A KINGS BOOK OF KINGS The Houghton Shah-nameh

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

A,k A KING'S BOOK OF KINGS THE HOUGHTON SHAH-NAMEH

SYNOPSES OF THE STORIES ILLUSTRATED IN THE EXHIBITION A KING'S BOOK OF KINGS

May 4 - October 31, 1972

Compiled by

Marie Lukens Swietochowski and Suzanne Boorsch

The Metropolitan Museum of Art The Shah-nameh, Persia's Book of Kings, recounts the history of Iran's ancient empire from its legendary birth to its downfall in the middle of the seventh century at the hands of Arab armies. Around the year 975, at a time of renewed national consciousness, the poet Firdowsi of Tus began writing this great epic, a task lasting about thirty-five years. In time, it became the custom among various major and minor rulers of Iran to have their own Shah-nameh copied out and illus­ trated by the best artists their prestige could command. The Houghton Shah-nameh was commissioned for the second ruler of the Safavid Dynasty, Shah Tahmasp, early in a reign that began in 1524. It contains an unprecedented 258 miniature paintings, some as large as 11 x 14 inches, and represents a culmination of a long tradition in this art. Seventy-five miniatures from the manuscript were selected for this exhibition. The stories here are arranged in consecutive order as they appear in the Shah-nameh, with the folio number, recto or verso, indicated. The folio numbers are indicated above the miniatures in the exhibition, and the titles here correspond to those in the exhibition.

/J r~ to FIRDOWSI ENCOUNTERS THE COURT POETS OF HUSHANG SLAYS THE BLACK DIV 21v GHAZNA 7r Ahriman, the devil, and his son, the ferocious wolflike Firdowsi, the author of the Shah-nameh, had recently Black Div, coveted the throne of Gayumars and plotted arrived at the court of Mahmud of Ghazna to seek against him in secret. The beloved son of Gayumars was patronage for the epic he had been working on for some foully slain by the Black Div when he set out to defend his twenty years in his native Tus. His reputation had father's throne. Gayumars' grandson, Hushang, avenged his preceded him, and when he came upon the three famous father's death by gathering an army of wild animals and court poets, Ansari, Asjadi, and Farrukhi, in a garden, peris and, in turn, slaying the Black Div. jealousy and suspicion of the newcomer led them to try to exclude him from the circle. They challenged him to complete the fourth line of a quatrain of which the first three lines were rhymed by the only three Persian words to THE FEAST OF SADEH 22v end in the syllable schen. Undeterred by this seemingly impossible task, Firdowsi brilliantly completed the In the reign of Hushang, grandson of Gayumars, the world quatrain by using the proper name Peschen, and the other came to understand the usefulness of minerals and the art poets were forced to accept his presence. of smithery, as well as agriculture and irrigation. One day Hushang spied a horrible dragon lurking behind the rocks. He hurled a stone at it, which missed the monster but hit a larger rock, causing sparks to fly up. Realizing the significance of this phenomenon, Hushang built a large fire and held a feast to celebrate its discovery, FIRDOWSI'S PARABLE ON THE SHIP OF SHI'ISM 18v known as the Feast of Sadeh.

This is an illustration from that part of the prelude to the poem that praises the Prophet and his family. The poet's TAHMURAS DEFEATS THE DIVS 23v vision is of the seventy religions of the world seen as sailing ships on the sea of the world, doomed to be destroyed by Tahmuras, son of Hushang, brought further civilization to the waves so all shall drown. In the most splendid ship is the world by teaching the art of weaving and the domesti­ the Prophet and his son-in-law Ali, and in the illustration cation of animals. Ali's two sons Hasan and Husayn. The poet feels that if he The divs again rebelled, but Tahmuras, his virtue giving is faithful to this ship, when it founders the powers of him strength, defeated them. They promised, in return for salvation of the family of the Prophet, strongly believed in their lives, to teach a new and valuable art. So Tahmuras by the Shi'a sect, will be his only hope. spared them, and the divs taught him the alphabet and how to write some thirty scripts, including Greek, Persian, Arabic, Soghdian, Chinese, and Pahlavi.

THE COURT OF GAYUMARS 20v THE COURT OF JAMSHID 24v Civilization began with Gayumars, first of the mythological kings. From the mountain top that was his Jamshid, son of Tahmuras, of all the early kings throne he taught the people how to feed themselves and contributed most to the civilizing process. He taught many clothe themselves in the skins of animals, and the wild new arts and crafts, perfected others, and introduced beasts came from all the corners of the earth to pay luxuries into the world as well. He divided people into the homage to him. classes of priest, warrior, free agriculturist, and artisan. He

185172 was the first to travel the seas by ship and even explored THE NIGHTMARE OF ZAHHAK 28v the heavens, his throne carried by divs. He discovered medicine, and death and disease were held at bay. Finally, One night, forty years before the end of his reign, as this long Golden Age came to an end through Jamshid's Zahhak lay beside one of Jamshid's daughters, he dreamed pride. When he began to equate himself with God, he was that a princely soldier struck him down with an ox-headed abandoned by God's grace. It was then that Ahriman, the mace, bound him, placed a yoke on his shoulders, covered devil, regained his power and, through Zahhak, brought his face with dust, and dragged him through jeering about Jamshid's fall. throngs up to Mount Demavend. He awoke from his nightmare with a piercing cry that echoed through the palace.

THE DEATH OF KING MIRDAS 25v

Mirdas was a virtuous and generous king in Arabia. His ZAHHAK IS TOLD HIS FATE 29v gallant, though hasty and easily influenced, son Zahhak was lured by Ahriman into a plot to kill the good king for Zahhak called together his priests and wise men and his throne. On a path the old king was accustomed to threatened them with death if they would not reveal the walk, Ahriman dug a dip pit and masked it with boughs, meaning of his dreadful dream. He was told he would lose and so Mirdas fell in, broke his back, and died. both fortune and throne in the manner envisioned in the Next Ahriman, disguised as a cook, brought before the nightmare to a warrior called Faridun, not yet born but new king forbidden but irresistible dishes. When Zahhak, with just claims to the crown. Faridun would be full of thoroughly ensnared, asked the cook what reward he vengeance for the death of his father at Zahhak's hand and wished, Ahriman answered that he wanted only to kiss the for the slaying of the cow Birmayeh who had nursed him. king's shoulders. The request was granted, and, where the The dreaded king, on hearing this prophecy, fell from his devil's lips had touched, two horrible black snakes grew throne in a faint. up. Nothing would rid him of them. Then Ahriman again appeared, this time as a man of medicine, and advised Zahhak that the only remedy was to feed the snakes daily with the brains of two youths. If this did not kill them at ZAHHAK SLAYS BIRMAYEH 30v least it should keep them dormant, he insisted. Ahriman's evil purpose was thus to depopulate the world. The predictions of the sayers came to pass. Faridun was born, and iris father was captured and slain at Zahhak's command. Faridun was hidden and nourished by the cow Birmayeh. Then news of Zahhak's merciless search came to Faranak, mother of Faridun, and she fled once-rrlore with the child. Zahhak wantonly killed Birmayeh and all the cattle, laying waste the land as he went and firing the ZAHHAK RECEIVES THE DAUGHTERS OF palace of Faridun when he found it empty. JAMSHID 27v

