New NaqqaliThe complete text
The Poem
All 51,547 couplets of the Shahnameh in modern English verse, in 951 sections, as plain text. No pictures, links or notes: just the poem, numbered so any couplet can be cited.
Volume I · A0 to B14
A0The Prelude12 sections · 237 couplets
Read the whole bookA0.1ExordiumA0.2In Praise of WisdomA0.3The Making of the WorldA0.4The Nature of ManA0.5The Nature of the SunA0.6The Nature of the MoonA0.7Praise to the Prophet and His CompanionsA0.8Compiling the ShahnamehA0.9The Poet DakikiA0.10The Inception of This BookA0.11Praise for Abu Mansur, Son of MohammadA0.12Praise for Sultan Mahmud
A1The First Kings: Kioumars3 sections · 73 couplets
Read the whole bookA2The First Kings: Hushang2 sections · 39 couplets
Read the whole bookA3The First Kings: Tahmuras1 section · 48 couplets
Read the whole bookA4The First Kings: Jamshid and the Rise of Zahhak4 sections · 204 couplets
Read the whole bookA5Zahhak’s Tyranny and the Uprising of Kaveh9 sections · 506 couplets
Read the whole bookA6The First Kings: Fereydoon27 sections · 1,131 couplets
Read the whole bookA6.1Fereydoon Gains the ThroneA6.2Jandal Goes to YemenA6.3The King of Yemen Answers JandalA6.4Fereydoon’s Sons Go to YemenA6.5Sarv Tests Fereydoon’s SonsA6.6Fereydoon Tests His SonsA6.7Fereydoon Divides the RealmA6.8Salm Grows EnviousA6.9Salm and Tur Send a Message to Their FatherA6.10Fereydoon Answers His SonsA6.11Iraj Goes to Meet His BrothersA6.12Iraj Is SlainA6.13Fereydoon Receives the Tragic NewsA6.14A Daughter Is Born to IrajA6.15The Birth of ManuchehrA6.16Salm and Tur Hear of the Young HeirA6.17Fereydoon Receives a Message from Salm and TurA6.18Fereydoon Answers His SonsA6.19Manuchehr Marches for VengeanceA6.20Manuchehr Attacks the Army of TurA6.21Manuchehr Brings VengeanceA6.22Fereydoon Receives News from ManuchehrA6.23Gharan Takes the Castle of the AlanonsA6.24Kakouy Attacks the IraniansA6.25Manuchehr Fights Salm and Slays HimA6.26Fereydoon Receives the Head of SalmA6.27The Death of Fereydoon
A7The First Kings: Manuchehr6 sections · 353 couplets
Read the whole bookA8The Story of Zal and Rudabeh22 sections · 1,262 couplets
Read the whole bookA8.1Zal Visits Mehrab of KabulA8.2Rudabeh and Her HandmaidensA8.3The Handmaidens Visit ZalA8.4The Handmaidens ReturnA8.5Zal and Rudabeh: A Secret VisitA8.6Zal Seeks CounselA8.7Zal Writes to His FatherA8.8Sahm Seeks CounselA8.9Rudabeh’s Mother Is Not PleasedA8.10Mehrab Is Not PleasedA8.11Manuchehr Hears of Zal and RudabehA8.12Sahm Comes to ManuchehrA8.13Sahm Marches on KabulA8.14Zal Going as an Envoy before ManuchehrA8.15Mehrab Storms before SindokhtA8.16Sindokht and Sahm Come to an AgreementA8.17Zal Goes with Letter before ManuchehrA8.18The Mobadan Question ZalA8.19Zal Answers the MobadanA8.20Manuchehr Approves of ZalA8.21Manuchehr’s Answer to Sahm’s LetterA8.22Zal Returns to Kabul, Sahm and Rudabeh
A9The Birth and Early Feats of Rostam; Manuchehr’s Closing Counsel7 sections · 377 couplets
Read the whole bookB1The Crisis after Manuchehr14 sections · 636 couplets
Read the whole bookB1.1Nohzar Accedes to the ThroneB1.2Pashang Hears of Manuchehr’s DeathB1.3Afrasiab Invades IranB1.4Barman and Qobad in Single CombatB1.5Afrasiab Battles Nohzar AgainB1.6Nohzar’s Third Battle with AfrasiabB1.7Nohzar Is Taken by AfrasiabB1.8Viseh Finds His Son SlainB1.9Shamasas and Khazarvan Raid ZabulistanB1.10Zal Comes to Mehrab’s AidB1.11Nohzar Falls to AfrasiabB1.12Zal Hears of Nohzar’s DeathB1.13Aghriras Is Slain by His BrotherB1.14Zav, the Son of Tahmasp, Is Elected Shah
B2Garshasp and the Transition to Kayanian Kingship4 sections · 253 couplets
Read the whole bookB3Kay Qobad5 sections · 237 couplets
Read the whole bookB4The War with Mazandaran4 sections · 297 couplets
Read the whole bookB5The Seven Labors of Rostam11 sections · 692 couplets
Read the whole bookB5.1Rakhsh Fights a LionB5.2Rostam Finds a SpringB5.3Rostam Fights a DragonB5.4Rostam Slays a WitchB5.5Rostam Takes Ulad CaptiveB5.6Rostam Fights the Div ArzhangB5.7Rostam Slays the White DivB5.8Kavus’s Letter to MazandaranB5.9Rostam’s Embassy to MazandaranB5.10Kavus Wars with MazandaranB5.11Kavus Returns to Iran
B6The Folly of Kay Kavus10 sections · 531 couplets
Read the whole bookB6.1Kavus Wars with HamavaranB6.2Kavus Seeks Sudabeh’s HandB6.3Hamavaran’s King Imprisons KavusB6.4Afrasiab Invades IranB6.5Rostam’s Message to HamavaranB6.6Rostam Battles the Three KingsB6.7Kavus’s Message to AfrasiabB6.8Kavus Sets the World in OrderB6.9Iblis Beguiles KavusB6.10Rostam Brings Back Kay Kavus
