As Rostam set forth toward the misty heights of Mount Alborz, he shattered the advance guard of the Turanian forces, his bull-headed mace crushing their vanguard until they fled in terror to report the disaster to Prince Afrasiab. Alarmed by the formidable power of the Iranian champion, Afrasiab dispatched Qalun—a cunning and sorcerous warlord—with a host of war-elephants and armored cavalry to seal every mountain pass.
Unaware of Qalun’s ambush, Rostam pressed onward into the lush foothills of Mount Alborz, arriving at a paradise of streaming waters and verdant groves. There, beside a crystal river, a grand throne was set under the shade, upon which sat a young man radiant as the glowing moon, surrounded by nobles in royal attire. The banqueters invited the passing champion to join their feast, but Rostam steadfastly refused, declaring that while Iran remained without a king, he could not indulge in wine or rest.
Smiling knowingly, the youth took Rostam by the hand and revealed his secret: he was Kay Qobad, direct scion of the illustrious lineage of Fereydun. Qobad recounted a prophetic dream wherein two snow-white falcons flew to him bearing a crown as brilliant as the sun and placed it upon his brow. Rostam recognized the divine sign, fell to his knees in homage, and delivered the summons of Zal and the grandees of Iran.
Mounting their steeds, Kay Qobad and Rostam galloped swiftly toward the heartland of Iran. En route, they encountered the treacherous blockade of Qalun. Rostam bade the new king stand back, then charged into the enemy ranks like a unleashed demon. Qalun lunged with his spear, striking Rostam's armor, but the mighty champion seized the shaft with bare hands, tore it away, and hurled his own spear with thunderous force—transfixing Qalun like a fowl on a spit and driving his limp body onto the earth. Horrified by the display, the Turanian host dissolved in panic.
Under cover of night, Rostam brought Kay Qobad safely to the encampment of Zal. For seven days the mobads and elders deliberated in solemn council, and on the eighth day, they raised the Ivory Throne and suspended the royal crown over Kay Qobad, inaugurating the glorious Kayanian dynasty.
#1
ز ترکان طلایه بسی بد براه
✦
رسید اندر ایشان یل صف پناه
“Many were the Turanian outposts along the road, when the warrior guard of the vanguard arrived among them.”
#2
برآویخت با نامداران جنگ
✦
یکی گُرزهٔ گاو پیکر به چنگ
“He clashed with their renowned battle-warriors, gripping his bull-headed mace firmly in hand.”
#3
دلیران توران برآویختند
✦
سرانجام از رزم بگریختند
“The brave champions of Turan joined the fray, yet in the end, they fled from the battlefield.”
#4
نهادند سر سوی افراسیاب
✦
همه دل پر از خون و دیده پر آب
“They turned their faces toward Afrasiab, their hearts filled with blood and their eyes overflowing with tears.”
#5
بگفتند وی را همه بیش و کم
✦
سپهبد شد از کار ایشان دژم
“They recounted to him all that had transpired, both great and small, and the commander grew dark and troubled in spirit.”
#6
بفرمود تا نزد او شد قلون
✦
ز ترکان دلیری گوی پرفسون
“He commanded that Qalun be brought before him—a bold warrior of the Turks, full of sorcery and craft.”
#7
بدو گفت بگزین ز لشکر سوار
✦
وز ایدر برو تا در کوهسار
“He said to him: 'Select horsemen from the army, and ride forth from here unto the mountain passes.”
#8
دلیر و خردمند و هشیار باش
✦
به پاس اندرون نیز بیدار باش
“Be brave, wise, and vigilant; remain watchful on your guard,”
#9
که ایرانیان مردمی ریمنند
✦
همی ناگهان بر طلایه زنند
“For the Iranians are a deceitful folk, who may suddenly strike upon our vanguard.'”
#10
برون آمد از نزد خسرو قلون
✦
به پیش اندرون مردم رهنمون
“Qalun went forth from the King's presence, with expert pathfinders marching before him.”
#11
سر راه بر نامداران ببست
✦
به مردان جنگی و پیلان مست
“He blocked the passage against the renowned heroes, deploying armored warriors and maddened elephants.”
#12
وزان روی رستم دلیر و گزین
✦
بپیمود زی شاه ایران زمین
“Meanwhile, the brave and chosen Rostam traversed the miles toward the King of Iran land.”
#13
یکی میل ره تا به البرز کوه
✦
یکی جایگه دید برنا شکوه
“A league's distance toward Mount Alborz, he came upon a scene of splendid grandeur.”
