19", "lines": ["Nourish my son on Barmayeh’s rich flow,", "And guard the child wherever he may go."]}, {"id": "A5.3.20", "lines": ["If payment you desire, my life I give;", "Ask what you will; only let my child live.”"]}]}, {"id": "wm24", "source": "herdsman", "target": "faranak_abtin", "type": "direct", "scene": "The keeper’s pledge", "note": "The keeper promises to protect Faranak’s son.", "via": null, "roles": {"women-faranak_abtin": "ally"}, "ref": "A5.3.21", "evidence": [{"id": "A5.3.21", "lines": ["The herdsman said, “Your wish shall be obeyed;", "Like one who serves your son, I pledge my aid.”"]}, {"id": "A5.3.22", "lines": ["She left her infant son within his care;", "He was to guard the child from every snare."]}]}, {"id": "wm25", "source": "faranak_abtin", "target": "holy_man", "type": "direct", "scene": "Another refuge for her son", "note": "After danger reaches the first refuge, Faranak asks the holy man on Alborz to raise and protect her child.", "via": null, "roles": {"women-faranak_abtin": "ally"}, "ref": "A5.3.32", "evidence": [{"id": "A5.3.32", "lines": ["Upon Alborz a holy man had made", "His dwelling, far from worldly toil and trade."]}, {"id": "A5.3.33", "lines": ["To him she said: “O man of sacred way,", "A grieving mother stands by you today."]}, {"id": "A5.3.34", "lines": ["This precious child shall lead the world one day,", "And bring Zahhak’s dark kingship to decay."]}, {"id": "A5.3.35", "lines": ["He shall cast the tyrant’s crown and power low,", "And strip the royal girdle from his foe."]}, {"id": "A5.3.36", "lines": ["Take him and raise him as a father would,", "And guard his life with all a father should.”"]}]}, {"id": "wm26", "source": "forood", "target": "jarireh", "type": "direct", "scene": "An army below the fortress", "note": "Forood asks his mother how to respond to the approaching Iranian army.", "via": null, "roles": {"women-jarireh": "child"}, "ref": "B12.3.15", "evidence": [{"id": "B12.3.15", "lines": ["Then young Forood, by grief and care oppressed,", "Approached his mother, whom he thus addressed:"]}, {"id": "B12.3.16", "lines": ["“From Iran comes an army bold and grand,", "Its koust and elephants at Tus’s command."]}, {"id": "B12.3.17", "lines": ["What shall we do? What plan should we enact,", "Before their army moves to swift attack?”"]}]}, {"id": "wm27", "source": "jarireh", "target": "forood", "type": "direct", "scene": "Ride with your brother", "note": "Jarireh urges Forood to join his half-brother Kay Khosrow’s cause. This excerpt records her counsel, not the outcome that follows.", "via": null, "roles": {"women-jarireh": "child"}, "ref": "B12.3.18", "evidence": [{"id": "B12.3.18", "lines": ["Jarireh answered: “Warrior, may your days", "Be fortunate beneath Heaven’s bright gaze."]}, {"id": "B12.3.19", "lines": ["Your brother now commands Iran’s great throne,", "Wise, vigilant Khosrow, world-ruler known."]}, {"id": "B12.3.20", "lines": ["Your lineage and native worth he knows,", "From Siavash the blood in both you flows."]}, {"id": "B12.3.21", "lines": ["No champion like Siavash ever rode,", "Or girded for the warrior’s heavy load."]}, {"id": "B12.3.22", "lines": ["Great Piran gave me first to Siavash;", "For never did his heart with rivals clash."]}, {"id": "B12.3.23", "lines": ["Thus from both sides your blood is nobly born,", "A royal lineage no man may scorn."]}, {"id": "B12.3.24", "lines": ["You are the son of that renowned great line,", "Of Kayan seed and Kayan form and sign."]}, {"id": "B12.3.25", "lines": ["You should be foremost in the coming fight,", "And strike at Turan for your father’s right."]