Place · The Shahnameh · Volumes I, III

Heratهرات

he-RAHT

A city of Khorasan.

In the poem: First at B6.8, Kavus Sets the World in Order; last at E10.12, Mahwi of Sur Takes the Throne
Named: 16 times, in 12 sections
Main stories: E5 Hormizd, Son of Anooshirvan (12); B6 The Folly of Kay Kavus (1); B9 The Story of Siavash (1)

In the poem’s own words

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

B6.8

Kavus Sets the World in Order

Back in Pars, Kavus rules with justice and plenty, sends governors to the provinces and names Rostam World-Champion. On Alborz he sets the Divs to build stone stables, silver armories, a palace of glass and a golden hall where it is always spring.

B6.8.5
To Marv and Nishapur his armies went,To Balkh and Herat, on his service bent.

Herat named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes

B9.16

Siavash Leads the Army

Kavus equips twelve thousand horsemen and twelve thousand foot under the Kaviani banner and parts from Siavash in tears. After a month in Zabulistan, Siavash and Rostam march by Herat to Balkh, defeat the forces of Garsivaz and take the city.

B9.16.34
He called renowned chiefs from every side,And reached the plain where Herat spread out wide.

Herat named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes

B14.11

Rostam Puts Shangul to Flight

Shangul challenges ‘the Sagzi’. Rostam, stung, unhorses him with one spear-thrust, but his men carry him off unhurt. Shangul warns that no one can face Rostam alone, so the Khan orders a mass attack, and Rostam cuts through Chin’s left wing. Piran fears Afrasiab’s anger.

B14.11.35
The troops of Chin and Shakn filled the view,With Hind and Saklab, Herat, Pahlav too.

Herat named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes

E5.1

Hormizd’s Accession and Address

An autumn prologue on the ripe apple and the vanished spring. Ferdowsi names his informant, Makh of Herat. Hormizd takes the throne and promises justice, bounty and protection for the poor; the rich hear him with dread, the sages and the poor with gladness.

E5.1.11
An aged lord held Herat’s borderland,Much tried in life, with wisdom at command.

Herat named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes

E5.4

The Realm Rises against Hormizd

In his tenth year enemies come from every side: Saveh of the Turks from Herat with elephants, Caesar from Rum, Khazars into Armenia, Arab horsemen on the Euphrates. With his counselors dead, Hormizd buys off Rum, beats the Khazars, and is left facing Saveh.

E5.4.5
From Talaqan to Herat’s borderland,His troops lay packed like warp and woof in hand;

Herat named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes

E5.7

Bahram Chubin Rides against Saveh

Bahram asks for a recorder of deeds and marches from Tisfoon. He takes a sheep’s head from a seller’s basket as an omen of Saveh’s beheading. The Shah, warned he will one day turn, tries to recall him and is refused. A horseman is executed for stealing straw.

E5.7.67
He said, “Proceed to Herat; if troops rise,Know Bahram leads the force before your eyes.
E5.7.76
He used each argument and all his artTo draw that army toward Herat’s heart.
E5.7.79
They hastened back and told King Saveh straight,“A force has reached the plain by Herat’s gate.

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

E5.8

Bahram Chubin Answers King Saveh

Saveh sends word that Hormizd has sent Bahram to his death. Bahram answers that he serves with his life, then, pressed, offers Saveh a choice: peace with gifts and safe conduct to the Shah, or his head sent to court.

E5.8.22
I shall drive you from Herat in grief and shame;Your chiefs shall mourn the ruin of your name.

Herat named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes

E5.9

Saveh and Bahram Chubin Face Each Other

Saveh drums out his army and finds Bahram already holding the ground with Herat at his back, leaving the Turks a cramped and thorny field. He ranks forty thousand on each wing and a hundred thousand in the center, with elephants in front, and grieves at the confinement.

E5.9.7
He rode in armor, gorz prepared for fight;Behind him Herat, foes before his sight.
E5.9.11
Herat stood at the back of Bahram’s force;Cramped ground denied the king a wider course.

Herat named 2 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

All 12 sections that name Herat