B7The Fight of the Seven Warriors4 sections · 240 couplets
Read the whole bookB8The Tragedy of Rostam & Sohrab25 sections · 1,421 couplets
Read the whole bookB8.1The PreludeB8.2Rostam Goes on a ChaseB8.3Rostam Arrives at the City of SamanganB8.4Tahmineh Seeks Out RostamB8.5The Birth of SohrabB8.6Sohrab Chooses His ChargerB8.7Afrasiab Sends Envoys to SohrabB8.8Sohrab Comes to the White FortressB8.9Sohrab Fights with GordafaridB8.10Gazhdaham’s Letter to KavusB8.11Sohrab Takes the White FortressB8.12Kavus Summons Rostam from ZabulistanB8.13Kavus’s Anger at RostamB8.14Kavus and Rostam Take the FieldB8.15Rostam Slays Zhendeh RazmB8.16Sohrab Questions Hajir on Iran’s ChiefsB8.17Sohrab Attacks Kavus’s ArmyB8.18Rostam and Sohrab Meet in CombatB8.19Rostam and Sohrab Leave the FieldB8.20Sohrab Casts Rostam DownB8.21The Tragedy of SohrabB8.22Rostam Seeks the ElixirB8.23Rostam’s Lament for SohrabB8.24Rostam Returns to ZabulistanB8.25Tahmineh Hears of Sohrab’s Death
B9The Story of Siavash60 sections · 2,746 couplets
Read the whole bookB9.1The PreludeB9.2The Mother of SiavashB9.3The Birth of SiavashB9.4Siavash Arrives from ZabulistanB9.5The Death of the Mother of SiavashB9.6Sudabeh Falls in Love with SiavashB9.7Siavash Visits SudabehB9.8Siavash Visits the Bower AgainB9.9Siavash Visits a Third TimeB9.10Sudabeh Beguiles Kay KavusB9.11Sudabeh and a Sorceress Devise a SchemeB9.12Kavus Questions the Matter of the InfantsB9.13Siavash’s Trial by FireB9.14Siavash Intercedes for SudabehB9.15News of Afrasiab Reaches KavusB9.16Siavash Leads the ArmyB9.17Siavash’s Letter to KavusB9.18Kavus Replies to SiavashB9.19Afrasiab Is Troubled by a DreamB9.20Afrasiab Seeks the Sages’ CounselB9.21Afrasiab Consults the NoblesB9.22Garsivaz Comes before SiavashB9.23Siavash’s Treaty with AfrasiabB9.24Rostam Bears Siavash’s MessageB9.25Kavus Receives the MessageB9.26Kavus Dispatches Rostam to SistanB9.27The Shah’s Reply to SiavashB9.28Siavash Consults Bahram and ZangehB9.29Zangeh Bears Word to AfrasiabB9.30Afrasiab’s Offer to SiavashB9.31Siavash Yields Command to BahramB9.32Siavash’s Audience with AfrasiabB9.33Siavash Displays His Prowess before AfrasiabB9.34Siavash Weds Piran’s DaughterB9.35Piran Proposes Farangis to SiavashB9.36Piran Counsels AfrasiabB9.37The Marriage of Siavash and FarangisB9.38Afrasiab Grants Siavash a ProvinceB9.39Siavash Founds GangdezhB9.40Siavash Speaks with Piran of the FutureB9.41Piran Is Sent to the ProvincesB9.42Siavash Founds Siavash-GardB9.43Piran Visits Siavash-GardB9.44Afrasiab Sends Garsivaz to SiavashB9.45The Birth of ForoodB9.46Siavash Shows His Skill at PoloB9.47Garsivaz Returns and Slanders SiavashB9.48Garsivaz Returns to SiavashB9.49Siavash’s Letter to AfrasiabB9.50Afrasiab Marches against SiavashB9.51Siavash Is Troubled by a DreamB9.52Siavash’s Farewell to FarangisB9.53Siavash Is Taken by AfrasiabB9.54Farangis Pleads before AfrasiabB9.55Siavash Falls by Gurvi’s HandB9.56Piran Shields FarangisB9.57The Birth of Kay KhosrowB9.58Piran Sends Kay Khosrow to the ShepherdsB9.59Kay Khosrow Comes before AfrasiabB9.60Kay Khosrow Comes to Siavash-Gard
B10Vengeance for Siavash and the Retrieval of Kay Khosrow37 sections · 1,439 couplets
Read the whole bookB10.1Ferdowsi Laments His Old AgeB10.2Kavus Hears of Siavash’s FateB10.3Rostam Comes before KavusB10.4Rostam Takes VengeanceB10.5Faramarz Slays VarazadB10.6Surkha Marches against RostamB10.7Afrasiab Marches to Avenge His SonB10.8The Death of PilsamB10.9Afrasiab Flees before RostamB10.10Afrasiab Sends Kay Khosrow to KhutanB10.11Rostam Rules Turan for Seven YearsB10.12Zavareh Goes to Siavash’s Hunting-GroundB10.13Rostam’s Harrowing of TuranB10.14Rostam Returns to IranB10.15Gudarz’s Dream of Kay KhosrowB10.16Giv Seeks Kay Khosrow in TuranB10.17Giv Finds Kay KhosrowB10.18Giv and Kay Khosrow Go to Siavash-GardB10.19Kay Khosrow Wins BehzadB10.20Kay Khosrow, Giv, and Farangis Flee to IranB10.21Giv Puts Kulbad and Nastihan to FlightB10.22Piran Pursues Kay KhosrowB10.23The Contest of Piran and GivB10.24Giv Captures PiranB10.25Farangis Wins Piran’s ReleaseB10.26Afrasiab Comes upon PiranB10.27Giv Confronts the Toll-ManB10.28Kay Khosrow Crosses the JihunB10.29Kay Khosrow Reaches IsfahanB10.30Kay Khosrow Comes before KavusB10.31Tus Refuses Allegiance to Kay KhosrowB10.32Gudarz’s Anger at TusB10.33The Kingship Is Debated before KavusB10.34Bahman Castle Defies Tus and FariborzB10.35Kay Khosrow Captures Bahman CastleB10.36Kay Khosrow’s Triumphant ReturnB10.37Kavus Sets Khosrow upon the Throne