When Jamshid grew proud, and God's grace abandoned him, the world became open to Ahriman's influence, and so it was that Zahhak was able to usurp the throne of Iran KAVEH TEARS ZAHHAK'S SCROLL 31v and slay Jamshid. With Zahhak's one-thousand-year reign, wickedness, sin, As Faridun grew to manhood, Zahhak grew old and ever and corruption triumphed and flourished. Jamshid's two more fearful of his destiny. Desperate to counteract his beautiful and virtuous daughters were brought to Zahhak, fate, the dragon-king summoned all his nobles to sign a only to be raised by him in the love of evil. scroll extolling his rule and his life's devotion to goodness. justice, and truth. Out of fear, they signed, but they were he had them bathed and purged the darkness from their interrupted in their cowardly act by a voice crying minds until they were wholly cleansed. They wept with "injustice!" It was Kaveh, the smith, who had lost sixteen joy and gratitude for their rescue and vowed to help sons to the insatiable serpents. Now that the last had been Faridun fulfill his destiny and destroy the dragon-king. taken to be sacrificed, he had come in outrage before his Zahhak's lieutenant, left behind in the palace, pretended oppressor. Zahhak, in order to appear benevolent, freed submission to Faridun, then slipped away and hastened to the youth, but demanded that Kaveh, too, sign the scroll. his master to report all he had learned. In reply, Kaveh tore the document in shreds, denouncing With a huge army of men and divs, Zahhak returned to the assembled courtiers as accomplices of the Div. He took reclaim his power. His forces and the multitudes that had his son and strode from the palace. With his blacksmith's rallied to Faridun's cause fought a terrible battle while the apron as a standard he rallied the people in revolt against serpent-king slipped into the palace. When Zahhak saw the oppressor and led them in the search for Faridun, who that the youth sitting on his throne had also taken his would rid them of the evil usurper and claim his true right place with the beautiful daughters of Jamshid, he became to the crown. mad with jealousy and raised his dagger to stab them. But Faridun was too swift and struck the tyrant with his ox-headed mace. Even so, Zahhak was not to meet a quick and merciful FARIDUN ORDERS THE OX-HEADED MACE 32v death. The angel Surosh stayed the hand of Faridun and advised him as to the proper punishment of the evil While fear more than age bent Zahhak's back, Faridun had Zahhak. grown to manhood and was ready to take up arms to avenge the death of his father, whose brains had fed the tyrant's serpents. In memory of Birmayeh, the cow whose milk had nourished him, Faridun ordered an ox-headed THE DEATH OF ZAHHAK 37v mace. Faridun was instructed by the angel Surosh to chain Zahhak to a cleft in the rocks of Mount Demavend, to suffer a long agony.

FARIDUN CROSSES THE RIVER DIJLEH 33v

Carrying the ox-headed mace, and with his army on swift THE COURT OF FARIDUN 38v Arab steeds, Faridun advanced to the river Dijleh (Tigris). Zahhak's boatman had orders to refuse them passage, but Having freed men from fear, Faridun put order in the resistance only spurred them on, and, fearlessly urging world, and he reigned supreme for five hundred years. their steeds forward, they plunged into the whirling water, Under his rule the world became a paradise. Cypresses and their passion for vengeance undampened. roses thrived where only weeds had grown.

FARIDUN STRIKES DOWN ZAHHAK 36v FARIDUN TESTS HIS SONS 42v

Despite the high walls and the vast army of defending divs, Faridun had three noble sons among whom, when they Faridun and his small force successfully attacked and had reached maturity, he resolved to divide his kingdom. occupied Zahhak's magnificent palace, but the dragon-king But first he had to test their courage and wisdom, so on was gone. The young warrior-prince occupied the old their return from a journey he appeared before them in the tyrant's throne, and when he saw the daughters of Jamshid guise of a dragon, spewing fire and smoke, roaring and thrashing violently, and threatening to attack. His eldest His mission accomplished, the young Manuchihr returned son fled, for what sensible man would fight with dragons? to his great-grandfather Faridun, who came out from his His second was ready to attack rashly, for it made no palace on foot to welcome him. The old shah, his heart now difference to him if a foe was a roaring lion or a brave at peace, embraced the young prince with love and gratitude. cavalier. His third son faced the dragon, saying, "Be gone, for we are the sons of Faridun and warriors like him, and I will cut off your head if you do not turn away." As a result of this testing of their characters, the favored MANUCHIHR ENTHRONED 60v central kingdom of Iran and Arabia was awarded to the youngest son, Iraj, who in his encounter with the dragon Vengeance achieved, the old king was ready to die, and he had shown prudence backed by courage. handed the crown over to Manuchihr. Faridun called upon Sam, his most powerful and loyal feudal lord, to look after the young king.

TUR DECAPITATES IRAJ 48v

The two brothers of Iraj, Salm and Tur, who had received the lands of the West (Byzantium) and East (Central Asia and China) respectively, became envious of Iraj for being his father's favorite and for his position as ruler of the SAM COMES TO MOUNT ALBURZ 63v favored central kingdom. They threatened invasion of Iran if Iraj was not sent to a kingdom as remote as theirs. Sam, the chief of paladins, longed for a son, but when one Infuriated and shocked by his ungrateful sons, Faridun was finally born to him, the infant, Zal, though perfect in informed Iraj of their intentions and advised him to strike all other respects, had snow-white hair. It was a week at once before they preyed upon him. But Iraj felt sure he before the ladies of the harem dared break the news. Sam, could convince his brothers of the good will and peaceful appalled and ashamed of what he felt must be the work of intentions of their sire and himself and set off, unarmed, Ahriman, the devil, ordered the infant exposed on Mount to visit them. When the troops of his two older brothers Alburz. The lofty summit of this towering mountain was saw Iraj, they realized that he was truly worthy of the the home of the fabulous bird Simurgh. God moved her throne and their hearts went to him in love. This further heart to take pity on the abandoned child, so she brought inflamed the jealous brothers, and when Iraj took them him to her nest and raised him with her own children, and into his tent and proferred love and peace, Tur slew him there under her care he grew strong and beautiful. As time with his dagger. He then cut off his head, and the two sent passed, rumors brought by caravans reached the mighty it to their father, whose grief was overwhelming. His only paladin, and, on the urging of his wise men, Sam went in wish was to live long enough to see the death of Iraj search of his abandoned son, asking God's forgiveness for avenged by his own seed. This deed began the long history his unnatural act of renunciation. of feuds between the Iranians and Turanians that occupies When the paladin saw the nest on the mountain peak, he so much of the Shah-nameh. was unable to find a way up, but the Simurgh saw him with his retinue and knew the time had come to return Zal to his father. But first she gave him one of her feathers and told the boy to burn it if ever he was in need of her. FARIDUN EMBRACES MANUCHIHR 59v Though her heart broke and the youth wept at leaving the only home he had known, the great bird carried him from Manuchihr, grandson of the murdered Iraj, was destined to the rocky peak and set him down before his father. Sam avenge the death of Iraj. In the end he killed Tur and Salm paid homage to the Simurgh, offering his thanks and in fierce battles. praises again and again. ZAL RECEIVES MIHRAB'S HOMAGE AT KABUL 67v ZAL CONSULTS THE MAGI 73v