}, {"id": "B12.3.26", "lines": ["Put Roman khaftan on your warrior frame,", "And let revenge within your spirit flame."]}, {"id": "B12.3.27", "lines": ["Your brother is new Shah beneath the sky;", "Be you new avenger; raise the battle cry."]}, {"id": "B12.3.33", "lines": ["Your face proclaims your gohar, birth, and line;", "Avenge your father; let your nezhad shine."]}, {"id": "B12.3.34", "lines": ["Learn which great chiefs lead forth the marching train,", "And honor those who highest praise attain."]}, {"id": "B12.3.35", "lines": ["Set forth rich robes and spread the wine-filled board,", "And honor every worthy chief and lord."]}, {"id": "B12.3.36", "lines": ["Give robes of honor, treasure from your side,", "For Kay Khosrow is all your strength and pride."]}, {"id": "B12.3.37", "lines": ["Let strangers not avenge your father’s right;", "Ride with your brother foremost in the fight.”"]}]}, {"id": "wm28", "source": "humai_bahman", "target": "darab", "type": "direct", "scene": "Forgive the wrong that has passed", "note": "Homahyi Chehrzad asks Darab’s pardon at his coronation. The self-criticism in the quoted speech is hers, not an assessment assigned by this graph.", "via": null, "roles": {"women-humai_bahman": "child"}, "ref": "D2.7.14", "evidence": [{"id": "D2.7.14", "lines": ["His crown shone bright; she asked her royal son", "To pardon all the wrong that she had done."]}, {"id": "D2.7.15", "lines": ["She told Darab, “Let all that passed away", "Be like the wind that does not pause or stay."]}, {"id": "D2.7.16", "lines": ["Youth, wealth, a woman’s judgment led her astray;", "A father dead, no guide to show the way."]}, {"id": "D2.7.17", "lines": ["Forgive her wrong; let blame upon her cease;", "May you sit only on a throne in peace.”"]}]}, {"id": "wm29", "source": "darab", "target": "humai_bahman", "type": "direct", "scene": "Darab’s answer", "note": "Darab answers his mother’s plea for forgiveness.", "via": null, "roles": {"women-humai_bahman": "child"}, "ref": "D2.7.18", "evidence": [{"id": "D2.7.18", "lines": ["The youth replied, “Your noble birth is known;", "The Pahlevans’ great lineage is your own."]}, {"id": "D2.7.19", "lines": ["No wonder if the heart should seethe with pain;", "For one wrong, why should such a cry remain?"]}, {"id": "D2.7.20", "lines": ["May God, who made the world, be pleased with you;", "May grief like smoke your foes’ dark hearts imbue."]}, {"id": "D2.7.21", "lines": ["These words of mine shall live from age to age,", "And never grow outworn upon the page.”"]}]}, {"id": "wm30", "source": "humai_bahman", "target": "humai_court", "type": "direct", "scene": "Yielding the crown", "note": "Homahyi Chehrzad identifies Bahman’s heir to the assembled chiefs and asks them to obey Darab. The addressee is a collective audience, not a single named person.", "via": null, "roles": {"women-humai_bahman": "public"}, "ref": "D2.7.23", "evidence": [{"id": "D2.7.23", "lines": ["She bade the chief Mobad summon the wise,", "From every province under Iran’s skies."]}, {"id": "D2.7.24", "lines": ["She summoned all the chiefs of martial fame,", "The lions armed with swords, to hail his name."]}, {"id": "D2.7.25", "lines": ["She bade them bless him, king of all the land,", "And all acclaimed him at her own command."]}, {"id": "D2.7.26", "lines": ["They blessed his crown, then scattered jewels bright", "Upon the throne, a shower of colored light."]}, {"id": "D2.7.27", "lines": ["Homahyi then revealed what she had done,", "And all the anguish suffered for her son."]