Place · The Shahnameh · Volumes I, II

Hirmundهیرمند

heer-MAND

The Helmand river of Sistan.

In the poem: First at B1.9, Shamasas and Khazarvan Raid Zabulistan; last at D1.2, Bahman Humiliates Zal
Named: 16 times, in 11 sections
Main stories: C8 The Tragedy of Rostam and Esfandiyar (11); B1 The Crisis after Manuchehr (2); C2 The Tale of Bijan and Manijeh (2)

In the poem’s own words

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

B1.9

Shamasas and Khazarvan Raid Zabulistan

Shamasas and Khazarvan march on Zabulistan while Zal mourns at Sahm’s tomb. Mehrab of Kabul, claiming descent from Zahhak, pretends to submit and buys time with promises of gold, while secretly sending a rider to summon Zal.

B1.9.3
With thirty thousand swordsmen at command,He marched them onward toward Hirmund’s strand.
B1.9.26
At Hirmund now their forces stand complete;With dinars I have bound their marching feet.

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

C2.15

Giv Brings Word to Rostam

Giv rides hard to Sistan, where Zal meets him and says Rostam is out hunting. Giv pours out his grief, hands over the letter and reports what the cup showed. Ferdowsi sets out the marriage ties between the two houses, and Rostam swears to free Bijan.

C2.15.4
He rode toward Hirmund with a courier’s speed,Like startled game that flies before the steed.
C2.15.8
“A rider rides toward Hirmund; at his backAre many riders following his track.

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

C8.5

Esfandiyar Marches to Zabul

The army marches at cockcrow. At the fork below Gombadan the lead camel kneels and will not rise; Esfandiyar has it killed to keep the ill luck with it, camps on the Hirmund, and tells Bishutan over wine that he will send a scribe to Rostam.

C8.5.13
Then toward the Hirmund he began to ride,Yet fear of hidden mishap walked beside.

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

C8.7

Bahman Arrives in Zabul

Bahman crosses the Hirmund in royal state. Zal meets him without knowing him and asks his errand; told whose son he is, Zal dismounts and does homage. Bahman refuses wine and rides on to the hunting ground with a guide.

C8.7.4
The noble youth crossed Hirmund’s rushing tide,Tall as a cypress in his youthful pride.
C8.7.16
For great Esfandiyar has reached this land,And pitched beside the Hirmund with his band.”

Hirmund named 2 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.

C8.8.33
Obedient to the Shah’s august command,He pitched his camp beside the Hirmund’s strand.

Hirmund named 1 time 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.

C8.10.19
Zavareh went to Zal; but Rostam spedToward the Hirmund, full of fear and dread.
C8.10.28
He came, no jowshan, gorz, nor any traceOf helm or kamand, to the Hirmund’s place.

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

C8.11

Rostam and Esfandiyar Meet

The two meet at the Hirmund. Rostam greets Esfandiyar warmly and invites him home; the prince returns the courtesy but insists Rostam must come before Goshtasb in chains. Rostam refuses the bonds, and they settle instead on one day of feasting.

C8.11.2
A hundred horsemen from his chosen bandRode with him out beside the Hirmund strand.
C8.11.3
He hastened to the Hirmund’s riverbank,His saddle’s twisted kamand at his flank.

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

C8.12

Rostam Is Slighted by Esfandiyar

Alone with Bishutan, Esfandiyar decides against inviting his guest and sends no summons to the meal. Bishutan pleads for peace in vain. Rostam waits at home until the hour passes, then orders his own table laid and rides out to confront the prince.