Manuchihr the king invited Sam and Zal to court to offer Zal came to the princess's palace at dusk. She let down her his congratulations. But father and son were not to remain tresses over the battlement for him to climb to her, but together for long. Sam was called away to war and turned after kissing them he threw a rope and climbed the wall to over his kingdom to Zal. her chamber. The two embraced and spoke of love till The youth called all the magi and astrologers of the dawn. kingdom to him and absorbed their wisdom till none In_the morning Zal consulted his magi, asking them how equaled him. People thronged to see his beauty, which he might best persuade his father to agree to his marriage was so great that his white hair seemed black. to Mihrab's daughter, to whom he had completely lost his Zal set out on a royal visit of his father's dominions, heart. He also wished advice on how best to obtain the stopping to hold court as he progressed. He came to Kabul blessing of Shah Manuchihr, whose loathing of Zahhak's and held a feast there for Mihrab, the vassal king, who was memory led him to distrust and detest his descendants. a descendant of the evil Zahhak. Mihrab paid homage to The magi, well aware of the difficulties in the way of such him and brought Zal costly gifts. an alliance, finally counseled Zal to write a letter to Sam, whose wisdom was greater than their own, and who alone might be capable of persuading the shah.

RUDABEH'S MAIDS MEET ZAL'S PAGE AT THE RIVER 70v

Zal and Rudabeh, the beautiful daughter of Mihrab, fell in love when each heard a description of the other. Though they knew that any match between them, because of the SAM IS VISITED BY PRINCE NOWZAR 79v memory of Zahhak, would surely not be approved by their fathers or allowed by the shah, passion overruled When Sam received Zal's letter explaining his love for prudence. Rudabeh sent her maids to the river near Zal's Rudabeh, reminding his father that he had promised never camp as if to gather roses. Zal shot at a wild fowl near to hurt him again or deny his wishes, and asking his them across the river and sent his page to retrieve it. Thus support of their marriage, Sam was at first dismayed, a meeting was arranged. willing neither to break his son's heart nor to support a marriage whose offspring might be tainted by Zahhak's evil. Sam consulted his astrologers. When they informed him that the pair would have a son who would prove a mighty RUDABEH'S MAIDS RETURN TO THE PALACE 71v elephant who would increase the glory of Iran and raise its throne on high, Sam sent a message to Zal granting his After arranging the meeting between Zal and Rudabeh permission. with Zal's page, the maids returned to the palace to report However, when Shah Manuchihr heard of the love of Zal to their mistress. They were berated by the gatekeeper for and Rudabeh he reacted strongly against any alliance that being outside the walls at a time when Zal's camp was near might bring the seed of Zahhak back to Iranian soil and and his men everywhere. They explained innocently that lead to strife. Seeing his mood, his astrologers, when they were gathering roses. When, in secret, they described consulted, felt it prudent to be silent, telling the shah his Zal to Rudabeh, her heart became more inflamed than wisdom was greater than their own. The shah then sent his ever, and so the lovers with burning impatience waited for son, Prince Nowzar, to go to Sam, who was campaigning in their tryst. Mazandaran, and bring him back to court. SAM AND ZAL ARE WELCOMED INTO KABUL 89v through the lines and caught up with Barman; he avenged his brother's death by killing Barman in the same manner Shah Manuchihr ordered Sam to make war on Kabul and Barman had killed Qubad. destroy Mihrab and all his family. King Mihrab, visualizing the destruction of his kingdom, was almost ready to have his only daughter executed if that only would save Kabul. When the young Zal heard the shah's command for war, ZAL SLAYS KHAZARVAN WITH THE OX-HEADED he rushed to his father's camp. He declared that if Sam MACE 104r would destroy Kabul he must kill Zal first; he then reminded his father of his former injustice when he As part of the war between the Iranians and Turanians, abandoned him as a baby and of his promise never to act two Turanian generals came with an army to invade against him again. Zabulistan, the lands of Zal, and Kabulistan, the lands of Sam listened to his son's words and recognized their Mihrab, his father-in-law, while Zal was away burying his truth. He decided that if Zal himself went to Manuchihr father, Sam. Mihrab sent a messenger to Zal telling him of the shah would not wish him harm. So the young man the danger and urging haste, explaining that he would hold went with a letter from his father to Manuchihr's court. off the enemy as long as possible with feigned submission Zal showed the shah his great wisdom when questioned by and an offer of tribute. the magi, and his greatness as a warrior when he easily When they became aware of Zal's return, the Turanians outshone all assembled in martial contests. The astrologers were dismayed, except for their mightiest warrior, foretold of the mighty son that would be the fruit of the Khazarvan, who boasted he was not afraid of one man. In marriage and who would protect the throne and enhance the first clash between the two, Khazarvan shattered Zal's the glory of Iran. cuirass, and the warriors of Kabulistan were fearful and So Shah Manuchihr countermanded the order for war retreated. But Zal's blood was up. He donned fresh armor, and gave his consent to the marriage, and Sam and Zal set charged again, and smote Khazarvan with his ox-headed off in a glorious procession to Kabul to claim Rudabeh's mace. With the death of their leader the Turanian host hand. fled.