B11Kay Khosrow’s Kingship8 sections · 382 couplets
Read the whole bookB12Forood and the Snowstorm Campaign26 sections · 1,309 couplets
Read the whole bookB12.1The PreludeB12.2Tus Goes to TurkistanB12.3News of Tus Reaches ForoodB12.4Forood and Tokhvar Survey the TroopsB12.5Bahram Meets Forood on the MountainB12.6Bahram Returns to TusB12.7Forood Slays RivnizB12.8Forood Slays ZaraspB12.9Tus Battles ForoodB12.10Giv Battles ForoodB12.11Bijan Battles ForoodB12.12The Death of ForoodB12.13The Death of JarirehB12.14The March to Kasa RudB12.15The Snowstorm CampaignB12.16Bahram Captures KabudaB12.17The Iranians Battle TazhavB12.18News of Tus Reaches AfrasiabB12.19Piran’s Night AttackB12.20Kay Khosrow Recalls TusB12.21Fariborz Asks Piran for a TruceB12.22The Turanians Defeat the IraniansB12.23Bahram Returns to Seek His WhipB12.24Tazhav Slays BahramB12.25Giv Avenges BahramB12.26The Iranians Return to Khosrow
B13Mount Hamavan and the Kamus Campaign32 sections · 1,577 couplets
Read the whole bookB13.1The PreludeB13.2Khosrow’s Rebuke of TusB13.3Khosrow Grants PardonB13.4Khosrow Dispatches Tus to TuranB13.5Piran’s Message to the Army of IranB13.6Afrasiab Sends an Army to PiranB13.7Tus Slays ArzhangB13.8Tus and Houman Meet in CombatB13.9The Second Battle of Iran and TuranB13.10The Turanians Use SorceryB13.11The Retreat to Mount HamavanB13.12The Turanians Besiege HamavanB13.13Piran’s March to Mount HamavanB13.14The Iranians Make a Night-Attack, Tus, Giv, Rohham Are Surrounded but Are SavedB13.15Khosrow Learns of His Army’s PlightB13.16Fariborz Asks for Farangis’s HandB13.17Tus Sees Siavash in a DreamB13.18Afrasiab Sends Aid to PiranB13.19The Coming of the Khan of ChinB13.20The Iranians Debate Their CourseB13.21Gudarz Hears of Rostam’s ComingB13.22The Khan Surveys the Iranian ArmyB13.23Fariborz Reaches Mount HamavanB13.24Piran Consults the Khan of ChinB13.25Giv and Tus Battle KamusB13.26The Coming of RostamB13.27Iran and Turan Set Their Battle LinesB13.28Rostam Battles AshkabusB13.29Piran Reckons with Rostam’s ComingB13.30Iran and Turan Prepare for BattleB13.31Kamus Slays AlvaB13.32Rostam Slays Kamus
B14The Great Battle with the Khan of Chin28 sections · 1,511 couplets
Read the whole bookB14.1The Khan Learns Kamus Is SlainB14.2Chingish Faces RostamB14.3Houman Bears the Khan’s MessageB14.4Piran Consults Houman and the KhanB14.5Piran Comes before RostamB14.6Turan’s Counsel before BattleB14.7Rostam Exhorts the TroopsB14.8The Battle Lines Are DrawnB14.9Rostam Rebukes PiranB14.10Battle Is JoinedB14.11Rostam Puts Shangul to FlightB14.12Rostam Battles SavaB14.13Rostam Slays Gahar of GahanB14.14The Khan Is Taken PrisonerB14.15The Turanians Are OverthrownB14.16Rostam Divides the SpoilsB14.17Rostam’s Letter to Kay KhosrowB14.18The Shah Replies to RostamB14.19Afrasiab Hears of His Army’s DefeatB14.20Rostam Fights Kafur the ManeaterB14.21Afrasiab Hears of Rostam’s ComingB14.22Afrasiab Writes to PuladvandB14.23Puladvand Battles Giv and TusB14.24Rostam Battles PuladvandB14.25Rostam Wrestles PuladvandB14.26Afrasiab Flees before RostamB14.27Rostam’s Return to CourtB14.28Rostam Returns to Sistan
Volume II · C1 to D5.39
C1Rostam and the Div Akvan6 sections · 236 couplets
Read the whole bookC2The Tale of Bijan and Manijeh29 sections · 1,386 couplets
Read the whole bookC2.1The PreludeC2.2Irman’s People Appeal to KhosrowC2.3Bijan Goes to Fight the Wild BoarsC2.4Gorgin Tricks BijanC2.5Bijan Seeks ManijehC2.6Bijan Goes to Manijeh’s TentC2.7Manijeh Carries Bijan to Her PalaceC2.8Bijan Is Brought before AfrasiabC2.9Piran Pleads for Bijan’s LifeC2.10Bijan Is Put in BondsC2.11Gorgin Brings False Tidings of BijanC2.12Giv Brings Gorgin before KhosrowC2.13The Cup Reveals BijanC2.14Khosrow Writes to RostamC2.15Giv Brings Word to RostamC2.16Giv Is Feasted by RostamC2.17Rostam Comes to KhosrowC2.18The Pahlevans Feast with KhosrowC2.19Rostam Pleads for GorginC2.20Rostam Arms His MenC2.21Rostam Goes to Khutan to PiranC2.22Manijeh Seeks Out RostamC2.23Bijan Learns Rostam Is ComingC2.24Rostam Rescues Bijan from the PitC2.25Rostam Attacks Afrasiab’s Palace by NightC2.26Afrasiab Comes against RostamC2.27The Iranians Defeat AfrasiabC2.28Rostam’s Return to Kay KhosrowC2.29Kay Khosrow Holds a Feast
C3The Battle of the Twelve Rukhs49 sections · 2,581 couplets
