Place · The Shahnameh · Volumes I, II

Shavaranشاوران

shah-va-RAHN

The father (or, as some read it, the homeland) of the Iranian hero Zangeh, who is called 'son of Shavaran'.

In the poem: First at B6.3, Hamavaran’s King Imprisons Kavus; last at C4.2, Kay Khosrow Musters against Afrasiab
Named: 14 times, in 14 sections (including 1 where the name may belong to Shavaran)
Main stories: B12 Forood and the Snowstorm Campaign (4); B9 The Story of Siavash (3); B7 The Fight of the Seven Warriors (2)

In the poem’s own words

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

B6.3

Hamavaran’s King Imprisons Kavus

The king of Hamavaran invites Kavus to a feast. Sudabeh warns of a trap, but Kavus goes; after a week of revelry he and his champions are seized and imprisoned in a mountain fortress. Sudabeh denounces her father and chooses to share Kavus’s prison.

B6.3.29
Kavus, Giv, Gudarz, and Tus were chained;Gorgin and Zangeh of Shavaran detained.

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

B7.1

Rostam and the Seven Warriors Go Hunting

At a feast at Nawand, Giv proposes a hunt in Afrasiab’s own preserves. Rostam and the champions hunt across the Turanian border for a week, with Guraza as lookout. Afrasiab sends thirty thousand men to trap them, and Rostam, warned, calls for more wine.

B7.1.12
Gorgin and Zangeh of Shavaran came,With Kharrad, Gostaham, chiefs of famous name.

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

B7.2

Rostam Battles the Turanians

Giv rides to hold the bridge, but Afrasiab’s army has already crossed. Rostam and the champions charge. Afrasiab sends Piran with ten thousand men, and Rostam cuts them down until Afrasiab thinks of retreat.

B7.2.13
Bahram and Barzin, Farhad joined the band,And Zangeh of Shavaran took his stand.

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

B9.28

Siavash Consults Bahram and Zangeh

Siavash pours out his sorrows to Bahram and Zangeh and resolves to keep his oath: he will return the hostages and gifts, leave the army to Tus and seek refuge abroad. Bahram begs him to write to Kavus instead, but he refuses and sends Zangeh to Afrasiab.

B9.28.35
Then Zangeh, son of Shavaran, arise,Prepare for toil, and act with watchful eyes.

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

B9.35

Piran Proposes Farangis to Siavash

Piran suggests that a marriage to Afrasiab’s daughter Farangis would suit Siavash better still. The prince, accepting that he may never see Iran or his friends again, weeps and agrees, asking that the plan be kept secret.

B9.35.17
Or Bahram and Zangeh, Shavaran’s pride,Or Giv and Shapur, comrades at my side,

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

B9.54

Farangis Pleads before Afrasiab

Farangis comes on foot, bloodied and in mourning, to beg her father to spare Siavash, warning him of the vengeance of Kavus, Rostam and the Iranian heroes. Seeing her husband bound, she laments and curses Garsivaz. Afrasiab has her locked in a hidden chamber.

B9.54.19
Then Bahram, Zangeh, Shavaran’s brave pair,Fear not the blades that warriors proudly bear.

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

B11.8

Kay Khosrow Inspects the Army

Kay Khosrow reviews the army from a throne on an elephant. Clan after clan passes under its banner: Fariborz, Gudarz and his sons, Gostaham, Ashkash, Farhad, Guraza, Zangeh and Faramarz, whom the Shah sends to Hind with counsel. At the feast Khosrow reflects on the passing world.

B11.8.65
Behind came Zangeh, Shavaran’s brave son,With chiefs and champions, forth his men had run.

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

B12.3

News of Tus Reaches Forood

Forood, son of Siavash and Piran’s daughter Jarireh, hears that an Iranian army is coming and drives his herds into the mountain. Jarireh urges him to join Kay Khosrow in avenging Siavash, and to seek out Bahram and Zangeh, his father’s old companions.