QARAN SLAYS BARMAN 102v AFRASIYAB ON THE IRANIAN THRONE 105r

After Manuchihr and Sam died, it was time for the Nowzar, the Iranian shah, tried to escape from the fortress Turanians to seek revenge for the death of Tur, who had where he was besieged, but he was caught by Afrasiyab. been slain by Manuchihr. The great Turanian paladin was The Turanian had Nowzar brought before him. He retold Afrasiyab, son of the king, Pashang. Afrasiyab gathered an the events of the continuing feud between the countries, army and marched across the Jihun (Oxus) River, the and then he himself beheaded the Iranian shah with his boundary between the two countries. The Iranians met scimitar and threw his body into the dust. them; the two armies fought. The first battle ended in Afrasiyab then proceeded to the royal city of Ray, stalemate. where he mounted the Iranian throne. He had Iran's Barman, a nephew of the Turanian king, challenged the wealth brought to him and ordered it to be distributed Iranians to send someone to fight him. Old Qubad took up among his followers. the challenge, although his cohorts tried to dissuade him. After an all-day fight, the old warrior was slain by a spear in his back. More battles followed, and victory came to the RUSTAM LASSOS RAKHSH 109r Turanians. The Iranian shah, Nowzar, and Qaran, the brother of Qubad, were besieged. But Qaran slipped Zal and Rudabeh were married, and a son was born to them. He was so mighty that, with the help of the Kay Kavus, who succeeded Kay Qubad to the throne of Simurgh, summoned by Zal's burning her feather, he was Iran, had not his father's wisdom. He was lured by a div, born by Caesarian section. An anesthetic and healing herbs who disguised himself as a minstrel and sang of the riches commanded by the wise bird enabled Rudabeh to survive of Mazandaran, to invade that land of divs and wizards in the ordeal. hope of booty. At first the shah and his army were greatly The child had such astounding strength, courage, and successful, but then the div king called upon the White Div warrior skills that, while still a boy, he was summoned to to give him aid. By sorcery, the White Div captured and aid his country against the Turanian invaders. But first temporarily blinded the foolish shah and his followers. Rustam needed a horse whose strength would match his Kay Kavus managed to send word of his plight to Zal at own. His father called together all his herds for the boy's Zabulistan, begging for help. Although the shah's review, but when Rustam tested them by pressing his hand predicament was the result of his own weaknesses, the on their backs, their bellies touched the ground. Finally a crown of Iran had to be protected. Rustam, in spite of the beautiful gray mare with a large colt that would today be terrible dangers, agreed to undertake the rescue. On his described as a strawberry roan sped by. He looked so murky journey the hero was faced with seven perilous strong and beautiful the youth prepared to lasso him, but encounters, or courses. the herdsman stopped him. The old man explained that no Rustam's third course came after a grueling journey one could capture the colt because its dam attacked like a across a desert. Parched and exhausted, he had at the last raging lion anyone who approached it. In any case, he moment of endurance found a stream and had fallen asleep added, there seemed to be a prior claim on the beast, as it beside it. Then a terrible dragon appeared from the gloom. was known as Rustam's Rakhsh. Rakhsh ran to his sleeping master and, stamping and Inspired by these words, Rustam threw his lasso. The neighing, waked him. But the dragon had disappeared, and, mare charged like a furious elephant, but Rustam sent her seeing no danger, Rustam was furious with his horse. When off with a slap on the withers. The colt seemed not to the same thing happened a second time, the wrathful hero notice the hand pressing on his back, so strong was he. threatened Rakhsh with death should he wake him again. Rustam mounted him and sped like the wind. This was The dragon appeared a third time. At last Rustam certainly the horse to carry him to his deeds of glory. perceived the fearsome monster and, with the aid of loyal Rakhsh, fought it and finally slew it.

RUSTAM FINDS KAY QUBAD 1 lOv

The Iranians had no shah to lead them against the RUSTAM'S FOURTH COURSE: HE CLEAVES A Turanian invaders when the magi told Zal of Kay Qubad, a WITCH 120v noble youth descended from Faridun. The young Rustam was sent to search for him by Mount Alburz and bring him After a long day's ride over barren and rugged terrain, back to the throne of Iran. After defeating a Turanian Rustam came upon a welcome stream with grass and trees. outpost single-handedly, Rustam came upon a splendid A delicious meal—a feast for some sorcerers who had scene by a river bank. Amid beautiful blossoming trees and vanished at his approach—was laid out beside a clear flowers a noble youth was seated upon a golden throne, spring. surrounded by cavaliers. It was Kay Qubad himself, who Rustam dismounted, preparing to rest in this delightful had seen the future in a dream and agreed to accompany place. Finding a lute lying in the grass, he picked it up and Rustam back to receive the crown of Iran. Afrasiyab was accompanied himself in a song about the dangers and trials driven out of Iran. of his life. The music reached the ears of a witch, who turned herself into a beautiful damsel and sat down beside Rustam. Holding out a cup of wine to his comely guest, Rustam thanked God for such fortune, whereupon the RUSTAM'S THIRD COURSE: HE SLAYS A damsel's visage blackened. Rustam immediately caught her DRAGON 119v in his lasso and demanded that she show herself in her true form—and a hideous hag appeared in his snare. At that he When Rustam found the White Div, like a mountain cleaved her in two and struck terror into the hearts of all within the inky depths of the cave, he roared like a lion to sorcerers. awaken his foe. So fierce was the fight and so powerful his foe that Rustam thought his end had surely come, and in the rage of despair he lopped a hand and foot from the div's huge form. The fight went on, each streaming sweat RUSTAM'S FIFTH COURSE: THE CAPTURE OF and blood. At last, Rustam managed to dash the div to the OWLAD 121v floor of the cave and finish him with a knife thrust to the heart. The White Div was dead. Rustam released Owlad, After journeying further through murk and darkness, who would now be King of Mazandaran, as promised, and Rustam came with relief to a sunny plain. He released with the White Div's blood restored the sight of the Shah Rakhsh to graze in a wheatfield, took off his helmet and of Iran and his knights. After that there was feasting and damp tiger-skin cuirass to dry in the sun, and fell asleep. A rejoicing for a week. watchman, when he saw the horse in the grain field, went up to the sleeping figure and struck his feet with a stick. Rustam awoke with a roar of rage and tore off the unfortunate man's ears. The man ran howling to Owlad, SUHRAB ROPES IN HIS STEED 141r the young marchlord who was hunting in the area. Owlad and his band went at once to deal with the intruder, but During a hunting expedition in the Turanian marches Rustam rushed among them, striking off two heads with Rustam came to the city of Samangan in search of Rakhsh, one blow of the sword. He caught Owlad in his lasso, who had been stolen while the hero was asleep. The King bound him, and told him his life would be spared and of Samangan made Rustam welcome, promised to have his Rustam would make him King of Mazandaran if he would beloved horse found and returned and, in the meantime, show the way to the White Div and the imprisoned Kay invited Rustam to stay and feast. Kavus. Owlad agreed but warned Rustam of the terrible Full of wine, Rustam went off to the chamber provided journey still ahead, of the number of ferocious divs, and of for him. In the middle of the night he was wakened by the the awesome power of the White Div. Rustam laughed at appearance of a moon-faced maiden who followed a slave his fears, and they set out, with the captive Owlad running carrying a candle toward where the hero lay. Rustam had beside Rakhsh. never seen such beauty and asked who she was. The maiden replied that she was the only daughter of the King of Samangan, and her name was Tahmineh. She, protected RUSTAM'S SEVENTH COURSE: HE KILLS THE WHITE from the eyes of the world, had yet heard the tales of DIV 124r Rustam's wondrous feats and had fallen in love with him. For this reason and that there was no king worthy to be Rustam next tore off the head of the div general and her mate, she had kept herself pure. Now she offered destroyed his div troops, and, led by Owlad, found the herself in marriage. Rustam asked her father's permission, shah and his paladins, still blinded. Kay Kavus explained and the two were wed. During the night Rustam was that three drops of the White Div's blood in each eye were content, but in the morning he thought of Rakhsh and necessary for the return of their sight. He also cautioned longed to be away. He took his famous armlet, gave it to Rustam on the need to kill the White Div quietly and Tahmineh, and told her if a daughter was born to wind it quickly, before he could raise a host of divs to destroy in her hair, and if a son to put it on his arm. Then with them all. Owlad again led the way to the vast and lightless Rakhsh duly returned, he bade her farewell as he rode off cavern where this chief div VIwelt, and advised Rustam to toward Zabulistan, telling no one what had occurred. make his attack at the height of the day, when divs sleep. Nine months later a son was born, who in his great So, at noon, after tying Owlad to a tree with his lasso, the strength and size resembled his father. Tahmineh called brave hero charged the guard of divs at the cavern's mouth, him Suhrab. He grew so rapidly that at ten years old none destroying them all. dared encounter him in fight. At that time he demanded that his mother tell him his lineage. Tahmineh informed Suhrab, in his innocence, released his father and they met Suhrab that the great hero Rustam was his father, but again the third day. On this day's battle, which was a warned him it must be kept secret or Afrasiyab would kill wrestling match, Rustam finally managed to throw him in revenge for the defeats Rustam had inflicted upon Suhrab. Realizing he could not hold him down, he drew the Turanians. But the boy wished to show his mettle and his dagger and pierced the chest of the brave youth. prove himself worthy of his mighty and famous parent. He The dying boy told Rustam that he was only sorry to proposed raising an army of Turanians, removing Kay die without having found his father, and that his father, Kavus from the Iranian throne and putting Rustam there Rustam, would avenge his death once he heard of it. Then instead, and after that removing Afrasiyab from the the world grew black for Rustam, and he fainted. When he Turanian throne. Then Rustam, with Tahmineh at his side, came to himself he asked for proof that Suhrab was his would be the only king remaining in the world. The proud son. Suhrab told him to undo his breastplate. When mother agreed to this naive plan. Rustam unloosed the mail and saw the gem he had given But first Suhrab, like his father before him, needed a Tahmineh to put on the arm of their son, his grief knew no steed worthy of him. Searching the herds and testing all in bounds. The whole land joined Rustam in his vain, finally the boy found a colt of the seed of Rakhsh, lamentations. the only one strong and swift enough to serve him.

