Place · The Shahnameh · Volumes II, III

Kermanکرمان

ker-MAHN

A province of southern Iran, reached by Haftvad's power and later given by the Shah to his loyal followers.

In the poem: First at C4.2, Kay Khosrow Musters against Afrasiab; last at E6.30, Khosrow Rewards Niyatus and the Romans
Named: 15 times, in 8 sections
Main stories: D4 Dara and Iskandar (6); D5 The Iskandar Cycle (5); D6 The Ashkanian Dynasty (2)

In the poem’s own words

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

C4.2

Kay Khosrow Musters against Afrasiab

With Piran dead, Kay Khosrow calls up the whole realm against Afrasiab. He gives Rostam, Gudarz and Tus three roads to watch, summons every province by letter, and sets out his order of battle: wings, elephants, crossbowmen, spearmen and reserves.

C4.2.38
One ruled Kerman, and when the battle came,No thought of lingering could check his flame.

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

D4.6

Iskandar Fights Dara and Dara Flees

A third battle breaks Dara, who withdraws to Kerman. Iskandar enters Istakhr and proclaims protection for all who submit. Dara finds two-thirds of his chiefs gone, and the survivors advise him to write for peace, since the wheel will turn on Iskandar too.

D4.6.11
The Shah withdrew to Kerman in defeat,To save his life and lead his troops’ retreat.
D4.6.21
When Dara reached Kerman, he looked in vainFor two-thirds of the chiefs who led his train.

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

D4.7

Dara Proposes Peace to Iskandar

A scribe writes Dara’s letter: fate, not weakness, has undone him. He offers Goshtasb’s treasure and his own service for peace, and asks for his wives and children back. Iskandar replies that the family is safe and that Dara may have Iran again.

D4.7.17
From Kerman sped a camel on its way,To wary Iskandar without delay.
D4.7.24
The camel went back to Kerman like a flood;The Shah’s two eyes and heart were filled with blood.

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

D4.10

Iskandar Writes to the Chiefs of Iran

A messenger brings Iskandar’s terms to Isfahan: he stands in Dara’s place, mourns him, and lays the blood on the murderers. His letter to the Mobadan orders tribute, coins struck in his name, market guards, border watchmen, bondmaids, and honor for holy mendicants.

D4.10.1
From Kerman came a messenger one dayTo Isfahan, where Iran’s chieftains lay.
D4.10.51
From Kerman to Istakhr he made his way,And wore the Kayanian crown that day.

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

D5.33

Iskandar Wars against the Sindians

After resting a month, Iskandar takes the submission of Chaghavan, then beats the Sindians and their Indian allies under Bandavar, gaining elephants and captives. He refuses the pleas of the women and the old, marches by Bost and Nimruz, and receives the king of Yemen’s gifts.

D5.33.23
From there he led his troops to Kerman’s land,With men of noble name within his band.
D5.33.24
The king of Kerman, hearing this report,Came out to meet him with his noble court.
D5.33.33
Iskandar welcomed Kerman’s king that day,And seated him beside his throne to stay.

Kerman named 5 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

D6.12

The Story of Haftvad and the Worm

At Kojaran a spinning girl finds a worm in an apple and her day’s output doubles. Her father Haftvad grows rich on its luck, seizes the city, and builds a mountain fortress. The worm swells to the bulk of an elephant, and no army that faces it can win.

D6.12.67
From Chin’s far sea to Kerman spread his band;His armies stretched across the whole broad land.

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

D6.16

Ardeshir Slays Haftvad

Haftvad storms the fortress and fails. Ardeshir calls Shahrgeer up, and Haftvad and Shahvi are taken, hung on gibbets by the sea and shot dead. Ardeshir gives away the spoil, founds a fire-temple, rewards his two hosts with provinces, and takes the throne at Tisfoon.

D6.16.24
To Kerman he sent troops, and gave the leadTo one wise chief well fitted to the need.

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

E6.30

Khosrow Rewards Niyatus and the Romans

Khosrow musters and pays the Romans, restores to Niyatus the cities taken from Rum, and sends them home. He worships a week at Azargashasp, then holds court in Anooshirvan’s palace, granting provinces to his chiefs and proclaiming justice and relief for the poor.