Place · The Shahnameh · Volumes I, II, III

Nimruzنیمروز

neem-ROOZ

Sistan; the realm of Sahm, Zal and Rostam.

In the poem: First at A7.5, Zal Returns to Zabulistan; last at E10.10, The Plot against Yazdegard
Named: 30 times, in 28 sections (including 26 where the name may belong to another figure of the same name)
Main stories: C4 The Final Afrasiab Wars and the Disappearance of Kay Khosrow (5); A8 The Story of Zal and Rudabeh (2); B1 The Crisis after Manuchehr (2)

In the poem’s own words

The 8 sections that name Nimruz most often, with the summary from the Notes and the couplets that name Nimruz. 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.

A7.5.26
As they drew near Nimruz, the tidings spread:“The radiant chief approaches at the head.

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

A8.3

The Handmaidens Visit Zal

The handmaidens gather roses by the river opposite Zal’s camp. Zal shoots a water-bird, and his page, crossing to fetch it, learns their errand. Zal sends them gifts, questions them about Rudabeh, and they plan his secret visit to her palace.

A8.3.28
He rules in Nimruz, sprung from Sahm’s own race,A chief whom kings acknowledge in his place.

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

A8.22

Zal Returns to Kabul, Sahm and Rudabeh

Zal returns to Sahm, who tells him of his pact with Sindokht. Father and son ride to Kabul, where Mehrab welcomes them. Zal and Rudabeh marry amid weeks of feasting. Afterwards Sahm gives Zal the rule of Sistan and marches against the Gorgasaran.

A8.22.66
Victorious, they reached Nimruz’s gate,All smiling, for the journey’s joy was great.

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

A9.5

Rostam Proudly Writes His Father

Rostam reports his victory and the fortress’s immense treasure to Zal. Zal replies with delight, sends thousands of camels for the spoil and orders the fort burned. Rostam sets Mount Sepand ablaze and returns to a joyful welcome from his parents.

A9.5.33
When Nimruz’s Pahlevan heard Rostam near,The world-illuming chief returned in cheer.

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

B1.3

Afrasiab Invades Iran

In spring Afrasiab crosses the Jihun with a vast army and camps before Nohzar at Dehestan. He sends a force against Zabulistan, where Zal is building Sahm’s tomb, and writes in triumph to Pashang that Iran’s one feared champion is dead.

B1.3.27
By now Shamasas sits in Nimruz crowned,With world-illuming splendor spread around.

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

B1.8

Viseh Finds His Son Slain

Riding for vengeance, Viseh finds Barman dead on the field. He meets Gharan, who has come from Pars, and taunts him with the captive Shah, but the Turanians are beaten in the battle that follows, and Viseh returns weeping to Afrasiab.

B1.8.10
Gharan sent Tazi steeds toward Nimruz’s way,To speed ahead before the close of day.

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

B5.11

Kavus Returns to Iran

Kavus returns in triumph and opens his treasuries. He loads Rostam with gifts and grants him Nimruz by charter before Rostam rides home to Zal. He then makes Tus commander of the army, gives Isfahan to Gudarz, and rules in feasting and justice.

B5.11.20
To Rostam, famed throughout the world for might,He granted all Nimruz as royal right,
B5.11.21
That after Kavus none should take that throne,For Nimruz was assigned him as his own.

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

C4.64

Lohrasp Learns Kay Khosrow Has Vanished

Lohrasp takes the throne, tells the chiefs that rejecting him means rejecting Khosrow’s last command, and invites objections. Zal and Gudarz swear loyalty, Gudarz tearing his robes for his dead sons. Lohrasp is crowned at Mehrgan, and the poet closes the tale of Kay Khosrow.

C4.64.19
Before he left, Khosrow bestowed the land,And placed Nimruz beneath your ruling hand.
C4.64.20
Beyond Nimruz, take lands on every side,As much as you require, both far and wide.

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

All 28 sections that name Nimruz