RUSTAM WEEPS OVER HIS DYING SON 155r SIYAVUSH PLAYS POLO BEFORE AFRASIYAB 180v When Afrasiyab, the wily Turanian king, heard that Suhrab was preparing for war against King Kavus, he sent him Siyavush, son of Kay Kavus, led an army against the troops but told the leaders to make sure that Rustam did Turanians. Afrasiyab, after having a dream in which he was not recognize his son. He hoped that the young warrior captured and put to death by the Iranians, was advised to might kill his father, leaving no one strong enough to seek peace with Siyavush. He did so; the foolish Kay defend the throne of Kay Kavus, or, if that failed, that the Kavus, however, was mistrustful and ordered Siyavush to father would kill his son and be destroyed by grief. press the attack. Siyavush therefore returned Afrasiyab's When rumors of the prowess of the young Suhrab and gifts and hostages, but resolved to go off himself to some his approaching army reached Kay Kavus, he was so faraway land rather than break his word of peace to alarmed he sent to Zabulistan for Rustam to come and Afrasiyab. repel the invasion. Reluctantly, Rustam came. When Afrasiyab was uneasy about the return of the gifts but Suhrab's army of Turanians faced the Iranian army, was persuaded to invite Siyavush to his court. His letter Afrasiyab's chieftains were careful to keep Suhrab from was so appealing that Siyavush could not resist. identifying his father. Then on a night reconnaissance Siyavush is the player in the middle, with two feathers Rustam inadvertently killed the one man, sent by in his headdress; Afrasiyab, mounted, watches from the Tahmineh, who could point out to her beloved son his horizon. Siyavush turned out to be a magnificent player. famous father. Suhrab and Rustam were fated to meet in single combat, close several times to recognizing one another. The first day the mighty combat of the two greatest warriors the world had seen was a draw. The second day SIYAVUSH AND AFRASIYAB IN THE HUNTING they fought again. Finally Suhrab threw Rustam to the FIELD 182v ground, sat upon his chest, and prepared to cut off his head. Seeing this, Rustam told the youth the rules of war On the hunt, too, Siyavush excelled, and Afrasiyab in Iran were such that only on the second throw was it delighted more and more in the company of his visitor. permissible to kill a foe, but not on the first throw. So But tragedy lay ahead. SIYAVUSH RECOUNTS HIS NIGHTMARE TO KAY KHOSROW'S WAR PRIZES ARE PLEDGED FARANGIS 195r FOR 225v

At Piran's suggestion, Siyavush was wed in Turan, first to Kay Khosrow vowed to have vengeance on the evil Jarireh, one of Piran's own daughters, and later to Afrasiyab. He called together his warriors and offered Farangis, the daughter of Afrasiyab. specified prizes for five deeds of revenge. Jewels, gold, and Siyavush was hated by Afrasiyab's brother, Garsivaz, brocade would go to him who brought back the head of and the latter's treachery eventually succeeded in making Polashan, Afrasiyab's commander-in-chief. Embroideries, the young prince and his father-in-law believe in the beaver skins, and a pair of slaves would be the prize for the other's bad faith. Siyavush had set up his own capital, crown of Tazhav, Afrasiyab's son-in-law. For Tazhav's Siyavushgird, where Garsivaz went for a visit and was well concubine, Ispanuy, the reward would be ten slave boys, received. He reported back to Afrasiyab, however, that ten horses, and ten maidens. Bizhan volunteered for all Siyavush was plotting with the neighboring states to make three of these tasks. war against Turan. Afrasiyab, believing the lies but wanting Bizhan's father, Giv, pledged to win the other prizes: to reason with Siyavush, told Garsivaz to invite Siyavush seven cups full of precious stones and scents, ten slaves, and Farangis to his court. But Garsivaz told Siyavush that and ten horses for bringing to Kay Khosrow the head of Afrasiyab had turned against him and warned him not to Tazhav, and ten golden trays with dinars, musk, and go see him; he then returned to Afrasiyab and told him jewels, ten slaves, and two hundred pieces of silk and that Siyavush not only had refused to come but was about brocade for destroying an immense barricade of logs built to attack. Afrasiyab reluctantly got his troops together. by the Turanians, which blocked the crossing of the river Siyavush awoke one night from a horrible nightmare; he between Iran and Turan. he had seen Siyavushgird in flames and Afrasiyab appear before him on an elephant and begin pushing him toward the flames. FARUD HUMILIATES THE IRANIANS 232v