Read the whole bookC3.1The PreludeC3.2Afrasiab Summons the Army of TuranC3.3Kay Khosrow Sends Gudarz against TuranC3.4Giv Carries Word from Gudarz to PiranC3.5Giv’s Visit to PiranC3.6The Armies Are Set in ArrayC3.7Bijan Urges Giv to FightC3.8Houman Seeks Leave for BattleC3.9Houman Challenges RohhamC3.10Houman Challenges FariborzC3.11Houman Challenges GudarzC3.12News of Houman Reaches BijanC3.13Giv Arms Bijan with Siavash’s JowshanC3.14Houman and Bijan Meet in CombatC3.15Bijan Slays HoumanC3.16Nastihan Is Slain in a Night-AttackC3.17Gudarz Appeals to KhosrowC3.18Khosrow Sends His ReplyC3.19Khosrow Musters the ArmyC3.20Piran’s Letter to GudarzC3.21Gudarz Replies to PiranC3.22Piran Seeks Afrasiab’s AidC3.23Afrasiab Replies to PiranC3.24Iran and Turan Fight a Pitched BattleC3.25Giv’s Horse Falters before PiranC3.26The Battle of Eleven Rukhs Is ArrangedC3.27Piran Exhorts His ChampionsC3.28Gudarz and Piran Choose the WarriorsC3.29Fariborz Battles KulbadC3.30Giv Battles GurviC3.31Guraza Battles SiamakC3.32Foruhil Battles ZangulaC3.33Rohham Battles BarmanC3.34Bijan Battles RuyinC3.35Hajir Battles SipahramC3.36How Zangeh, Son of Shavaran, Battles AwkhastC3.37Gorgin Battles AndarimanC3.38Borteh Battles KuhramC3.39Gudarz Battles PiranC3.40Gudarz Returns from BattleC3.41Lahhak and Farshidvard Bewail PiranC3.42Lahhak and Farshidvard Return to TuranC3.43Gostaham Pursues Lahhak and FarshidvardC3.44Bijan Follows GostahamC3.45The Deaths of Lahhak and FarshidvardC3.46Bijan Comes upon GostahamC3.47Piran Is Honored, and Gurvi Is SlainC3.48Turan Seeks Quarter from Kay KhosrowC3.49Bijan Returns with Gostaham
C4The Final Afrasiab Wars and the Disappearance of Kay Khosrow64 sections · 3,152 couplets
Read the whole bookC4.1Praise for Sultan MahmudC4.2Kay Khosrow Musters against AfrasiabC4.3Afrasiab Hears of Piran’s DeathC4.4Kay Khosrow Hears of Afrasiab’s AdvanceC4.5Shideh Appears before His FatherC4.6Afrasiab Sends Envoys to KhosrowC4.7Khosrow Replies to AfrasiabC4.8Kay Khosrow Battles ShidehC4.9Khosrow Slays ShidehC4.10The Armies Meet in BattleC4.11Afrasiab Is Put to FlightC4.12Khosrow Sends News of Victory to KavusC4.13Afrasiab Flees to Gang-BeheshtC4.14Khosrow Crosses the JihunC4.15Khosrow’s Second Battle with AfrasiabC4.16Gang-Behesht Shelters AfrasiabC4.17Afrasiab Writes to the FaghfoorC4.18Kay Khosrow Reaches Gang-BeheshtC4.19Afrasiab Sends Jahan to KhosrowC4.20Kay Khosrow Answers JahanC4.21Gang-Behesht Falls to Kay KhosrowC4.22Afrasiab Flees from Gang-BeheshtC4.23Khosrow Spares Afrasiab’s FamilyC4.24Kay Khosrow Exhorts the IraniansC4.25Kay Khosrow Writes Kavus of His VictoryC4.26Afrasiab Returns with the Faghfoor of ChinC4.27Afrasiab’s Message to Kay KhosrowC4.28The Iranians and Turanians FightC4.29Afrasiab’s Night Attack FailsC4.30The Faghfoor Sends Word to KhosrowC4.31Afrasiab Crosses the SeaC4.32Khosrow Sends Spoils and Captives to KavusC4.33The Shah’s Answer to KhosrowC4.34Khosrow’s Embassy to the Faghfoor and MakranC4.35Khosrow Battles the King of MakranC4.36Kay Khosrow Crosses the SeaC4.37Kay Khosrow Reaches GangdezhC4.38Khosrow Returns to His Father’s CityC4.39Khosrow’s Return from TuranC4.40Kay Khosrow Returns to His GrandfatherC4.41Hohm Captures AfrasiabC4.42Afrasiab Escapes from HohmC4.43Kavus and Khosrow Come to HohmC4.44The Death of Afrasiab and GarsivazC4.45Kavus and Khosrow Return to ParsC4.46The Death of Kay KavusC4.47Khosrow Is Overtaken by MelancholyC4.48The Court Is Closed to the NoblesC4.49Zal and Rostam Are SummonedC4.50Soroush Appears to Khosrow in DreamC4.51Zal Admonishes Kay KhosrowC4.52Kay Khosrow Answers ZalC4.53Zal Reproaches KhosrowC4.54Khosrow’s Answer and Zal’s ApologyC4.55Kay Khosrow Gives His Last CounselC4.56Gudarz Receives Khosrow’s MandateC4.57Zal Petitions Khosrow for RostamC4.58Giv Receives Khosrow’s PatentC4.59Tus Receives Khosrow’s PatentC4.60Kay Khosrow Names Lohrasp ShahC4.61Khosrow Takes Leave of His WomenC4.62Kay Khosrow Vanishes in the SnowC4.63The Pahlevans Are Lost in the SnowC4.64Lohrasp Learns Kay Khosrow Has Vanished
C5Lohrasp18 sections · 915 couplets
Read the whole bookC5.1Lohrasp Builds a Fire-Temple at BalkhC5.2Goshtasb Departs in AngerC5.3Goshtasb Returns with ZarirC5.4Goshtasb Sets Off for RumC5.5Goshtasb Arrives in RumC5.6The Village-Chief’s HospitalityC5.7Katayun, Daughter of CaesarC5.8Goshtasb Weds KatayunC5.9Murin’s Suit for Caesar’s DaughterC5.10Goshtasb Slays the WolfC5.11Ahran’s Suit for Caesar’s DaughterC5.12Goshtasb Slays the DragonC5.13Goshtasb’s Prowess before CaesarC5.14Caesar Demands Tribute from IlyasC5.15Goshtasb Battles IlyasC5.16Caesar Demands Iran’s TributeC5.17Zarir Bears Word to CaesarC5.18Goshtasb Receives the Kingship
