Place · The Shahnameh · Volumes I, II

Khavarخاور

khah-VAR

The East.

In the poem: First at A6.7, Fereydoon Divides the Realm; last at D5.32, Iskandar Marches His Army to Chin
Named: 16 times, in 10 sections
Main stories: A6 The First Kings: Fereydoon (12); C4 The Final Afrasiab Wars and the Disappearance of Kay Khosrow (2); D5 The Iskandar Cycle (2)

In the poem’s own words

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

A6.7

Fereydoon Divides the Realm

Fereydoon divides the world in three: Rum and the West go to Salm, Turan and Chin to Tur, and Iran with the plain of spearmen to Iraj. Each prince takes his throne, and for a time the brothers rule in peace.

A6.7.2
Rum and Khavar made one great western share;Turan with Chin became the eastern pair.
A6.7.4
To Salm he gave an army for the way;Toward Khavar then the prince rode forth that day.
A6.7.5
Upon a Kayanian throne he took his place,As Khavar-khodāy, lord of that wide space.

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

A6.8

Salm Grows Envious

As Fereydoon ages, Salm resents that the youngest brother has been given Iran. He sends word to Tur, who flares up at their father’s ‘fraud’, and the two brothers meet in secret to plot.

A6.8.17
To me came Rum and Khavar in the West;To you came Turks and Chin as your bequest.

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

A6.11

Iraj Goes to Meet His Brothers

Fereydoon writes asking the elder brothers to receive Iraj kindly. Iraj rides to them with a few companions, and their troops are so taken with him that they whisper that he alone deserves the crown. Salm, jealous, persuades Tur that Iraj must die.

A6.11.4
Two warlike kings, both strong in sovereign might,One rules in Khavar, one in Chin by right.

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

A6.12

Iraj Is Slain

Tur demands to know why the youngest should rule. Iraj gives up all claim to the crown and begs for peace, but Tur strikes him with a golden chair, stabs him and cuts off his head. The brothers send it, packed in musk, to Fereydoon.

A6.12.8
Our elder suffers far in Khavar’s land;The crown is yours, with treasure at your hand.
A6.12.13
I want no Iran, Khavar, Chin, or land,No kingship, no broad world beneath my hand.

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

A6.16

Salm and Tur Hear of the Young Heir

Alarmed at the young heir’s rise, Salm and Tur send an envoy to Fereydoon with rich gifts. They blame fate, ignorance and the Div for the murder, and offer to serve Manuchehr if he will come to them with an army.

A6.16.7
They opened up the vaults of Khavar’s hoard,And drew a golden crown long ages stored.
A6.16.12
From Khavar toward Iran the convoy pressed,With laden beasts and treasure richly dressed.

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

A6.18

Fereydoon Answers His Sons

Fereydoon rejects the plea: the murderers will meet Manuchehr only on the battlefield, and no treasure can buy a son’s blood. The envoy reports the splendor of Iran’s court, and Salm and Tur, alarmed, gather their armies and march on Iran.

A6.18.43
When Khavar rose at last before his sight,He saw a royal pavilion gleam bright.
A6.18.44
He neared the curtain at the royal gate;Within, the lord of Khavar held his state.
A6.18.86
They sent their horsemen racing from the court;From Chin and Khavar troops came in support.

Khavar named 3 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

A6.25

Manuchehr Fights Salm and Slays Him

Salm flees to the sea but finds no ships. Manuchehr overtakes and kills him and raises his head on a spear. The leaderless army pleads that it fought under orders, and Manuchehr pardons the soldiers and sends them home.

A6.25.1
With Kakouy slain, the lord of Khavar knewHis strength had failed; his counsel altered too.

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

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.

C4.2.44
He ruled Khavar, a sovereign wise and just,With piety in heart and God his trust.
C4.2.72
From Khavar’s army Khosrow chose for fightFull thirty thousand chiefs and men of might.

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

All 10 sections that name Khavar