The Iranian warrior Tus, setting out toward Turan, was warned not to go near the land of Farud, a Turanian but the half-brother of Kay Khosrow and son of Siyavush, who KAY KHOSROW IS DISCOVERED BY GIV 210v should not be molested. But Tus, nonetheless, did take that road. Farud watched the army approach from a Siyavush's nightmare had been an accurate foreboding. He height, and when an aide of Tus came up to him, he tried to send one more message of peace to Afrasiyab, but pledged his support against Afrasiyab. this, too, was blocked by Garsivaz. Siyavush was murdered But the proud Tus, who was the son of the former Shah on the field of battle at Afrasiyab's order. But he had Nowzar, was still angered that Kay Khosrow and not he foreseen and had told Farangis that she would be spared was on the throne, and he demanded that Farud be and would give birth to a new ruler for Iran, whom she brought to him. His son-in-law went toward Farud with would name Kay Khosrow. drawn sword; naturally Farud drew his sword, too, and he The child was born, and Farangis took him to the killed the attacker. Next, Tus's son was sent for vengeance mountains to live among the shepherds. Years later, the —but Farud killed him, too. Iranian hero Gudarz had a dream in which he was told that Tus himself then rode to the height where Farud stood. his son Giv must go find Kay Khosrow to be the new This time Farud, aware that Kay Khosrow would not Iranian leader. Giv searched for seven years and finally, forgive the killing of the commander-in-chief, shot only just when he was about to give up, came across a young the horse, not the man, and Tus, thus humiliated, was man standing next to a sparkling stream, who greeted him obliged to flee ignominiously on foot, jeered by Farud and by name. Farangis had predicted that Giv would come. his followers. BIZHAN FORCES FARUD TO FLEE 234r command and Fariburz made commander-in-chief of the Iranians. A month's cease-fire in the war against the Giv was next to ride up the mountain against Farud. But Turanians ensued, at the end of which the two armies rode he too had his horse shot under him and retreated. Next forth energetically to the battlefield. First the Iranians Giv's son Bizhan came up on his horse, wearing his father's seemed to be winning, then the brothers of Piran pushed armor. forward and Fariburz retreated. But Bizhan snatched the Here it is necessary to point out a critical discrepancy standard and returned to battle, and the Iranians again between text and painting. The text states that Farud shot took the lead. the animal under Bizhan, just as he had those that Tus and Giv rode. Bizhan, however, rather than retreating, did the unheard of—a thing a nobleman never did—he pursued a mounted opponent on foot. The opponent, Farud, THE COMBAT OF RUSTAM AND SHANGUL 279v galloped back toward the fortress in confusion, but Bizhan overtook him and gave a great gash to his horse just as The Khagan of Chin (China) came to join Piran and the Farud made it to safety. Turanians in the war against the Iranians, and the latter The artist, however, has shown Bizhan not on foot, but were besieged on a barren hill. But the great Rustam led in mounted, completely negating the point of the story. an army to relieve them just in time, and Iranian doom, Whether he could not bring himself to depict the noble which had seemed inevitable, then seemed less certain. Bizhan on foot or whether he simply was confused about Rustam did away with several of the enemy heroes, to the episode can never be known. the dismay of the Turanians and their allies. Shangul, a The story ended tragically: in battle the next day Farud champion of the army of the Khagan of Chin, promised was killed. His concubines killed themselves; and his that he would take on Rustam. But when the two met on mother burnt the treasure and then stabbed herself over the battlefield, Rustam charged and speared Shangul, the body of her son. Tus, entering the throne room whom he lifted up and then dashed to earth. Shangul's victoriously, did at least feel remorse over the result of his warriors, however, ran up and carried him to safety before actions, and the other Iranians mourned the death of this Rustam could kill him. brave prince.

RUSTAM PURSUES AKVAN 294r THE BESOTTED IRANIAN CAMP ATTACKED BY NIGHT 241r The second war against the Turanians finally ended victoriously for Iran, in great part thanks to the hero The Iranians, overconfident over their advance, were Rustam. But there were still evil forces to be overcome, making merry and drinking one night, with no guards at such as a div in the form of an onager, which attacked all, when Piran and thirty thousand horsemen charged horses. Shah Kay Khosrow summoned Rustam to help. their camp. Limbs and heads were hacked off and bodies Rustam rode for three days before he came across the sliced in two, maces descended on heads, and spears onager-div, which rushed past like the north wind. Rustam pierced and daggers plunged into the too relaxed bodies of prepared to lasso the evil beast, in order to take it back the Iranians. Two thirds of the Iranian army was wiped alive to the shah, but the onager, seeing what was about to out. happen, disappeared right before his eyes.

RUSTAM RECOVERS RAKHSH FROM AFRASIYAB'S THE BATTLE OF PASHAN BEGINS 243v HERD 29 5r

After the night attack of Piran, Tus was relieved of his When the div Akvan, disguised as an onager, disappeared, Rustam sought him in vain for three days. Finally Rustam chiefs of the agreement. lay down to sleep, and then the div appeared, picked up the rock on which he was sleeping, and, when Rustam awoke, asked him whether he preferred to die by being dashed against the mountains or eaten by the crocodiles in THE FIRST JOUST OF THE ROOKS: FARIBURZ the sea. Rustam, knowing the div would do the opposite, VERSUS KALBAD 341v pleaded to be thrown against the mountains. He was, indeed, thrown into the sea, where he immediately began The jousts were to take place between two hills, one for to attack the crocodiles with his sword in his right hand, each adversary, and the winner would plant his flag on the swimming with his left. enemy hill to proclaim victory. Hills and flags are clearly The scene of the div holding Rustam sleeping on the shown by the painter, although attention is focused on the rock is often shown in illustrated manuscripts of the central action: Fariburz, son of Kay Kavus, lost little Shah-nameh, but here the scene shown is the following time before cleaving the body of Kalbad, a brother of episode, Rustam recovering from Afrasiyab's herd his Piran, from neck to waist. faithful Rakhsh, whom he found by following the horse's footsteps through the night.

THE FINAL JOUST OF THE ROOKS: GUDARZ VERSUS PIRAN 346r BIZHAN SLAUGHTERS THE WILD BOARS OF IRMAN 299r Ten pairs of rooks fought, and each time the Iranians were victorious. Old Piran knew his moment had come. He rode In Irman, a land between Turan and Iran, wild boars were forth to meet Gudarz, the Iranian commander, and they ravaging the flocks and laying waste the land. The sparred until, finally, Gudarz killed Piran's horse. Piran Irmanians, unable to get rid of the beasts, came to Kay fled up a hill, as a warrior on foot could not fight a Khosrow for help. The young hero Bizhan, son of Giv, was mounted one. Gudarz dismounted and followed, shouting the only one of the warriors who offered to help. after Piran that he would be pardoned if he would but He and a companion rode until they reached the place surrender. But Piran preferred death to dishonor and kept where the boars were. Only Bizhan dared enter the thick fighting until Gudarz's lance dealt a mortal blow, giving forest, where he proceeded to rain arrows upon the boars, him rest forever from the weariness of battle. chase them, and then, one by one, to slice them in two with his sword. GUSHTASP SLAYS THE DRAGON OF MOUNT SAQILA 402r