C6Goshtasb, Zardosht, and the War with Arjasp33 sections · 1,482 couplets
Read the whole bookC6.1Ferdowsi’s Dream of DaqiqiC6.2Lohrasp Withdraws to BalkhC6.3Zardosht Appears before GoshtasbC6.4Goshtasb Refuses Tribute to ArjaspC6.5Arjasp’s Letter to GoshtasbC6.6Arjasp Sends Envoys to GoshtasbC6.7Zarir Replies to ArjaspC6.8The Envoys Bear Goshtasb’s AnswerC6.9Goshtasb Assembles His TroopsC6.10Goshtasb Hears Jamasp’s ProphecyC6.11Goshtasb and Arjasp Prepare for BattleC6.12The Opening of the BattleC6.13Girami and Nivzar Are SlainC6.14Zarir Is Slain by BidarfeshC6.15Esfandiyar Hears of Zarir’s DeathC6.16Esfandiyar Marches against ArjaspC6.17Nastur and Esfandiyar Slay BidarfeshC6.18Arjasp Flees from the BattleC6.19The Turks Ask Mercy of EsfandiyarC6.20Goshtasb Returns to BalkhC6.21Esfandiyar Spreads the Faith of ZardoshtC6.22Gurazm Slanders EsfandiyarC6.23Jamasp Comes to EsfandiyarC6.24Goshtasb Imprisons EsfandiyarC6.25Arjasp Prepares the Second WarC6.26Ferdowsi Takes Up the Tale AgainC6.27Lohrasp Falls at BalkhC6.28News of Lohrasp’s Death Reaches GoshtasbC6.29Goshtasb Flees before ArjaspC6.30Jamasp Visits EsfandiyarC6.31Farshidvard Comes before EsfandiyarC6.32Esfandiyar Reaches GoshtasbC6.33Esfandiyar Is Sent Again to Fight Arjasp
C7Esfandiyar’s Seven Stages and the Ruyin Dezh15 sections · 831 couplets
Read the whole bookC7.1Praise for Mahmud the Great KingC7.2The Wolves of the First StageC7.3The Lions of the Second StageC7.4The Dragon of the Third StageC7.5The Witch of the Fourth StageC7.6The Simorgh of the Fifth StageC7.7The Snow of the Sixth StageC7.8The River of the Seventh StageC7.9Esfandiyar’s Guile at the Ruyin DezhC7.10The Sisters Recognize EsfandiyarC7.11Bishutan Attacks the Ruyin DezhC7.12Esfandiyar Slays ArjaspC7.13Esfandiyar Slays KuhramC7.14Esfandiyar’s Letter to GoshtasbC7.15Esfandiyar Returns to Goshtasb
C8The Tragedy of Rostam and Esfandiyar30 sections · 1,635 couplets
Read the whole bookC8.1Esfandiyar Presses His ClaimC8.2Esfandiyar Demands the KingdomC8.3Goshtasb Replies to His SonC8.4Katayun Counsels EsfandiyarC8.5Esfandiyar Marches to ZabulC8.6Esfandiyar Sends Bahman to RostamC8.7Bahman Arrives in ZabulC8.8Bahman Delivers Esfandiyar’s MessageC8.9Rostam Answers EsfandiyarC8.10Bahman Returns to EsfandiyarC8.11Rostam and Esfandiyar MeetC8.12Rostam Is Slighted by EsfandiyarC8.13Esfandiyar Makes Excuse to RostamC8.14Esfandiyar Insults Rostam’s RaceC8.15Rostam Defends His Race and DeedsC8.16Esfandiyar Vaunts His LineageC8.17Rostam Boasts of His ValorC8.18Rostam and Esfandiyar Drink TogetherC8.19Rostam Returns to His PalaceC8.20Zal Advises RostamC8.21Rostam Battles EsfandiyarC8.22Zavareh and Faramarz Slay Esfandiyar’s SonsC8.23Rostam Flees to the HeightsC8.24Rostam Consults His FamilyC8.25The Simorgh Comes to Rostam’s AidC8.26Rostam Faces Esfandiyar AgainC8.27Rostam Shoots Esfandiyar in the EyesC8.28Esfandiyar’s Last WishesC8.29Bishutan Brings Esfandiyar HomeC8.30Rostam Sends Bahman Back to Iran
C9Rostam and Shaghad8 sections · 341 couplets
Read the whole bookD1The Reign of Bahman, Son of Esfandiyar5 sections · 167 couplets
Read the whole bookD2Homahyi and the Founding of Darab’s Line7 sections · 320 couplets
Read the whole bookD3Darab4 sections · 135 couplets
Read the whole bookD4Dara and Iskandar10 sections · 460 couplets
Read the whole bookD4.1Dara, Son of Darab, Lectures His ChiefsD4.2Faylaqus Dies and Iskandar Gains the ThroneD4.3Iskandar Visits Dara Disguised as an AmbassadorD4.4Dara Fights Iskandar and Is WorstedD4.5Dara Fights Iskandar a Second TimeD4.6Iskandar Fights Dara and Dara FleesD4.7Dara Proposes Peace to IskandarD4.8Dara Is Slain by His ChiefsD4.9Dara Tells His Last Wishes to Iskandar and DiesD4.10Iskandar Writes to the Chiefs of Iran
D5The Iskandar Cycle40 sections · 1,908 couplets
