Epic Lore & Biography

A fierce, panther-like demon champion of Mazandaran sent by his king to intimidate Rostam. Upon grabbing Rostam's hand, his grip was met by the hero's crushing squeeze, which tore his flesh and ripped away his fingernails. Crippled, Kalahur pleaded with his king to seek peace and pay tribute rather than face Rostam in open war.

Shahnameh Distichs Featuring this Entity (10)

سواری که نامش کلاهور بود / که مازندران زو پر از شور بود

“There was a champion named Kalahur, whose fame filled all Mazandaran with turmoil.”

Kay Kavus • Rostam's Embassy to Mazandaran: A Display of Might and the Return of Tidings بیت #5300

بسان پلنگ ژیان بد به خوی / نکردی به جز جنگ چیز آرزوی

“Fierce as a wild panther by nature, he desired nothing in life save battle.”

Kay Kavus • Rostam's Embassy to Mazandaran: A Display of Might and the Return of Tidings بیت #5301

پذیره شدن را فرا پیش خواند / به مردیش بر چرخ گردان نشاند

“The king summoned him forward to meet the envoy, exalting his manhood to the turning heavens.”

Kay Kavus • Rostam's Embassy to Mazandaran: A Display of Might and the Return of Tidings بیت #5302

بدو گفت پیش فرستاده شو / هنرها پدیدار کن نو به نو

“The king said to him, 'Go before the envoy and display your prowess anew time and again.”

Kay Kavus • Rostam's Embassy to Mazandaran: A Display of Might and the Return of Tidings بیت #5303

بیامد کلاهور چون نره شیر / به پیش جهاندار مرد دلیر

“Kalahur came forth like a male lion before the world-conquering, valiant champion.”

Kay Kavus • Rostam's Embassy to Mazandaran: A Display of Might and the Return of Tidings بیت #5305

بپرسید پرسیدنی چون پلنگ / دژم روی زانپس بدو داد چنگ

“He greeted him like a ferocious panther; then with a grim face he offered his hand.”

Kay Kavus • Rostam's Embassy to Mazandaran: A Display of Might and the Return of Tidings بیت #5306

بیفشارد چنگ سرافراز پیل / شد از درد دستش به کردار نیل

“He squeezed the hand of the exalted elephant-hero, until Rostam's hand turned dark as indigo from the pressure.”

Kay Kavus • Rostam's Embassy to Mazandaran: A Display of Might and the Return of Tidings بیت #5307

بیفشارد چنگ کلاهور سخت / فرو ریخت ناخن چو برگ از درخت

“Rostam squeezed Kalahur's hand so fiercely that his nails rained down like autumn leaves from a tree.”

Kay Kavus • Rostam's Embassy to Mazandaran: A Display of Might and the Return of Tidings بیت #5309

کلاهور با دست آویخته / پی و پوست و ناخن فروریخته

“Kalahur returned with his hand dangling limp, skin, sinews, and nails shattered and torn.”

Kay Kavus • Rostam's Embassy to Mazandaran: A Display of Might and the Return of Tidings بیت #5310

بیاورد و بنمود و با شاه گفت / که بر خویشتن درد نتوان نهفت

“He brought his hand, showed it, and spoke to the king: 'One cannot hide such excruciating pain from oneself.”

Kay Kavus • Rostam's Embassy to Mazandaran: A Display of Might and the Return of Tidings بیت #5311