Place · The Shahnameh · Volume I

Samanganسمنگان

sa-man-GAHN

Tahmineh‘s father’s kingdom, where Rostam finds Rakhsh.

In the poem: First at B8.2, Rostam Goes on a Chase; last at B8.25, Tahmineh Hears of Sohrab’s Death
Named: 12 times, in 8 sections
Main stories: B8 The Tragedy of Rostam & Sohrab (12)

In the poem’s own words

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

B8.2

Rostam Goes on a Chase

Rostam rides out to hunt near the Turanian border, roasts a Gur-e-Khar and falls asleep. Turanian riders capture Rakhsh, though the stallion kills three of them. Rostam wakes, finds his horse gone and follows its tracks on foot towards Samangan.

B8.2.24
His heart grew heavy, parted from his men,And grief drove him toward Samangan again.
B8.2.30
He took the road toward Samangan’s plain,His body weary, heart with sorrow’s strain.

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

B8.3

Rostam Arrives at the City of Samangan

The king of Samangan comes out on foot to meet Rostam and promises to find Rakhsh. His anger soothed, Rostam accepts the king’s hospitality, feasts with wine and music, and is led to a perfumed bed.

B8.3.1
When Rostam neared Samangan’s guarded gate,The king and nobles heard and would not wait.
B8.3.7
All Samangan wishes you success;Each man obeys your word without protest.

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

B8.4

Tahmineh Seeks Out Rostam

At midnight the king’s daughter Tahmineh comes to Rostam’s room. She has loved him from the tales, offers herself in hope of his son, and promises to recover Rakhsh. They marry that night. Rostam leaves her a token for their child and rides home.

B8.4.12
I am the daughter of Samangan’s king,From royal blood my birth and lineage spring.
B8.4.23
Now Yazdan brought your destined path this way,And led you into Samangan today.
B8.4.29
Besides, I shall restore your Rakhsh to you,And lay Samangan at your feet as due.”

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

B8.5

The Birth of Sohrab

Sohrab is born and grows at astonishing speed. At ten he demands to know his father. Tahmineh names Rostam, shows his gifts and warns her son to hide the secret from Afrasiab. Sohrab resolves to dethrone Kavus, crown Rostam and then take Turan.

B8.5.1
At nine months’ end, a moon-bright child appeared,And all Samangan’s royal house was cheered.

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

B8.7

Afrasiab Sends Envoys to Sohrab

Afrasiab hears of Sohrab’s army and sees his chance. He sends Houman and Barman with twelve thousand men and rich gifts, secretly ordering them to keep father and son from recognizing each other. Sohrab welcomes them and marches on Iran, burning as he goes.

B8.7.22
Samangan, Iran, Turan, side by side;Their borders join; no distant realms divide.

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

B8.12

Kavus Summons Rostam from Zabulistan

Kavus writes urging Rostam to come at once, and Giv rides to Zabul. Rostam cannot believe that a Turk could be so strong, and his own son by Tahmineh must still be a child. He feasts and drinks for three days before setting out.

B8.12.44
The king of Samangan’s daughter bore my son,But he is still a child, his years scarce run.

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

B8.15

Rostam Slays Zhendeh Razm

At night Rostam slips into the Turanian camp disguised as a Turk and studies Sohrab at his feast. Zhendeh Razm, Tahmineh’s brother, sent along to point out Rostam to Sohrab, challenges the stranger and is killed by one blow. Rostam reports back to Kavus.

B8.15.22
Zhendeh Razm, son of Samangan’s king,Was one whose aid she trusted in this thing.

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

B8.25

Tahmineh Hears of Sohrab’s Death

News of Sohrab’s death reaches Samangan. Tahmineh tears and burns her hair and embraces her son’s horse, arms and robe. She gives his wealth to the poor, mourns for a year and dies. Bahram the eloquent warns against loving what death takes.