}, {"id": "D2.7.28", "lines": ["She said, “Of mighty Bahman’s royal line,", "This prince remains its sole surviving sign."]}, {"id": "D2.7.29", "lines": ["You must obey whatever he commands;", "He is the shepherd of the warrior bands."]}, {"id": "D2.7.30", "lines": ["His are the greatness, diadem, and throne;", "Rely on him; his strength shall be your own.”"]}]}, {"id": "wm31", "source": "ardeshir", "target": "golnar", "type": "direct", "scene": "Will you take this road with me?", "note": "Ardeshir asks whether Golnar will leave Ardavan’s court with him.", "via": null, "roles": {"women-golnar": "beloved"}, "ref": "D6.5.45", "evidence": [{"id": "D6.5.45", "lines": ["He thought of flight and asked, “If I leave Rey,", "And seek Iran, where brave men lead the way,"]}, {"id": "D6.5.46", "lines": ["Will you come with me on that dangerous road,", "Or stay and serve the king in this abode?"]}, {"id": "D6.5.47", "lines": ["If you will come, great wealth shall be your own;", "And you shall be the crown upon the throne.”"]}]}, {"id": "wm32", "source": "golnar", "target": "ardeshir", "type": "direct", "scene": "Golnar’s pledge", "note": "Golnar’s pledge is direct speech. The preceding prophecy is reported speech and is not independently expanded into another exchange here.", "via": null, "roles": {"women-golnar": "beloved"}, "ref": "D6.5.48", "evidence": [{"id": "D6.5.48", "lines": ["She pledged to stay with him until she died:", "“I am your slave; I shall not leave your side.”"]}, {"id": "D6.5.49", "lines": ["Cold sighs escaped her lips as thus she spoke;", "From both her eyes the yellow teardrops broke."]}]}, {"id": "wm33", "source": "gordyeh", "target": "khosrow_parviz", "type": "direct", "scene": "Let me show my skill", "note": "Gurdiyeh asks Khosrow Parviz to watch her display. Later interruptions by Shirin address the king, not Gurdiyeh.", "via": null, "roles": {"women-gordyeh": "beloved"}, "ref": "E6.48.10", "evidence": [{"id": "E6.48.10", "lines": ["Gurdiyeh neared the Shah and asked a Turk", "For jowshan, Roman helm, for battle’s work."]}, {"id": "E6.48.11", "lines": ["She left her seat, came forth equipped to fight,", "A spear in hand, prepared to show her might."]}, {"id": "E6.48.12", "lines": ["She said, “My king, permit me now to show;", "Watch closely; may you never suffer woe.”"]}]}, {"id": "wm34", "source": "shirin", "target": "khosrow_parviz", "type": "direct", "scene": "Why give her weapons?", "note": "Shirin questions the danger of arming Gurdiyeh. She speaks to Khosrow, not to Gurdiyeh.", "via": null, "roles": {"women-shirin": "beloved"}, "ref": "E6.48.17", "evidence": [{"id": "E6.48.17", "lines": ["Then Shirin said, “Why arm her so, O king?", "Her brother’s death may give her wrath its wing."]}, {"id": "E6.48.18", "lines": ["I fear she broods on Bahram’s bitter fate,", "And may turn all that fury into hate."]}, {"id": "E6.48.19", "lines": ["You sit in robes upon your throne of gold,", "While she rides past, with weapons in her hold.”"]}]}, {"id": "wm35", "source": "khosrow_parviz", "target": "shirin", "type": "direct", "scene": "Expect her friendship", "note": "Khosrow answers Shirin’s concern about Gurdiyeh.", "via": null, "roles": {"women-shirin": "beloved"}, "ref": "E6.48.20", "evidence": [{"id": "E6.48.20", "lines": ["The Shah laughed, answering Shirin with a smile:", "“Expect her friendship, free of hate or guile.”"]