Epic Lore & Biography

A boastful Turanian champion who swore in drunkenness to slay Giv and Rostam. Driven by Afrasiab's mockery, he rode his black steed Shabrang, attacked Zourah (mistaking him for Rostam), and knocked him unconscious. Rostam intervened, impaled Alkus on his spear, lifted him, and smashed him to the ground, killing him.

Shahnameh Distichs Featuring this Entity (12)

بپرسید کالکوس جنگی کجاست / که چندین همی رزم شیران بخواست

“He asked: 'Where is Alkus the warrior, who boasted so often of fighting against lions?'”

Hamavaran • The Battle of the Seven Champions and the Slaying of Alkus بیت #6077

به الکوس رفت آگهی زین سخن / که سالار توران چه افگند بن

“Word of this speech reached Alkus, revealing what reproaches the ruler of Turan had uttered.”

Hamavaran • The Battle of the Seven Champions and the Slaying of Alkus بیت #6080

برانگیخت الکوس شبرنگ را / به خون شسته بد بی‌گمان چنگ را

“Alkus spurred his dark steed Shabrang, his hands already washed in blood.”

Hamavaran • The Battle of the Seven Champions and the Slaying of Alkus بیت #6081

برون رفت با او ز لشکر سوار / ز مردان جنگی فزون از هزار

“He rode out from the host accompanied by more than a thousand fierce combatants.”

Hamavaran • The Battle of the Seven Champions and the Slaying of Alkus بیت #6082

زواره پدیدار بد جنگجوی / بدو تیز الکوس بنهاد روی

“Zourah, the brave warrior, was visible on the field; toward him Alkus impetuously charged.”

Hamavaran • The Battle of the Seven Champions and the Slaying of Alkus بیت #6084

گمانی چنان برد کو رستم‌ست / بدانست کز تخمهٔ نیرم‌ست

“He assumed Zourah was Rostam, recognizing that he sprang from the seed of Neyram (Sam).”

Hamavaran • The Battle of the Seven Champions and the Slaying of Alkus بیت #6085

زواره برآویخت با او به هم / چو پیل سرافراز و شیر دژم

“Zourah locked in combat with him, like an exalted elephant battling an enraged lion.”

Hamavaran • The Battle of the Seven Champions and the Slaying of Alkus بیت #6086

بینداخت الکوس گرزی چو کوه / که از بیم او شد زواره ستوه

“Alkus hurled a heavy mace like a mountain, whose terror left Zavareh overwhelmed and helpless.”

Hamavaran • The Battle of the Seven Champions and the Slaying of Alkus بیت #6090

فرود آمد الکوس تنگ از برش / همی خواست از تن بریدن سرش

“Alkus dismounted right beside him, eager to sever his head from his body.”

Hamavaran • The Battle of the Seven Champions and the Slaying of Alkus بیت #6092

به الکوس بر زد یکی بانگ تند / کجا دست شد سست و شمشیر کند

“He let out such a fierce shout at Alkus that Alkus's hand grew limp and his sword grew blunt.”

Hamavaran • The Battle of the Seven Champions and the Slaying of Alkus بیت #6094

چو الکوس آوای رستم شنید / دلش گفتی از پوست آمد پدید

“When Alkus heard the roar of Rostam, you would say his heart leaped out of his very skin.”

Hamavaran • The Battle of the Seven Champions and the Slaying of Alkus بیت #6095

برآویخت الکوس با پیلتن / بپوشید بر زین توزی کفن

“Alkus joined battle with the Elephant-bodied hero, donning his shroud of death upon the saddle.”

Hamavaran • The Battle of the Seven Champions and the Slaying of Alkus بیت #6099