human hero
Origin / Domain: Balkh
Allegiance: iran
Epic Lore & Biography
Prince Esfandiyar, the bronze-bodied Kianian champion and son of King Goshtasp, is a heroic figure bound by honor, divine duty, and filial obedience. After surviving the Seven Stages (Haft Khan) and defeating Arjasp, he demanded the throne promised by his father. When Goshtasp commanded him to fetter Rostam, Esfandiyar boldly protested, praising Rostam's unmatched legendary service to previous kings from Manuchehr to Kay Khosrow. Though seeing through his father's lethal plot to have him killed, Esfandiyar's tragic flaw—absolute obedience to royal authority—forced him to accept the task with a heavy heart.
Shahnameh Distichs Featuring this Entity (6)
به فرزند پاسخ چنین داد شاه / که از راستی بگذری نیست راه
“The king gave answer to his son, saying: 'There is no path better than departing from untruth.'”
Esfandyar • Goshtasp's Mandate: The Binding of Rostam and Esfandiyar's Bitter Departure
بیت #26024
چنین پاسخ آوردش اسفندیار / که ای پرهنر نامور شهریار
“Esfandiyar answered him, saying: 'O virtuous and glorious monarch!'”
Esfandyar • Goshtasp's Mandate: The Binding of Rostam and Esfandiyar's Bitter Departure
بیت #26040
چنین داد پاسخ به اسفندیار / که ای شیر دل پرهنر نامدار
“Goshtasp answered Esfandiyar, saying: 'O lion-hearted, highly skilled champion!'”
Esfandyar • Goshtasp's Mandate: The Binding of Rostam and Esfandiyar's Bitter Departure
بیت #26049
سپهبد بروها پر از تاب کرد / به شاه جهان گفت زین بازگرد
“The prince knit his brows in anger and said to the monarch of the world: 'Turn back from this course!'”
Esfandyar • Goshtasp's Mandate: The Binding of Rostam and Esfandiyar's Bitter Departure
بیت #26061
ترا نیست دستان و رستم به کار / همی راه جویی به اسفندیار
“'You have no real quarrel with Zal or Rostam; you are simply seeking a way to destroy Esfandiyar!'”
Esfandyar • Goshtasp's Mandate: The Binding of Rostam and Esfandiyar's Bitter Departure
بیت #26062
چنین داد پاسخ یل اسفندیار / که لشکر نیاید مرا خود به کار
“The heroic Esfandiyar answered: 'I have no need for an army at all.'”
Esfandyar • Goshtasp's Mandate: The Binding of Rostam and Esfandiyar's Bitter Departure
بیت #26070