}]}, {"id": "wm36", "source": "purandokht", "target": "purandokht_court", "type": "direct", "scene": "A promise to the realm", "note": "Poorandokht’s accession speech addresses those gathered at her enthronement. The audience is shown as a collective.", "via": null, "roles": {"women-purandokht": "public"}, "ref": "E9.4.1", "evidence": [{"id": "E9.4.1", "lines": ["Poorandokht was her name; when she ascended,", "To heal the realm her royal care extended."]}, {"id": "E9.4.2", "lines": ["They seated her upon the royal throne,", "And chiefs spread jewels where her glory shone."]}, {"id": "E9.4.3", "lines": ["She said, “I will not break this gathered band,", "Nor scatter those who now before me stand."]}, {"id": "E9.4.4", "lines": ["I will enrich the poor from royal store,", "That none need suffer hardship anymore."]}, {"id": "E9.4.5", "lines": ["May no one in this realm endure such pain;", "His grief is mine; beside him I remain."]}, {"id": "E9.4.6", "lines": ["From all our land, our foes shall be expelled;", "The customs of our kings shall be upheld.”"]}]}, {"id": "wm37", "source": "azarmidokht", "target": "sages_veterans", "type": "direct", "scene": "Law and its promised consequences", "note": "Azarmidokht addresses the sages and veterans. Her speech promises support for loyal followers and threatens punishment for those who break her pledge.", "via": null, "roles": {"women-azarmidokht": "public"}, "ref": "E9.5.1", "evidence": [{"id": "E9.5.1", "lines": ["Another lady, Azarmidokht by name,", "Assumed the crown and rose to royal fame."]}, {"id": "E9.5.2", "lines": ["She sat upon the Kayanian throne,", "And made the world’s dominion all her own."]}, {"id": "E9.5.3", "lines": ["Her first words were: “O sages, veterans all,", "Who know the world’s affairs, how fortunes fall,"]}, {"id": "E9.5.4", "lines": ["We shall uphold the ancient law with pride,", "Till in the grave, on bricks, our heads abide."]}, {"id": "E9.5.5", "lines": ["To those who love me I shall be a stay,", "A lord who will sustain them, come what may."]}, {"id": "E9.5.6", "lines": ["But he who breaks my pledge forsakes the road", "Of wisdom and rejects the rightful code;"]}, {"id": "E9.5.7", "lines": ["I shall hang him, shamed, on the gallows high,", "Iranian, Arab, Roman; he shall die.”"]}]}, {"id": "wm38", "source": "kaidafa", "target": "iskandar", "type": "direct", "scene": "I know who you are", "note": "Kaydafa exposes Iskandar’s disguise. The partner is the actual Iskandar, even though he claims to be Bitlqun.", "via": null, "roles": {"women-kaidafa": "power"}, "ref": "D5.20.75", "evidence": [{"id": "D5.20.75", "lines": ["Kaydafa said: “Enough of this dispute;", "You are Iskandar; let your lips be mute."]}, {"id": "D5.20.76", "lines": ["If you should see your face before your eyes,", "Cease all your tricks, and let no anger rise.”"]}, {"id": "D5.20.77", "lines": ["She laid the silk before him, where was shown", "His pleasing likeness, clearly his alone."]}, {"id": "D5.20.78", "lines": ["If but the painted image stirred at all,", "It would be Shah Iskandar in the hall."]}, {"id": "D5.20.79", "lines": ["He bit his lip; his day grew dark as night,", "To see his hidden scheme exposed to light."]}]}, {"id": "wm39", "source": "iskandar", "target": "kaidafa", "type": "direct", "scene": "The envoy denies his identity", "note": "Iskandar insists that he is Bitlqun. The graph records his denial without accepting it as his identity.", "via": null, "roles": {"women-kaidafa": "power"}, "ref": "D5.20.69", "evidence": [{"id": "D5.20.69", "lines": ["She said: “O son of Faylaqus, you share", "Both feast and fight, both joy and bitter care.”"]}, {"id": "D5.20.70", "lines": ["Iskandar paled; his soul in anguish grew;", "His cheeks, once bright, took on a lapis hue."]