Read the whole bookD5.1Iskandar Gains the Throne of IranD5.2Iskandar Proposes Marriage to Dara’s DaughterD5.3Dalaray Answers Iskandar’s LetterD5.4Iskandar Sends His Mother to Fetch RoshanakD5.5Kayd of Hind Has a DreamD5.6Iskandar Marches against Kayd of HindD5.7Kayd of Hind Answers IskandarD5.8Iskandar Is IntriguedD5.9Nine Sages Are Sent to Inspect the Four WondersD5.10Nine Sages Return with the Four WondersD5.11Iskandar Tests the Sage, the Physician, and the CupD5.12Iskandar Leads an Army against Foor of HindD5.13Foor Answers Iskandar’s LetterD5.14Iskandar Makes Iron Steeds Filled with NaphthaD5.15Iskandar Fights the Army of FoorD5.16Iskandar Goes on a Pilgrimage to the KaabaD5.17Iskandar Leads His Troops from Judda to MesrD5.18Iskandar Writes to Kaydafa, Queen of AndalusD5.19Iskandar Captures King Faryan’s FortressD5.20Iskandar Plays Envoy and Is RecognizedD5.21Kaydafa Counsels IskandarD5.22Taynush, Son of Kaydafa, Rages against IskandarD5.23Iskandar and Kaydafa Reach an AgreementD5.24Iskandar Questions the BrahmansD5.25Iskandar Sees the Great Western SeaD5.26Iskandar Conquers the Land of HabashD5.27Iskandar Continues the MarchD5.27.1Narm-PawyawnD5.27.2Mountain DragonD5.27.3The Voice of DoomD5.28Iskandar and the City of WomenD5.29Iskandar Seeks the Fount of LifeD5.30Iskandar Builds a Wall against Yajuj and MajujD5.31Iskandar Sees Wonders and OmensD5.32Iskandar Marches His Army to ChinD5.33Iskandar Wars against the SindiansD5.34Iskandar Finds the Treasure of Kay KhosrowD5.35Iskandar Goes to Babil and Writes to ArastatilisD5.36Iskandar’s Letter to His MotherD5.37The Death of IskandarD5.38Lamentations for IskandarD5.39Iskandar’s Mother and Wife MournD5.40Ferdowsi Complains of the Sky
Volume III · D5.40 to E11
D6The Ashkanian Dynasty16 sections · 761 couplets
Read the whole bookD6.1Praise for MahmudD6.2The Tribal KingsD6.3Babak Dreams of Sasan, Descendant of DaraD6.4Ardeshir Babakan and His RivalD6.5Golnar Falls in Love with ArdeshirD6.6Ardavan Pursues Ardeshir and GolnarD6.7Ardavan Writes to His Son to Capture ArdeshirD6.8Tabak Helps Ardeshir and Defeats BahmanD6.9Ardavan Fights Ardeshir and FallsD6.10Ardeshir Fights the Kurds and Is DefeatedD6.11Ardeshir Attacks the Kurds by NightD6.12The Story of Haftvad and the WormD6.13Ardeshir Fights Haftvad and Is DefeatedD6.14Mehrak of Jahram Sacks the Palace of ArdeshirD6.15Ardeshir Discovers the Truth about the WormD6.16Ardeshir Slays Haftvad
D7The Early Sasanians18 sections · 1,019 couplets
Read the whole bookD7.1Ardeshir Babakan Assumes the ThroneD7.2Ardeshir and the Daughter of ArdavanD7.3The Daughter of Ardavan Bears a SonD7.4Ardeshir Writes to Kayd of HindD7.5Shapur and the Daughter of MehrakD7.6The Daughter of Mehrak Bears a SonD7.7Ardeshir’s Wise Administration of the RealmD7.8Kharrad Praises ArdeshirD7.9The Faithlessness of FortuneD7.10Ardeshir’s Last Message to ShapurD7.11Praise of God and of Mahmud, the Great KingD7.12Shapur, Son of ArdeshirD7.12.1Shapur Assumes the ThroneD7.12.2Shapur Fights Rum and Caesar Makes PeaceD7.12.3Shapur Names Hormizd His Successor and DiesD7.13Hormizd, Son of ShapurD7.13.1Hormizd Addresses the AssemblyD7.13.2Hormizd Bequeaths the Throne to Bahram and DiesD7.14Bahram, Son of HormizdD7.15The Reign of Bahram, Son of BahramD7.16The Four-Month Reign of Bahram BahramianD7.17The Reign of Narsi, Son of BahramD7.18The Reign of Hormizd, Son of Narsi
D8The Shapur Zul-Aktaf Cycle and Later Early Sasanian Reigns4 sections · 757 couplets
Read the whole bookD8.1Shapur, Son of Hormizd, Surnamed Zul-AktafD8.1.1The Posthumous Birth and Crowning of ShapurD8.1.2Shapur’s Vengeance and Malika’s LoveD8.1.3Malika Betrays Tair and Shapur TriumphsD8.1.4Shapur Goes to Rum and Is Captured by CaesarD8.1.5Shapur Is Freed by a Clever DamselD8.1.6Mobad and Chiefs Assemble to Welcome ShapurD8.1.7Shapur Attacks and Captures CaesarD8.1.8Shapur Fights Yanus, Caesar’s BrotherD8.1.9The Romans Crown BaranushD8.1.10Baranush Makes a Treaty with ShapurD8.1.11The False Prophet Mani Preaches to ShapurD8.1.12Ardeshir’s Regency and Shapur’s EndD8.2The Reign of Ardeshir, Brother of ShapurD8.3The Reign of Shapur, Son of ShapurD8.4The Reign of Bahram, Son of Shapur
D9Yazdegard I and the Rise of Bahram Goor13 sections · 692 couplets
Read the whole bookD9.1Yazdegard Assumes the ThroneD9.2Bahram Goor Is Born and Raised by an ArabD9.3Bahram Meets a Lady While HuntingD9.4Bahram Shows His Strength to MonzerD9.5Bahram and Numan Visit YazdegardD9.6Yazdegard Jails Bahram, but He EscapesD9.7Yazdegard Is Killed by a Water-HorseD9.8The Iranians Place Khosrow on the ThroneD9.9Bahram Goor Marches to Claim the ThroneD9.10The Iranians Protest Bahram’s Ravages to MonzerD9.11Bahram Goor Approaches with Monzer’s ArmyD9.12Bahram Goor Claims His Right to RuleD9.13Bahram Slays the Lions and Takes the Throne
