The celestial embodiment of war, vigor, and martial majesty in Persian lore. Ferdowsi compares eight-year-old Shapur II's martial posture to Bahram girding his waist for war.
چو بهرام و چون زنگهٔ شادروان / چو فرهاد و برزین جنگ‌آوران
“Together with Bahram, Zangeh-ye Shavaran, and the formidable warriors Farhad and Barzin.”
Hamavaran • The Battle of the Seven Champions and the Slaying of Alkus
بیت #6053
چو طوس و چو گودرز کشواد و گیو / چو گرگین و بهرام و فرهاد نیو
“Commanders like Tus, Goudarz son of Kashvad, Giv, Gurgin, Bahram, and valiant Farhad.”
Sohrab • Gozhdaham's Letter to Kay Kavus and the Evacuation of the White Fortress
بیت #6440
بسالار بهرام گودرز گفت / که این کار بر من نشاید نهفت
“Bahram, son of Gudarz, said to the commander: 'This task should not be concealed from me.”
Forood • The Encounter of Bahram and Farud: The Mark of Siyavash
بیت #11506
مرا گفت چون پیشت آید سپاه / پذیره شو و نام بهرام خواه
“She told me: When the army approaches you, go forth to meet them and ask for the name of Bahram,”
Forood • The Encounter of Bahram and Farud: The Mark of Siyavash
بیت #11536
ببهرام گفت ای سرافراز مرد / جهاندار و بیدار و شیر نبرد
“He said to Bahram, 'O exalted warrior, world-conquering, vigilant lion of battle!'”
Forood • The Encounter of Bahram and Farud: The Mark of Siyavash
بیت #11548
بدو گفت بهرام کای شهریار / جوان و هنرمند و گرد و سوار
“Bahram said to him, 'O Prince, young, accomplished, champion, and horseman,'”
Forood • The Encounter of Bahram and Farud: The Mark of Siyavash
بیت #11563
چو بهرام برگشت با طوس گفت / که با جان پاکت خرد باد جفت
“When Bahram returned, he spoke to Tus, saying: 'May divine wisdom be forever paired with your pure soul!'”
Forood • Bahram's Return to Tus and the Commander's Arrogant Disregard
بیت #11583
چو بهرام نزدیک آن باره شد / از اندوه یکسر دلش پاره شد
“When Bahram drew near to that rampart, his heart was completely torn apart by grief.”
Forood • The Tragic Fall of Farud, Jarireh's Sacrifice, and the Royal Mourning of the Iranians
بیت #11857
بیک دست بهرام پر آب چشم / نشسته ببالین او پر ز خشم
“On one side sat tearful Bahram, seated at his pillow filled with rage,”
Forood • The Tragic Fall of Farud, Jarireh's Sacrifice, and the Royal Mourning of the Iranians
بیت #11871
برو زار بگریست گودرز و گیو / بزرگان چو گرگین و بهرام نیو
“Bitterly did Goudarz and Giv weep over him, as did nobles like Gorgin and the brave Bahram.”
Forood • The Tragic Fall of Farud, Jarireh's Sacrifice, and the Royal Mourning of the Iranians
بیت #11875
بدیدار بهرامشان بد نیاز / همی خسته و کشته جستند باز
“Yearning to behold Bahram, they searched among the wounded and the slain across the field.”
Forood • The Avenging of Bahram, the Fate of Tazhav, and the Royal Tomb
بیت #12517
دلیران چو بهرام را یافتند / پر از آب و خون دیده بشتافتند
“When the brave heroes located Bahram, their eyes filled with tears and blood as they rushed to his side.”
Forood • The Avenging of Bahram, the Fate of Tazhav, and the Royal Tomb
بیت #12519
چو بهرام گرد این سخن یاد کرد / ببارید گیو از مژه آب زرد
“As Bahram the valiant spoke these words, Giv wept bitter tears of grief from his eyes.”
Forood • The Avenging of Bahram, the Fate of Tazhav, and the Royal Tomb
بیت #12528
که جز ترگ رومی نبیند سرم / مگر کین بهرام بازآورم
“'My head shall know no rest nor unfasten its Roman helmet until I exact vengeance for Bahram!'”
Forood • The Avenging of Bahram, the Fate of Tazhav, and the Royal Tomb
بیت #12530
شکار تو بهرام باید بجنگ / ببینی کنون زخم کام نهنگ
“Was Bahram to be your prey in battle? Now you shall experience the mortal bite of the dragon's jaw!'”
Forood • The Avenging of Bahram, the Fate of Tazhav, and the Royal Tomb
بیت #12544
ز بهرام بر بد نبردم گمان / نه او را بدست من آمد زمان
“I harbored no ill design against Bahram, nor did his appointed hour come by my hand!”
Forood • The Avenging of Bahram, the Fate of Tazhav, and the Royal Tomb
بیت #12546
بران بد که بهرام بیجان شدست / ز دردش دل گیو پیچان شدست
“Bahram was now at the threshold of death, his soul slipping away, while Giv’s heart writhed in agony.”
Forood • The Avenging of Bahram, the Fate of Tazhav, and the Royal Tomb
بیت #12548
کشانش بیارد گیو دلیر / بپیش جگر خسته بهرام شیر
“Brave Giv dragged Tazhav bound before the wounded, lion-hearted Bahram.”
Forood • The Avenging of Bahram, the Fate of Tazhav, and the Royal Tomb
بیت #12549
چنین گفت با گیو بهرام شیر / که ای نامور نامدار دلیر
“Lion-hearted Bahram addressed Giv, saying, 'O illustrious and valiant hero,'”
Forood • The Avenging of Bahram, the Fate of Tazhav, and the Royal Tomb
بیت #12556
برادر چو بهرام را خسته دید / تژاو جفا پیشه را بسته دید
“When the brother saw Bahram mortally wounded and saw the cruel Tazhav bound in chains,”
Forood • The Avenging of Bahram, the Fate of Tazhav, and the Royal Tomb
بیت #12559
بگفت این و بهرام یل جان بداد / جهان را چنین است ساز ونهاد
“He spoke these words, and the valiant Bahram gave up his soul; such is the way and design of the world.”
Forood • The Avenging of Bahram, the Fate of Tazhav, and the Royal Tomb
بیت #12564
سر دخمه کردند سرخ و کبود / تو گفتی که بهرام هرگز نبود
“They sealed the entry of the tomb in red and lapis lazuli; you would say Bahram had never even existed.”
Forood • The Avenging of Bahram, the Fate of Tazhav, and the Royal Tomb
بیت #12572
شد آن لشکر نامور سوگوار / ز بهرام وز گردش روزگار
“That renowned army fell into deep mourning for Bahram and for the relentless turning of fate.”
Forood • The Avenging of Bahram, the Fate of Tazhav, and the Royal Tomb
بیت #12573