}, {"id": "D5.20.71", "lines": ["He said: “O queen of wisdom, such a word", "From one like you should never have been heard."]}, {"id": "D5.20.72", "lines": ["I thank Yazdan that no great chief came here", "Beside me, where your words would reach his ear."]}, {"id": "D5.20.73", "lines": ["He would have borne this news before the throne,", "And swiftly made my life no more my own."]}, {"id": "D5.20.74", "lines": ["Bitlqun am I, steward of all you see;", "No son of Faylaqus should you call me.”"]}]}, {"id": "wm40", "source": "kaidafa", "target": "iskandar", "type": "direct", "scene": "Courage is not a claim to the world", "note": "Kaydafa challenges Iskandar’s self-assurance and urges restraint. The excerpt ends within her longer address.", "via": null, "roles": {"women-kaidafa": "power"}, "ref": "D5.21.1", "evidence": [{"id": "D5.21.1", "lines": ["Kaydafa smiled to see his lion’s pride,", "And spoke with gentle wisdom at his side."]}, {"id": "D5.21.2", "lines": ["She said: “O lion-hearted king, take care;", "Let not your valor lead you to a snare."]}, {"id": "D5.21.3", "lines": ["Not by your glory fell King Foor of Hind,", "Or Dara, Darab’s son, or chiefs of Sind."]}, {"id": "D5.21.4", "lines": ["The fortune of those mighty kings grew small;", "Your star bestowed the greater share of all."]}, {"id": "D5.21.5", "lines": ["Your valor made you reckless in your pride,", "Since time and earth have served you far and wide."]}, {"id": "D5.21.6", "lines": ["Acknowledge God as giver of all good,", "And thank Him all your life, as all men should."]}, {"id": "D5.21.7", "lines": ["You claim through wisdom all the world is due", "To you; I do not find that claim is true."]}, {"id": "D5.21.8", "lines": ["What profit has your wisdom brought to you,", "When you disguise yourself as envoys do?"]}, {"id": "D5.21.9", "lines": ["You walk within the dragon’s breath today;", "In youth you sew your shroud along the way."]}, {"id": "D5.21.10", "lines": ["But bloodshed and a reckless war with kings", "Are not the harvest that my counsel brings."]}, {"id": "D5.21.11", "lines": ["A king with power, if he would be just,", "Shows mercy, as the wise and righteous must."]}, {"id": "D5.21.12", "lines": ["The man who spills a king’s blood in his ire", "Shall reap at last the punishment of fire."]}, {"id": "D5.21.13", "lines": ["Go peacefully and take the homeward way,", "Then turn to some new task without delay."]}, {"id": "D5.21.14", "lines": ["For nevermore shall you as envoy ride,", "Since all the earth will know the face you hide."]}]}, {"id": "wm41", "source": "simorgh_guardian", "target": "zal", "type": "direct", "scene": "The foster mother lets him go", "note": "The nurturing Simorgh tells Zal to join Sahm. This is the guardian bird, distinct from the bird slain by Esfandiyar.", "via": null, "roles": {"women-simorgh_guardian": "child"}, "ref": "A7.3.51", "evidence": [{"id": "A7.3.51", "lines": ["The Simorgh gazed from Alborz’ lofty height,", "And saw Sahm’s company come into sight."]}, {"id": "A7.3.52", "lines": ["She knew he came to seek the castaway;", "No love for her had brought him there that day."]}, {"id": "A7.3.53", "lines": ["She said, “O son of Sahm, who shared my lair", "And nest, and learned the hardships of this air,"]}, {"id": "A7.3.54", "lines": ["I was your nurse and mother at your side;", "I was your good support, your strength and guide."]}, {"id": "A7.3.55", "lines": ["I named you Dastan for your father’s guile,", "For through his guile he cast you out awhile."]}, {"id": "A7.3.56", "lines": ["When you return, make that same naming known,", "And let your father know the name you own."]