PLANNING FOR THE JOUST OF THE ELEVEN The Turanians finally were totally defeated. Although ROOKS 339r Afrasiyab escaped, he eventually was caught by Kay Khosrow—who, it should not be forgotten, was his Iranians and Turanians had gone through two bloody grandson, as Farangis, Kay Khosrow's mother, was engagements in the so-called Battle of the Plain, part of Afrasiyab's daughter. Kay Khosrow, however, had to one of the many wars between the two peoples recounted avenge the death of his father, Siyavush, and so he himself in the Shah-nameh. Both ended in deadlock. The two struck off Afrasiyab's head with his sword. leaders met after the second encounter and decided to Years of peace followed. Kay Khosrow turned more and avoid further mass slaughter by having only the comman­ more to religion, and eventually, having chosen Luhrasp as ders-in-chief and ten other pairs of valiant men, called his successor, he rode off into the mountains and vanished. rooks, fight individually. Gushtasp, the son of Luhrasp, was discontented, for he Here Piran, the Turanian leader, is shown telling his feared his father would name someone else to succeed him. Gushtasp ran off to Rum (Byzantium), where, although he herself into a beautiful maiden and then into a lion; the remained incognito, a daughter of Caesar fell in love with fifth an evil monstrous bird. He killed both of these, but him, and they were married. Caesar, unhappy with what he the sixth course was of a different order. It was a storm, thought an unsuitable match, then insisted that suitors of bringing snow a spear's length deep. his other daughters perform extremely difficult feats The painting shows the party preparing for the storm, a before they would be accepted. man driving a tent stake into the ground, two groups The suitor for the second princess appealed to Gushtasp, warming themselves at fires. While the camels and horses who performed his task of killing a monstrous wolf. And are dressed snugly against the cold, the men's costumes are the suitor for the third princess, too, turned to Gushtasp, no different than usual. After three days of ceaseless snow, who, early one morning, advanced toward this fearful Isfandiyar's party prayed to God for help. The clouds blew dragon and with arrows, sword, and scimitar did away with away, and three days later the snow had disappeared; the the monster. next day the sun shone brightly. Isfandiyar got into the Brazen Hold, freed his sisters, beheaded the Turanian king, and burned the palace. Gushtasp, however, still did not abdicate in his favor, but ISFANDIYAR'S THIRD COURSE: HE SLAYS A told him to go and capture the hero Rustam. Isfandiyar DRAGON 434v protested, but eventually, hoping to prevail upon Rustam to come peacefully, he set forth. Gushtasp did inherit the throne from Luhrasp, but his reign was not so peaceful as that of his father. Nor was he willing to give up the throne when his turn came. Isfandiyar, his son, was twice told by Gushtasp that he RUSTAM KICKS ASIDE BAHMAN'S BOULDER 451r would succeed to the throne if he could defeat the Turanian enemy. But although Isfandiyar twice led the Isfandiyar sent his son Bahman ahead of him to find Iranian troops to victory, twice Gushtasp went back on his Rustam and speak peacefully with him. But Bahman, promise. The second time he told his son he must rescue finding Rustam after a day's hunting roasting an onager on his two sisters who were prisoners in the impregnable a spit, saw a way he might spare his father the necessity of Brazen Hold in Turan. fighting the extraordinarily mighty hero. He pushed a Isfandiyar learned that the quickest route had seven boulder off a nearby crag, which descended with a great barriers, or courses, to pass and had never been negotiated rumble. Rakhsh, Rustam's faithful horse, is shown looking by anyone. Nevertheless, in true heroic fashion, he decided up with a startled and angry expression, but Rustam did to take it. not stand up or even put down what was in his hands. He The first barrier was two monstrous wolves; the second put out his foot and deflected the boulder. two lions. The third was a dragon whose breath was strong Rustam did everything he could to prevent the clash, enough to suck up fish from deep in the sea. Isfandiyar but eventually the two great heroes did fight. Rustam, had a carriage constructed with a box and swords mounted reluctantly, killed Isfandiyar, although only by the use of a in it; he got in the box and approached the dragon. It magic arrow, a forked one that struck Isfandiyar's only swallowed the horses, but the carriage stuck in its mouth, vulnerable point, his eyes. the swords weakened it, and Isfandiyar stepped out of the box and finished it off.

RUSTAM AVENGES HIS OWN IMPENDING DEATH 472r ISFANDIYAR'S SIXTH COURSE: HE COMES THROUGH THE GREAT SNOW 438r Rustam's long life finally came to an end through the wickedness of his half-brother Shaghad. Shaghad, who Isfandiyar's fourth course was a witch, who changed married a princess of Kabul and began to support the interests of that country against Iran, conceived a plan to town. The only daughter of a certain Haftvad, a poor man, get rid of Rustam. He told the King of Kabul to prepare a bit into an apple and found a worm inside. She removed hunting ground by digging great pits and planting swords the worm and kept it, and, when she took up her spinning and spears upright in them. Then he lured Rustam by again, she said to the other girls that the amount she would saying that he, Shaghad, had been insulted by the King of spin would be greatly increased because of the worm. It Kabul. The noble Rustam fell for the lie and vowed to was, indeed, and every day she spun more and more, and avenge him. the family became more and more prosperous. Rustam went to Kabul and there received the false The family took good care of the worm, which kept apologies of the king. He then was urged to hunt in a increasing in size, its coat becoming dark, with marks of certain incomparably charming area—the hunting ground saffron color. The whole town prospered. Soon a fortress with the waiting pits. Shaghad lurked there and exulted as was built for the worm, now as big as an elephant. Rakhsh and Rustam were impaled. Rustam looked around, But Ardashir was displeased when he heard of the great saw Shaghad, and realized that he had been behind this power Haftvad had acquired, and he sent an army against plot. He asked Shaghad to do him one favor—to put his him. The army was repulsed, but finally Ardashir learned bow and two arrows in a place he could reach them—lest a that the worm had actually been created by Ahriman and prowling lion attack him and tear him apart while he was could be defeated only by a ruse. Disguised as a merchant still alive. Shaghad did so and then ran to hide behind a who wanted to receive the worm's blessing, Ardashir was plane tree, but Rustam, despite the anguish of his wounds, allowed to approach it, and he fed it boiling lead. It sent an arrow that went through the tree and killed expired with an earthshaking noise. Shaghad. Iran's greatest hero then died, his mind at peace. In the painting, most of which is devoted to scenes of daily life, the spinning girls are shown in the lower left, the fortress at the top. ARDASHIR AND THE SLAVE GIRL GULNAR 516v