D10The Bahram Goor Cycle: Justice, Foreign Adventures, and End of a Reign40 sections · 2,575 couplets
Read the whole bookD10.1Bahram Goor’s Accession and First CommandsD10.2Bahram Pardons Iran and Remits the ArrearsD10.3Bahram Visits Lambak the Water-CarrierD10.4Bahram Is Ill-Treated by Baraham the JewD10.5Bahram Grants Baraham’s Wealth to LambakD10.6Bahram Forbids Wine after the Lion-HuntD10.7Bahram Allows Wine AgainD10.8Rozbeh Ruins and Restores a VillageD10.9Bahram Weds the Miller’s DaughtersD10.10Bahram Finds the Treasures of JamshidD10.11Bahram’s Visit to the Merchant’s HouseD10.12Bahram’s Dragon-Slaying and Visit to a YokelD10.13Bahram Weds the Daughters of Noble BarzinD10.14Bahram Slays Lions and Weds ArezuD10.15Bahram’s Hunt and Night with FarshidvardD10.16A Bramble-Grubber Reveals Farshidvard’s GuiltD10.17Bahram’s Lion-HuntD10.18Bahram’s Gur-e-Khar Hunt before the PrincesD10.19The Khan of Chin Invades IranD10.20Bahram’s Assault on the Khan’s ArmyD10.21Bahram Marks the Frontier and Crowns ShahraD10.22Bahram Returns to Iran in TriumphD10.23Bahram Instructs His OfficialsD10.24Bahram Receives Caesar’s EnvoyD10.25Bahram’s Dismissal of Caesar’s EnvoyD10.26Bahram’s Embassy to Shangul of HindD10.27Shangul Answers Bahram’s LetterD10.28Shangul’s Feast and Bahram’s ProwessD10.29Shangul Detains Bahram in HindD10.30Bahram Slays the Wolf for ShangulD10.31Bahram Slays a DragonD10.32Shangul Gives His Daughter to BahramD10.33Faghfoor of Chin Writes to BahramD10.34Bahram’s Flight from Hind to IranD10.35Shangul Learns Bahram’s IdentityD10.36Shangul and Bahram Return to Their RealmsD10.37Shangul and Seven Kings Visit BahramD10.38Bahram Remits the Landowners’ TaxD10.39Bahram Calls the Gypsies from HindustanD10.40Bahram Goor’s Time Comes to an End
D11Short Reigns and a Crisis with Khoshnavaz4 sections · 387 couplets
Read the whole bookD11.1The Reign of Yazdegard, Son of Bahram GoorD11.2The Reign of Hormizd, Son of YazdegardD11.3The Reign of PiroozD11.3.1Pirooz’s Accession and Royal AddressD11.3.2Pirooz’s City-building and War with TuranD11.3.3Khoshnavaz’s Letter to PiroozD11.3.4Pirooz Falls in Battle with KhoshnavazD11.4BalawshD11.4.1Balawsh Ascends and Exhorts the IraniansD11.4.2Sofrye Learns of Pirooz’s DeathD11.4.3Qobad Is Freed after Sofrye’s Victory
D12Qobad and the Mazdakite Revolution8 sections · 399 couplets
Read the whole bookD12.1How Qobad, Son of Pirooz, Assumes the ThroneD12.2The Fall of SofryeD12.3Jamasp Takes the Throne after Qobad’s FallD12.4Qobad’s Escape and Flight to the HeytaliansD12.5Qobad Returns and Reascends the ThroneD12.6Qobad Adopts the Faith of MazdakD12.7Anooshirvan Overthrows Mazdak’s FaithD12.8Anooshirvan Is Named Qobad’s Successor
D13Anooshirvan and the Road to the End-time20 sections · 1,600 couplets
Read the whole bookD13.1The PreludeD13.2Anooshirvan’s Accession and Royal AddressD13.3Anooshirvan’s Decree of JusticeD13.4Anooshirvan Orders the Army AssembledD13.5The Kings Acknowledge AnooshirvanD13.6Anooshirvan Fortifies the PassD13.7Anooshirvan Subdues the BorderlandsD13.8Monzer Seeks Justice from AnooshirvanD13.9Anooshirvan’s Letter to CaesarD13.10Caesar Answers AnooshirvanD13.11Anooshirvan Marches against CaesarD13.12Anooshirvan Seizes the Roman FortsD13.13Anooshirvan Defeats Caesar’s ArmyD13.14The Founding of Zib-e-KhosrowD13.15Caesar Sends Tribute to AnooshirvanD13.16The Birth of Anooshirvan’s Son NushzadD13.17The Revolt of NushzadD13.18Anooshirvan Orders Nushzad’s CaptureD13.19The Death of NushzadD13.20Bozorgmehr’s Seven FeastsD13.20.1Bozorgmehr Interprets the DreamD13.20.2The First BanquetD13.20.3The Second BanquetD13.20.4The Third BanquetD13.20.5The Fourth BanquetD13.20.6The Fifth BanquetD13.20.7The Sixth BanquetD13.20.8The Seventh Banquet
E1The Story of Mahbud and Other Matters13 sections · 1,094 couplets
Read the whole bookE1.1Zarvan’s Sorcery and the Fall of MahbudE1.2Anooshirvan Avenges MahbudE1.3Anooshirvan’s Wisdom and SursanE1.4Ghatfar Defeated, Faghanish CrownedE1.5Anooshirvan Marches against the KhanE1.6The Khan Writes for PeaceE1.7Anooshirvan Replies to the KhanE1.8The Khan Proposes Alliance by MarriageE1.9Anooshirvan Sends for the Khan’s DaughterE1.10The Khan Sends Bride and TreasureE1.11Anooshirvan Marches to TisfoonE1.12Anooshirvan’s Just RuleE1.13Bozorgmehr’s Counsel to Anooshirvan
E2Chess, Wisdom, and the Kalila and Dimna4 sections · 887 couplets
Read the whole bookE3Bozorgmehr’s Fall and Restoration5 sections · 619 couplets
