Epic Lore & Biography

Gahar Gahani was a formidable Turanian/Chinese commander who bore a black banner. Spurred by pride, he charged to avenge his fallen comrades against Rostam, but lost his nerve upon witnessing Rostam's colossal presence up close. As he fled back to his ranks, Rostam pursued him, pierced his waist with a heavy spear, lifted him off his steed, and smashed him to his death.

Shahnameh Distichs Featuring this Entity (15)

گهار گهانی بدان جایگاه / گوی شیرفش با درفش سیاه

“Gahar Gahani stood in that place, a warrior of lion-like fury beneath a black banner.”

Khaghan • The Slaying of Gahar Gahani and Rostam's Rampage against the Khaqan of China بیت #14685

برآشفت چون ترگ رستم بدید / خروشی چو شیر ژیان برکشید

“He grew enraged when he caught sight of Rostam's helmet, and let out a roar like a fierce lion.”

Khaghan • The Slaying of Gahar Gahani and Rostam's Rampage against the Khaqan of China بیت #14686

بدو گفت من کین ترکان چین / بخواهم ز سگزی برین دشت کین

“He declared: 'I shall exact the vengeance of the Turks of China from this Segzi upon this battlefield!'”

Khaghan • The Slaying of Gahar Gahani and Rostam's Rampage against the Khaqan of China بیت #14687

برانگیخت اسپ از میان سپاه / بیامد بر پیلتن کینه‌خواه

“He spurred his horse from the midst of the army and came vengefully toward the elephant-bodied hero.”

Khaghan • The Slaying of Gahar Gahani and Rostam's Rampage against the Khaqan of China بیت #14688

ز نزدیک چون ترگ رستم بدید / یکی باد سرد از جگر برکشید

“Yet as he drew near and saw Rostam's helm up close, he drew a cold sigh from his chest.”

Khaghan • The Slaying of Gahar Gahani and Rostam's Rampage against the Khaqan of China بیت #14689

بدل گفت پیکار با ژنده پیل / چو غوطه است خوردن بدریای نیل

“He thought to himself: 'Fighting this huge elephant is like plunging oneself into the River Nile!'”

Khaghan • The Slaying of Gahar Gahani and Rostam's Rampage against the Khaqan of China بیت #14690

گریزی بهنگام با سر بجای / به از رزم جستن بنام و برای

“'To flee in time with head intact is far better than seeking battle for fame and judgment.'”

Khaghan • The Slaying of Gahar Gahani and Rostam's Rampage against the Khaqan of China بیت #14691

گریزان بیامد سوی قلبگاه / برو بر نظاره ز هر سو سپاه

“Fleeing, he returned toward the center of his host, while warriors from all sides gazed upon him.”

Khaghan • The Slaying of Gahar Gahani and Rostam's Rampage against the Khaqan of China بیت #14692

گهار گهانی بترسید سخت / کزو بود برگشتن تاج و تخت

“Gahar Gahani was gripped by terror, realizing that fortune had turned its back on his crown and throne.”

Khaghan • The Slaying of Gahar Gahani and Rostam's Rampage against the Khaqan of China بیت #14695

برآورد یک بانگ برسان کوس / که بشنید آواز گودرز و طوس

“He let out a cry like the boom of a war-drum, heard clearly by Goudarz and Tous.”

Khaghan • The Slaying of Gahar Gahani and Rostam's Rampage against the Khaqan of China بیت #14696

همی خواست تا کارزاری کند / ندانست کین بار زاری کند

“He attempted to make a fight of it, unaware that this time his struggle would end in lamentation.”

Khaghan • The Slaying of Gahar Gahani and Rostam's Rampage against the Khaqan of China بیت #14697

پس او گرفته گو پیلتن / که هان چارهٔ گور کن گر کفن

“Behind him came the elephant-bodied hero, crying out: 'Prepare now your shroud or your grave!'”

Khaghan • The Slaying of Gahar Gahani and Rostam's Rampage against the Khaqan of China بیت #14699

یکی نیزه زد بر کمربند اوی / بدرید خفتان و پیوند اوی

“Rostam struck a spear into his belt, tearing through his armor and his body's joints.”

Khaghan • The Slaying of Gahar Gahani and Rostam's Rampage against the Khaqan of China بیت #14700

بینداختش همچو برگ درخت / که بر شاخ او بر زند باد سخت

“He cast him down like a leaf torn from a tree when a fierce gale strikes its boughs.”

Khaghan • The Slaying of Gahar Gahani and Rostam's Rampage against the Khaqan of China بیت #14701

نگونسار کرد آن درفش کبود / تو گفتی گهار گهانی نبود

“He overturned that dark banner; it was as though Gahar Gahani had never even existed.”

Khaghan • The Slaying of Gahar Gahani and Rostam's Rampage against the Khaqan of China بیت #14702