}, {"id": "A7.3.57", "lines": ["Your father Sahm is champion world-renowned,", "Among the great no nobler chief is found."]}, {"id": "A7.3.58", "lines": ["He comes upon this mountain seeking you;", "Your honor in his keeping will prove true."]}, {"id": "A7.3.59", "lines": ["The time has come; now safely you must go,", "To where your father waits for you below.”"]}]}, {"id": "wm42", "source": "zal", "target": "simorgh_guardian", "type": "direct", "scene": "My gratitude is due to you", "note": "Zal addresses the Simorgh who raised him, grieving at their separation.", "via": null, "roles": {"women-simorgh_guardian": "child"}, "ref": "A7.3.60", "evidence": [{"id": "A7.3.60", "lines": ["The young man heard; his eyes ran full of tears,", "His heart grew heavy with the grief of years."]}, {"id": "A7.3.61", "lines": ["Though never yet had human speech been heard,", "From Simorgh he had learned the spoken word."]}, {"id": "A7.3.62", "lines": ["He spoke in Simorgh’s manner, clear and bold,", "Rich in deep wisdom and in knowledge old."]}, {"id": "A7.3.63", "lines": ["His speech, good sense, and judgment all were sound;", "And God had wrapped his frame in strength profound."]}, {"id": "A7.3.64", "lines": ["Then Dastan asked the Simorgh, “Can it be", "You tire of my companionship and me?"]}, {"id": "A7.3.65", "lines": ["Your nest has been my royal place of light;", "Your wings, the farr that makes my crown shine bright."]}, {"id": "A7.3.66", "lines": ["Next after God, my gratitude is due", "To you, who made each hardship easy too.”"]}]}, {"id": "wm43", "source": "simorgh_guardian", "target": "zal", "type": "direct", "scene": "A feather and a promise", "note": "The Simorgh gives Zal a means of summoning her in danger.", "via": null, "roles": {"women-simorgh_guardian": "child"}, "ref": "A7.3.67", "evidence": [{"id": "A7.3.67", "lines": ["Simorgh said, “Behold the Kayanian state,", "And learn the royal customs of the great,"]}, {"id": "A7.3.68", "lines": ["Perhaps this nest will not persuade you to stay;", "Go now and test the shifting world and day."]}, {"id": "A7.3.69", "lines": ["I send you not from hatred or from spite;", "I send you toward the throne that is your right."]}, {"id": "A7.3.70", "lines": ["Your staying here would please me, keeping near;", "But kingship is the better path and sphere."]}, {"id": "A7.3.71", "lines": ["Take one of my own feathers with you still;", "Its farr will aid you when you face an ill."]}, {"id": "A7.3.72", "lines": ["If hardship ever comes and brings you fear,", "Or men speak good or evil in your ear,"]}, {"id": "A7.3.73", "lines": ["Then cast one feather straight into the flame;", "Its farr will call me when you speak my name."]}, {"id": "A7.3.74", "lines": ["At once I shall come like cloud across the sky,", "And bear you safely back to Alborz high."]}, {"id": "A7.3.75", "lines": ["Forget not all your nurse’s love for you;", "Your love has torn my heart completely through."]}, {"id": "A7.3.76", "lines": ["Beneath my wing I raised you with my brood,", "As one among my chicks, with shelter and food.”"]}]}, {"id": "wm44", "source": "sindokht", "target": "rudabeh", "type": "direct", "scene": "A mother demands the truth", "note": "Sindokht confronts Rudabeh about the secret gifts and the go-between. One passage appears in both women’s rows, with opposite direction marks.", "via": null, "roles": {"women-sindokht": "child", "women-rudabeh": "kin"}, "ref": "A8.9.31", "evidence": [{"id": "A8.9.31", "lines": ["She sent for Rudabeh; the summons made,", "She struck her face in anguish, sore dismayed."]