Read the whole bookE4Anooshirvan’s Last Years7 sections · 421 couplets
Read the whole bookE5Hormizd, Son of Anooshirvan29 sections · 1,807 couplets
Read the whole bookE5.1Hormizd’s Accession and AddressE5.2Hormizd’s Slaughter of the MinistersE5.3Hormizd Renounces TyrannyE5.4The Realm Rises against HormizdE5.5Hormizd Calls for Bahram ChubinE5.6Bahram Chubin Takes CommandE5.7Bahram Chubin Rides against SavehE5.8Bahram Chubin Answers King SavehE5.9Saveh and Bahram Chubin Face Each OtherE5.10The Second Exchange with King SavehE5.11Bahram Chubin Slays King SavehE5.12Bahram Chubin Announces His VictoryE5.13Bahram Chubin Overcomes ParmudehE5.14Parmudeh Seeks Mercy from BahramE5.15Bahram Seeks Mercy for ParmudehE5.16Bahram Chubin’s Anger at ParmudehE5.17Parmudeh Appears before HormizdE5.18Hormizd Seeks Alliance with the KhanE5.19Hormizd Shames Bahram ChubinE5.20Bahram Turns the InsultE5.21The Lady Foretells Bahram’s FutureE5.22Bahram Chubin Claims Royal TitleE5.23Bahram Sends Swords to HormizdE5.24Bahram Chubin Reveals His AmbitionE5.25Bahram’s Plan of the CoinageE5.26Bahram’s Letter and Khosrow’s FlightE5.27Hormizd’s Captain Is SlainE5.28Hormizd Refuses Audience and FallsE5.29Khosrow Learns of His Father’s Blinding
E6Khosrow Parviz54 sections · 3,184 couplets
Read the whole bookE6.1The PreludeE6.2Khosrow Parviz Takes the ThroneE6.3Khosrow Seeks His Father’s ForgivenessE6.4Bahram Leads His Troops against KhosrowE6.5Khosrow and Bahram ParleyE6.6Gurdiyeh’s Counsel and Khosrow’s PurposeE6.7Khosrow Flees the Night AttackE6.8Khosrow Leaves His Father and FleesE6.9Bahram’s Pursuit and Bandvi’s RescueE6.10Bandvi Is Taken to Bahram ChubinE6.11Bahram Chubin Claims the ThroneE6.12The Plot against Bahram ChubinE6.13The Hermit’s Prophecy to KhosrowE6.14Caesar’s Horseman Comes to KhosrowE6.15Caesar’s Reply to KhosrowE6.16Caesar Refuses Aid to KhosrowE6.17Khosrow Receives Caesar’s Second LetterE6.18Khosrow Replies on the AllianceE6.19The Mystery of Caesar’s TalismanE6.20Kharrad’s Counsel to CaesarE6.21Caesar Sends Aid and a BrideE6.22Bandvi Meets Khosrow on the RoadE6.23The Intercepted Letter of Bahram ChubinE6.24Khosrow Battles Bahram ChubinE6.25Soroush Saves Khosrow from BahramE6.26Khosrow Overthrows Bahram ChubinE6.27Bahram Escapes to the Khan of ChinE6.28Khosrow Takes Bahram’s CampE6.29Maryam Reconciles Niyatus and BandviE6.30Khosrow Rewards Niyatus and the RomansE6.31Ferdowsi Laments the Death of His SonE6.32Bahram Chubin and the Khan of ChinE6.33Makatura Falls to Bahram ChubinE6.34Bahram Chubin Slays the Lion-ApeE6.35Khosrow Writes to the Khan of BahramE6.36Kharrad’s Mission to the KhanE6.37Bahram Falls by Kharrad’s DesignE6.38The Khan’s Vengeance for BahramE6.39Khosrow Rewards KharradE6.40The Khan’s Suit to GurdiyehE6.41Gurdiyeh Takes Counsel and Flees MarvE6.42The Khan Sends Tobarg after GurdiyehE6.43Gurdiyeh Writes to GordviE6.44Bandvi Is Slain by KhosrowE6.45Gostaham Rebels and Weds GurdiyehE6.46Gurdiyeh Is Moved to Slay GostahamE6.47Khosrow Receives and Weds GurdiyehE6.48Gurdiyeh Displays Her Grace and SkillE6.49A Cruel Warden Is Sent to ReyE6.50Khosrow Grants Rey to GurdiyehE6.51The Ordering of Khosrow’s RealmE6.52The Ill-Omened Birth of ShiruyehE6.53Caesar Seeks the Cross of ChristE6.54Khosrow Answers with Gifts
E7The Story of Khosrow Parviz and Shirin11 sections · 675 couplets
Read the whole bookE7.1The PreludeE7.2Khosrow’s Love for ShirinE7.3The Nobles Question Khosrow over ShirinE7.4Shirin’s Crime and Shiruyeh’s FallE7.5Khosrow Builds the Throne of TaqdisE7.6The Minstrels Sarkash and BarbadE7.7Khosrow Parviz Builds the City of MadainE7.8The Majesty of Khosrow ParvizE7.9Khosrow’s Injustice and the Chiefs’ RevoltE7.10Shiruyeh Is ReleasedE7.11Shiruyeh Sends Khosrow to Tisfoon
E8Shiruyeh’s Coup and the End of the Great Reign6 sections · 563 couplets
Read the whole bookE9The Years of Chaos6 sections · 180 couplets
Read the whole bookE10Yazdegard14 sections · 845 couplets
Read the whole bookE10.1Yazdegard Ascends the ThroneE10.2Sa’ad Invades, and Rostam Takes the FieldE10.3Rostam and Sa’ad Exchange LettersE10.4Rostam Battles Sa’ad and Is SlainE10.5Yazdegard Withdraws to KhorasanE10.6Yazdegard Writes to MahwiE10.7Yazdegard Appeals to the Frontier LordsE10.8Mahwi Meets Yazdegard at TusE10.9Yazdegard Hides in the MillE10.10The Plot against YazdegardE10.11The Death of YazdegardE10.12Mahwi of Sur Takes the ThroneE10.13Bijan Marches against MahwiE10.14The Death of Mahwi of Sur