The last section of the Shah-nameh deals with the Sasanian dynasty (226-652 A.D.). It tells of Ardavan, the last THE CORONATION OF SHAPUR II 538r Parthian king, and his defeat by Ardashir (Artaxerxes), the first of the Sasanians. Shapur II (309-379) was born after the death of his father, Ardashir was a descendant of Dara (Darius III), the shah Urmuzd II. For forty days after this birth there were who had been defeated by Iskandar (Alexander) in 331 celebrations, and then the prince, not yet six weeks old, B.C. Young Ardashir entered the service of King Ardavan. was wrapped in silks, placed on the royal throne, and Gulnar, a favorite of Ardavan, saw Ardashir from a saluted as shah while offerings of precious stones were high window and promptly fell in love with him. That made to him. night, she climbed via a rope—shown in the painting The artist has shown the new shah not at all as an infant dangling from a crenellation of the wall—down to where in arms, but simply as a very small adult. Ardashir slept with his head on a brocade pillow, and awakened him. He returned her love, and for a while the two continued these dangerous clandestine meetings. Finally one night they fled together, and soon Ardashir BAHRAM GUR PINS THE COUPLING ONAGERS 568r assembled an army, vanquished Ardavan, and took the throne. Bahram V (420-438) as described in the Shah-nameh was one of the best-loved of the Sasanian shahs. He was celebrated for his hunting and feasting and also for his success in love. His nickname Bahram Gur came from his THE STORY OF HAFTVAD AND THE WORM 521v love of hunting the onager (the wild ass, gur in Persian) and specifically from an exploit of his youth: pinning A curious story is told, which takes place in a poor seaside together with a single arrow a lion that had just jumped an onager and the helpless prey. The exploit here is similar: in decided to follow his mother's Christian religion. the spring when the onagers were coupling, Bahram Nushirvan felt obliged to banish his son to the city of watched a male mount a female, and then sent an arrow Jundishapur. When Nushzad heard a rumor that Nushirvan with such force that it pinned male and female together. was ill and about to die, he declared himself the next shah. He assembled an army, occupied nearby cities, and sent a letter to Caesar declaring himself a vassal of the Christian Roman Empire. BAHRAM GUR SLAYS THE RHINO-WOLF 586r But Nushirvan was not dying, and he sent an army against that of his son. In the clash of the two armies, The soldiers of Shangul of Hind (India) had been making Nushzad was felled. plundering raids on the Iranian border. Bahram Gur traveled, disguised as his own ambassador, to the court of Shangul, carrying a letter demanding that the raids end. Shangul was angered, but eventually Bahram impressed BUZURJMIHR APPEARS AT NUSHIRVAN'S FIFTH him so much that he urged the "ambassador" to stay at his ASSEMBLY 622r court. But Bahram wanted to go back to Iran, and Shangul was again angered, so he thought of a sure way to kill him. Buzurjmihr was a young student when he first gained the Shangul asked Bahram as a favor to rid the world of a king's favor by explaining a dream that had baffled the monstrous rhino-wolf, which tore the hearts from lions king's official dream-interpreter. Buzurjmihr was then and the skin from leopards. Bahram and his retinue invited to take part in a series of assemblies of magi and approached the monster; his retinue urged him not to wise men. He astounded the company by his wisdom, and fight, but Bahram was fatalistic. He strung up his bow and already at the second assembly it was to him that sped toward the rhino-wolf, prepared to die if such were questions were addressed. his destiny. He poured a mighty hail of arrows onto the At the fifth of these assemblies, the question under beast. The monster wearied, and Bahram took his sword discussion was the nature of the power underlying religion and cut off its head. He dragged it triumphantly back to and protecting the throne. Buzurjmihr answered that it the amazed Shangul. was reason constantly served by knowledge. The ignorant man is not respected, for he understands neither the purposes nor the goals of action and cannot distinguish NUSHIRVAN PROMULGATES HIS REFORMS 602v between what is shameful and what is honorable. The common people, and the sages even more, disdain—among Nushirvan (531-578) became known for the reforms he others—the judge who acts in bad faith, the general who instituted, especially in the system of taxation. Here he is thinks only of treasure, the doctor who is sick himself, the shown dictating to a scribe a letter to his agents, which miser who envies those whose sleep is carefree, and those outlined the new system and also set forth principles of who countenance fools or give authority to the lazy. conduct: judiciousness and absolute scrupulousness in the administration of their duties. According to Firdowsi, peace and prosperity under the new system were so complete that anyone could sleep tranquilly in the desert, NUSHIRVAN RECEIVES AN EMBASSY FROM THE and wolves and sheep went together to the watering place. KING OF HIND 638r

An embassy from Hind (India) arrived one day at the court of Nushirvan, with elephants, cavalry, and one thousand THE REBELLION OF NUSHZAD, SON OF camels laden with gold and silver, musk, amber, and aloes, NUSHIRVAN 615v rubies and diamonds—all the luxuries of Qannowj and May. Nushzad, the son of Nushirvan, to his father's sorrow Although it is not shown in this miniature, the envoys brought one other item, which was really the purpose of BAHRAM CHUBINEH SLAYS THE LION-APE 715v the embassy. It was something never before seen in Iran—a game of chess. A letter from the rajah challenged the Bahram Chubineh was a great military hero who had Iranians to figure out how the game was played. If they successfully commanded the Iranian army in defense could do so, all the tribute would be theirs, but if not against a major invasion. But later this commander- they, having shown themselves inferior in learning, should in-chief, feeling himself affronted by the shah (Urmuzd IV, send tribute to Hind. 579-590), attempted to take the throne. Two years of civil Nushirvan asked for a week's time. His wisest counselors war followed, at the end of which Khosrow Parviz could not discover the secret of the game, but young (590-628), the son of Urmuzd, was shah, and Bahram Buzurjmihr, after studying it for a day and a night, Chubineh fled to Central Asia. reported to the shah that he understood it perfectly. The Turkic queen of these lands asked Bahram to slay a fearful monster that had once swallowed her favorite daughter. Bahram, in true heroic style, showered the beast with arrows, pierced it with his lance, and then took his BURZUY BRINGS NUSHIRVAN THE BOOK KALILEH scimitar and cleaved its skull. ANDD1MNEH 649r

Burzuy, a scholar and physician at Nushirvan's court, heard of a wonderful book kept under lock and key in the BARBAD, THE CONCEALED MUSICIAN 731r treasury of the Indian rajah. The book, he heard, illumined the path of knowledge and reason. He went to the rajah The favorite singer of Shah Khosrow Parviz bribed the and begged to see the book; the rajah squirmed at the court chamberlain to keep Barbad, a rival, from being unprecedented request, but out of respect for Nushirvan heard by the shah. But one day Barbad learned that an he allowed Burzuy to read it—although only in his outdoor celebration would be held for the New Year. presence so he could be sure the book was not being When Khosrow sat in an outdoor throne, Barbad, who copied. had hidden himself in the branches of a cypress tree, began Burzuy, however, memorized the book chapter by to play and sing. The shah was entranced by the music, chapter, wrote it down in secret, and thus was able to and when he announced that he wanted to fill the singer's present this "ocean of knowledge" to Nushirvan. Kalileh mouth and lap with jewels and make him his chief and Dimneh is a book of fables similar to those of Aesop, musician, Barbad showed himself. The shah kept his often referred to in the West as Bidpai's Fables. This genre promise. of literature is called "Mirrors for Princes," because, while Later, when Khosrow Parviz was dethroned and in it would have been presumptuous to give advice on prison, the loyal musician out of grief vowed never to play conduct and statecraft to a prince directly, if disguised in again. He cut off his fingers and burned his instruments. fable form such advice was acceptable.

THE ASSASSINATION OF KHOSROW PARVIZ 742v

NUSHIRVAN RESPONDS TO THE QUESTIONS OF This, the next-to-last miniature of the manuscript, shows THE MAGUS 655v the assassination of the shah whose reign was the last great one of the Sasanians. The reign came out of civil war, and The shah known for justice is shown here answering some although Khosrow made extensive military conquests, of thirty-three questions put to him by his magi on ethics, ruling at one time over Egypt and all the Roman theology, and political morality. All his answers stress the possessions in Asia, finally the Romans were able to push importance of reason, moderation, generosity, and his armies back. Meanwhile, discontent was growing devotion to God. throughout the army and the nation in general, and when it was rumored that Khosrow planned to have one of his sons by his favorite, Shirin, inherit the throne, conspirators pushed the eldest son, Shirwi, to revolt. The rebels came to the palace and captured and imprisoned the shah. Shortly afterward a paid assassin approached. Knowing what was to come, Khosrow sent a page on an errand, hoping he would bring help. But the youth returned alone. The shah was resigned, and the assassin took out a dagger and stabbed him. This took place early in the year 628. A period of great unrest followed, and even when a fairly strong shah, Yazdagird (632-652), emerged, the weakness of the empire was too much for him. The Arabs began the conquest of what had been Persian domains, and by 642 the Arab victory was as good as complete. Yazdagird was a fugitive for ten years, at the end of which he was killed. With his death, the Sasanian dynasty, and the Shah-nameh, came to an end. The Shah-nameh manuscript is from the private collection of Arthur A. Houghton, Jr.