Epic Lore & Biography

The hideous, wrinkled sorceress of the Fourth Stage, referred to by kings as the Ghul. Possessing the power to transform deserts into seas and project dark magic to the sun, she disguised herself as a breathtaking maiden of Turkic beauty to lure Esfandiyar. Bound by Zoroaster's heavenly chain, she shifted into a lion before reverting to her true form as a black-skinned hag, whereupon Esfandiyar decapitated her.

Shahnameh Distichs Featuring this Entity (11)

به گوش زن جادو آمد سرود / همان نالهٔ رستم و زخم رود

“The song reached the ears of the enchantress—the lamentations of Rostam and the strumming of the strings.”

Kay Kavus • The Fourth Labor: Rostam and the Enchantress بیت #5001

بیاراست رخ را بسان بهار / وگر چند زیبا نبودش نگار

“She adorned her face like springtime blooming, though her true form possessed no beauty or grace.”

Kay Kavus • The Fourth Labor: Rostam and the Enchantress بیت #5002

بر رستم آمد پر از رنگ و بوی / بپرسید و بنشست نزدیک اوی

“Decked in vibrant hues and sweet perfumes, she approached Rostam, greeted him, and sat by his side.”

Kay Kavus • The Fourth Labor: Rostam and the Enchantress بیت #5003

ندانست کاو جادوی ریمنست / نهفته به رنگ اندر اهریمنست

“He knew not that she was a deceitful sorceress—an Ahrimanic beast concealed beneath alluring colors.”

Kay Kavus • The Fourth Labor: Rostam and the Enchantress بیت #5006

چو آواز داد از خداوند مهر / دگرگونه‌تر گشت جادو به چهر

“But when he uttered the name of the God of Love, the sorceress's countenance instantly transformed.”

Kay Kavus • The Fourth Labor: Rostam and the Enchantress بیت #5008

روانش گمان نیایش نداشت / زبانش توان ستایش نداشت

“Her demonic soul was incapable of prayer; her cursed tongue had no power to utter holy praise.”

Kay Kavus • The Fourth Labor: Rostam and the Enchantress بیت #5009

سیه گشت چون نام یزدان شنید / تهمتن سبک چون درو بنگرید

“Her face turned black as night at the name of Yazdan; Tahamtan looked upon her and instantly understood.”

Kay Kavus • The Fourth Labor: Rostam and the Enchantress بیت #5010

بینداخت از باد خم کمند / سر جادو آورد ناگه ببند

“Swifter than the wind he cast his lasso's coil, entrapping the sorceress by the neck in an instant.”

Kay Kavus • The Fourth Labor: Rostam and the Enchantress بیت #5011

بپرسید و گفتش چه چیزی بگوی / بدان‌گونه کت هست بنمای روی

“He questioned her, saying: "Speak! What creature art thou? Reveal thy true form as it truly is!"”

Kay Kavus • The Fourth Labor: Rostam and the Enchantress بیت #5012

یکی گنده پیری شد اندر کمند / پر آژنگ و نیرنگ و بند و گزند

“There in his snare she turned into a withered old crone—wrinkled, foul, steeped in trickery and malice.”

Kay Kavus • The Fourth Labor: Rostam and the Enchantress بیت #5013

میانش به خنجر به دو نیم کرد / دل جادوان زو پر از بیم کرد

“With his dagger he cleaved her body in two, striking deep terror into the hearts of all sorcerers.”

Kay Kavus • The Fourth Labor: Rostam and the Enchantress بیت #5014