Place · The Shahnameh · Volumes I, II, III

Danbar, Mai, Morghدنبر، مای، مرغ

dan-BAR, MAHY, MORGHalso Danbaralso Maialso Morgh

Lands of Hind: Danbar, Mai and Morgh; Mai is also the lord of Danbar who succeeds his brother Jamhur on the throne of Hind. 'Mai and Morgh' also names a district in Sughd (Maymurgh).

In the poem: First at A7.5, Zal Returns to Zabulistan; last at E2.3, Gav, Talkhand, and Chess
Named: 39 times, in 10 sections
Main stories: E2 Chess, Wisdom, and the Kalila and Dimna (19); C4 The Final Afrasiab Wars and the Disappearance of Kay Khosrow (9); A8 The Story of Zal and Rudabeh (4)

In the poem’s own words

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

A7.5

Zal Returns to Zabulistan

The court astrologers foretell a great future for Zal. Manuchehr loads Sahm with gifts and grants him a charter over Kabul, Hind, Sind and Zabul. Sahm returns home, and Sistan is decked like paradise to greet him and his son.

A7.5.17
All Kabul, Danbar, Mai, and Hind were named,From Chin’s vast sea to Sind the grant was framed.

Danbar, Mai, Morgh named 2 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

A8.1

Zal Visits Mehrab of Kabul

Zal tours his lands and reaches Kabul, whose king Mehrab, a descendant of Zahhak and a tributary of Sahm, greets him with rich gifts. Zal hears of Mehrab’s daughter and falls in love unseen, but refuses to visit an idol-worshipper’s house.

A8.1.3
To view the lands of Hind and Kabul wide,With Mai, Danbar, and Morgh on every side.

Danbar, Mai, Morgh named 3 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

B14.9

Rostam Rebukes Piran

Shangul rides out under an Indian parasol, and Piran takes heart, telling Houman to stay out of Rostam’s sight. Piran tells Rostam his terms were refused. Rostam denounces his treachery, and Piran, promising to reconsider, returns to his lines still bent on war.

B14.9.2
A parasol from Hind rose to the sky,Men out of Danbar, Morgh, and out of Mai,

Danbar, Mai, Morgh named 3 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

C4.49

Zal and Rostam Are Summoned

The nobles conclude the Shah is keeping company with Divs, as Kavus once did. Gudarz sends Giv to Sistan to fetch Zal and Rostam with the sages and star-readers of Zabul and Kabul. On the eighth day Khosrow opens the court and tells the assembly nothing.

C4.49.16
Bring men from Ghanooj, Danbar, Morgh, and Mai,And Kabul’s sages skilled to read the sky.

Danbar, Mai, Morgh named 3 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

C4.51

Zal Admonishes Kay Khosrow

Zal and Rostam reach a court in dismay and are told the Shah has strayed. Zal answers that kings tire, then greets Khosrow with high praise, explains the sages and star-readers he has brought from the east, and asks what secret has turned the royal heart away.

C4.51.25
From Zabul, Danbar, Ghanooj, Kabul too,He gave those learned men the honor due.
C4.51.42
From Ghanooj, Danbar, Morgh, and Mai they came,With Indian tables, seeking heaven’s aim:

Danbar, Mai, Morgh named 4 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

C4.57

Zal Petitions Khosrow for Rostam

Zal recites Rostam’s services — Mazandaran, Hamavaran, Sohrab, Kamus — and asks what reward the departing Shah will leave him. Kay Khosrow grants a sealed patent making Rostam lord of Nimruz, from Zabulistan to Sind, and gives robes and gold to Zal’s companions.

C4.57.27
From Zabulistan to the river Sind,All Kabul, Danbar, Mai, and lands of Hind,

Danbar, Mai, Morgh named 2 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

D10.21

Bahram Marks the Frontier and Crowns Shahra

Bahram crosses the river, breaks the Turkish army beyond it, and accepts tribute and hostages when their chiefs plead for the guiltless. He raises a stone pillar to mark the frontier, forbids crossings without his consent, and crowns Shahra king of Turan.

D10.21.6
The dust grew dark as any falcon’s wing;Through Mai and Morgh advanced the conquering king.

Danbar, Mai, Morgh named 2 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

E2.3

Gav, Talkhand, and Chess

In Hind, Jamhur dies leaving the infant Gav; his brother Mai reigns, marries the queen and fathers Talkhand. The brothers’ rival claims end in a battle by the sea where Talkhand dies of thirst, unwounded. To show his mother how, the sages devise chess.

E2.3.22
His name was Mai; of Danbar he was lord,Where idols stood, in rich attire adored.
E2.3.23
The veteran chiefs who searched to choose a kingTurned all to Danbar for the royal ring.
E2.3.26
The noble Mai from Danbar took his seatUpon the throne, his rise to rule complete.