Epic Lore & Biography

Kafur was the tyrannical ruler of the Fortress of Bidad aligned with Turan. He was notorious for a horrific cannibalistic custom of consuming young children and maidens. When Rostam and the Iranian forces besieged Bidad, Kafur led a fierce resistance, inflicting casualties upon the Iranians. However, Rostam directly confronted Kafur and smashed his skull with his legendary mace, putting an end to his evil reign.

Shahnameh Distichs Featuring this Entity (11)

بخوان چنان شهریار پلید / نبودی جز از کودک نارسید

“Upon the table of that vile king served, / Naught but young children, guiltless and uncurved.”

Khaghan • The Fall of Fortress Bidad, Kafur's Slain, and Afrasiab's Summons to Puladvand بیت #15050

از آن ساختندی بخوان بر خورش / بدین گونه بد شاه را پرورش

“From these they prepared the royal dish; / Thus did the tyrant feed his ghastly wish.”

Khaghan • The Fall of Fortress Bidad, Kafur's Slain, and Afrasiab's Summons to Puladvand بیت #15052

مرین مرد را نام کافور بود / که او را بران شهر منشور بود

“The ruler of that city was Kafur, / Who held the charter of that realm obscure.”

Khaghan • The Fall of Fortress Bidad, Kafur's Slain, and Afrasiab's Summons to Puladvand بیت #15055

بپوشید کافور خفتان جنگ / همه شهر با او بسان پلنگ

“Kafur put on his battle mail in haste, / All city dwellers, leopard-like, he faced.”

Khaghan • The Fall of Fortress Bidad, Kafur's Slain, and Afrasiab's Summons to Puladvand بیت #15056

چنین گفت کافور با سرکشان / که سندان نگیرد ز پیکان نشان

“Said Kafur to his chieftains proud and bold: / 'No anvil fears an arrow, we are told!”

Khaghan • The Fall of Fortress Bidad, Kafur's Slain, and Afrasiab's Summons to Puladvand بیت #15060

بکافور گفت ای سگ بدگهر / کنون رزم و رنج تو آمد بسر

“To Kafur shouted he: 'O vile-born hound! / Thy toil and fighting now their end have found!'”

Khaghan • The Fall of Fortress Bidad, Kafur's Slain, and Afrasiab's Summons to Puladvand بیت #15070

یکی حمله آورد کافور سخت / بران بارور خسروانی درخت

“Then Kafur launched a fierce attack straightway, / Against that royal tree of ancient sway.”

Khaghan • The Fall of Fortress Bidad, Kafur's Slain, and Afrasiab's Summons to Puladvand بیت #15071

بینداخت تیغی بکردار تیر / که آید مگر بر یل شیرگیر

“He hurled a sword as swift as arrow's flight, / Hoping to strike the lion-capturing knight.”

Khaghan • The Fall of Fortress Bidad, Kafur's Slain, and Afrasiab's Summons to Puladvand بیت #15072

بپیش اندر آورد رستم سپر / فرو ماند کافور پرخاشخر

“Rostam thrust shield in front to block the blow, / And left Kafur amazed in utter woe.”

Khaghan • The Fall of Fortress Bidad, Kafur's Slain, and Afrasiab's Summons to Puladvand بیت #15073

کمندی بینداخت بر سوی طوس / بسی کرد رستم برو بر فسوس

“Kafur then cast a lasso toward Tous's side, / While Rostam mocked his vanity and pride.”

Khaghan • The Fall of Fortress Bidad, Kafur's Slain, and Afrasiab's Summons to Puladvand بیت #15074

عمودی بزد بر سرش پور زال / که بر هم شکستش سر و ترگ و یال

“Zal’s son brought down his mace upon his head, / And crushed his skull and helmet, leaving him dead.”

Khaghan • The Fall of Fortress Bidad, Kafur's Slain, and Afrasiab's Summons to Puladvand بیت #15075