}, {"id": "A8.9.32", "lines": ["Her two narcissi washed each roseate cheek,", "With tears that shone before she rose to speak:"]}, {"id": "A8.9.33", "lines": ["“O child, bright moon, born for the royal height,", "Why choose the pit and cast the throne from sight?"]}, {"id": "A8.9.34", "lines": ["What lesson have I failed to teach or show?", "What courtly rule have I not made you know?"]}, {"id": "A8.9.35", "lines": ["Why have you wronged me thus? Speak now and say", "Who sent this woman, what has passed this way."]}, {"id": "A8.9.36", "lines": ["For whom are these rich gifts, the ring, the dress?", "What hidden bond drives you to such excess?"]}, {"id": "A8.9.37", "lines": ["The Tazi crown has passed into our hand,", "And brought us good and ill throughout the land."]}, {"id": "A8.9.38", "lines": ["Will you cast your name to winds and let it fly,", "And watch its hard-won honor scatter by?"]}, {"id": "A8.9.39", "lines": ["May I not live to see so black a stain!", "Better no daughter than such lasting pain.”"]}]}, {"id": "wm45", "source": "rudabeh", "target": "sindokht", "type": "direct", "scene": "Rudabeh tells her mother", "note": "Rudabeh explains her love and pledged marriage. Her account of what occurred is recorded as her own speech.", "via": null, "roles": {"women-sindokht": "child", "women-rudabeh": "kin"}, "ref": "A8.9.42", "evidence": [{"id": "A8.9.42", "lines": ["At last she spoke, her voice both soft and clear:", "“O mother wise, whose counsel I revere,"]}, {"id": "A8.9.43", "lines": ["Love crushes down my soul; I cannot rest,", "Its hold has driven peace out of my breast."]}, {"id": "A8.9.44", "lines": ["Had you, my mother, never given me birth,", "No good or evil from me touched the earth."]}, {"id": "A8.9.45", "lines": ["The chief of Zabul now resides nearby,", "And love has set my spirit all awry."]}, {"id": "A8.9.46", "lines": ["The world has narrowed till I cannot hide;", "I weep in open view and deep inside."]}, {"id": "A8.9.47", "lines": ["One hair of his is worth the world entire;", "No treasure equals that which I desire."]}, {"id": "A8.9.48", "lines": ["He came; we saw each other, nothing more;", "No flame between us rose or burned us sore."]}, {"id": "A8.9.49", "lines": ["We pledged ourselves; joined hands confirmed the vow,", "No fear or passing time could break it now."]}, {"id": "A8.9.50", "lines": ["A messenger was sent to Sahm away,", "And bore his answer back to Zal that day."]}, {"id": "A8.9.51", "lines": ["Then for a time he writhed beneath his grief;", "Then heard the sages, and their words brought relief."]}, {"id": "A8.9.52", "lines": ["He gave the messenger rich gifts to bear;", "She brought his full reply into my care."]}, {"id": "A8.9.53", "lines": ["Through this same woman, whose hair you tore,", "Whom you struck down and dragged across the floor,"]}, {"id": "A8.9.54", "lines": ["She brought the letter back again to me;", "These garments were my answer, as you see.”"]}]}, {"id": "wm46", "source": "sindokht", "target": "go_between", "type": "direct", "scene": "Who keeps entering these rooms?", "note": "Sindokht questions the unnamed woman carrying the lovers’ messages. This is Sindokht’s own speech to the messenger, not a message authored by someone else.", "via": null, "roles": {"women-sindokht": "ally"}, "ref": "A8.9.13", "evidence": [{"id": "A8.9.13", "lines": ["But Sindokht saw the woman pass within,", "And spoke at once, her voice both sharp and thin:"]}, {"id": "A8.9.14", "lines": ["“From where do you come? Speak and hide no part.", "You cross these halls too often for my heart."]}, {"id": "A8.9.15", "lines": ["Time after time before my eyes you go,", "Then enter her chamber, yet no greeting show."]}, {"id": "A8.9.16", "lines": ["My heart suspects you; speak without delay:", "Are you the bowstring, or the bow? Now say.”"]}]}, {"id": "wm47", "source": "go_between", "target": "sindokht", "type": "direct", "scene": "The go-between’s explanation", "note": "The unnamed messenger claims to sell jewels and robes. The story subsequently exposes this explanation as false.", "via": null, "roles": {"women-sindokht": "ally"}, "ref": "A8.9.17", "evidence": [{"id": "A8.9.17", "lines": ["Her face grew pale with fear at Sindokht’s sound,", "She bent before her and she kissed the ground."]}, {"id": "A8.9.18", "lines": ["“I earn my living, moving place to place,", "I sell fine goods among your noble race."]}, {"id": "A8.9.19", "lines": ["Rudabeh wished for jewels and robes of state;", "I brought her wares befitting one so great.”"]}]}, {"id": "wm48", "source": "khan_chin", "target": "gordyeh", "type": "relayed", "scene": "A command carried by Tobarg", "note": "Tobarg delivers the Khan’s message: the marriage demand is withdrawn, but Gurdiyeh is forbidden to leave. The source is the Khan, the recipient is Gurdiyeh, and Tobarg is the carrier. The final threat to bind her is a quoted instruction to the carrier, retained as context.", "via": "Tobarg", "roles": {"women-gordyeh": "power"}, "ref": "E6.42.27", "evidence": [{"id": "E6.42.27", "lines": ["Amazed, he said, “The Khan of Chin chose you,", "From all the realm, as noble, wise, and true,"]}, {"id": "E6.42.28", "lines": ["To keep alive the thought of Bahram’s name,", "The chosen mighty horseman of lion fame."]}, {"id": "E6.42.29", "lines": ["He said, ‘That kindness I shall well repay,", "As you will hear in what I have to say.’"]}, {"id": "E6.42.30", "lines": ["He told me, ‘Go to her without delay:", "“If what I asked has seemed too harsh today,"]}, {"id": "E6.42.31", "lines": ["Think of my former suit as words unsaid;", "I have withdrawn the wish that we should wed."]}, {"id": "E6.42.32", "lines": ["Though you desire no husband, you must stay;", "You may not leave this land and ride away.”"]}, {"id": "E6.42.33", "lines": ["Speak thus to her; if she rejects this course,", "Then bind her, since she spurns advice, by force."]}, {"id": "E6.42.34", "lines": ["And bind the one who urged her to this flight,", "Whose words have passed beyond the bounds of right.’”"]}]}, {"id": "wm49", "source": "gordyeh", "target": "tobarg", "type": "direct", "scene": "Let our weapons answer", "note": "Gurdiyeh challenges Tobarg directly before their combat. Her own words are separate from the Khan’s message he has carried.", "via": null, "roles": {"women-gordyeh": "power"}, "ref": "E6.42.35", "evidence": [{"id": "E6.42.35", "lines": ["She answered, “Let us leave the ranks awhile,", "And I will answer you with measured style.”"]}, {"id": "E6.42.36", "lines": ["He rode toward her, leaving all his men;", "She saw that he was quite alone, and then"]}, {"id": "E6.42.37", "lines": ["Beneath her sable helm she showed her face,", "And spoke with royal courage, scorn, and grace."]}, {"id": "E6.42.38", "lines": ["“You saw Chubin’s great horsemanship in fight,", "And marveled at his deeds and all his might."]}, {"id": "E6.42.39", "lines": ["He was both mother and a father dear;", "His days are ended; now I face you here."]}, {"id": "E6.42.40", "lines": ["Now I shall test you; let our weapons show", "If I am fit to wed, and you shall know.”"]}]}]}