#14
درختان بسیار و آب روان
✦
نشستنگه مردم نوجوان
“An abundance of trees and flowing streams—a dwelling fit for noble youths.”
#15
یکی تخت بنهاده نزدیک آب
✦
برو ریخته مشک ناب و گلاب
“A royal throne was set near the water, sprinkled with pure musk and rosewater.”
#16
جوانی به کردار تابنده ماه
✦
نشسته بران تخت بر سایه‌گاه
“A youth, like unto the radiant moon, sat upon that throne in the pleasant shade.”
#17
رده برکشیده بسی پهلوان
✦
به رسم بزرگان کمر بر میان
“Many champions stood arrayed in ranks, girded according to the custom of the great.”
#18
بیاراسته مجلسی شاهوار
✦
بسان بهشتی به رنگ و نگار
“They had adorned a kingly feast, splendid as paradise in its colors and hues.”
#19
چو دیدند مر پهلوان را به راه
✦
پذیره شدندش ازان سایه‌گاه
“When they beheld the hero on the road, they stepped forth from the shade to welcome him,”
#20
که ما میزبانیم و مهمان ما
✦
فرود آی ایدر به فرمان ما
“Saying: 'We are the hosts and thou art our guest; dismount here at our bidding,”
#21
بدان تا همه دست شادی بریم
✦
به یاد رخ نامور می خوریم
“So that we may all join hands in joy and drink wine in honor of that renowned countenance.'”
#22
تهمتن بدیشان چنین گفت باز
✦
که ای نامداران گردن فراز
“Tahamtan replied to them, saying: 'O exalted and illustrious champions,”
#23
مرا رفت باید به البرز کوه
✦
به کاری که بسیار دارد شکوه
“I must press onward to Mount Alborz upon a task of immense grandeur.”
#24
نباید به بالین سر و دست ناز
✦
که پیشست بسیار رنج دراز
“I cannot rest my head upon a pillow of ease, for long hardship lies before me.”
#25
سر تخت ایران ابی شهریار
✦
مرا باده خوردن نیاید به کار
“While the throne of Iran lacks a king, drinking wine suits not my purpose.”
#26
نشانی دهیدم سوی کیقباد
✦
کسی کز شما دارد او را به یاد
“Give me a sign toward Kay Qobad, if any among you remembers him.'”
#27
سر آن دلیران زبان برگشاد
✦
که دارم نشانی من از کیقباد
“The leader of those warriors spoke out, saying: 'I have tidings of Kay Qobad.”
#28
گر آیی فرود و خوری نان ما
✦
بیفروزی از روی خود جان ما
“If thou wilt dismount and partake of our bread, illuminating our souls with thy presence,”
#29
بگوییم یکسر نشان قباد
✦
که او را چگونست رسم و نهاد
“We shall reveal to thee all signs of Qobad, and what manner of man he is in custom and nature.'”
#30
تهمتن ز رخش اندر آمد چو باد
✦
چو بشنید از وی نشان قباد
“When Tahamtan heard tidings of Qobad, he dismounted from Rakhsh like the wind.”
#31
بیامد دمان تا لب رودبار
✦
نشستند در زیر آن سایه‌دار
“He advanced swiftly to the riverbank, and they sat together beneath that shaded bow.”
#32
جوان از بر تخت خود برنشست
✦
گرفته یکی دست رستم به دست
“The youth sat upon his throne, holding one of Rostam's hands in his own.”
#33
به دست دگر جام پر باده کرد
✦
وزو یاد مردان آزاده کرد
“With his other hand he filled a goblet with wine, praising the memory of noble men.”
#34
دگر جام بر دست رستم سپرد
✦
بدو گفت کای نامبردار و گرد
“He passed another goblet to Rostam, saying: 'O renowned hero,”
#35
بپرسیدی از من نشان قباد
✦
تو این نام را از که داری به یاد
“Thou didst ask me for tidings of Qobad; from whom hast thou remembered this name?'”
#36
بدو گفت رستم که از پهلوان
✦
پیام آوریدم به روشن روان
“Rostam replied to him: 'I bring a message with an enlightened spirit from the champion of champions.”
#37
سر تخت ایران بیاراستند
✦
بزرگان به شاهی ورا خواستند
“They have adorned the throne of Iran, and the grandees have chosen him for kingship.”
#38
پدرم آن گزین یلان سر به سر
✦
که خوانند او را همی زال زر
“My father, the chosen of all warriors, whom men call Zal of the White Hair,”
#39
مرا گفت رو تا به البرز کوه
✦
قباد دلاور ببین با گروه
“Bade me: "Ride unto Mount Alborz and seek out the valiant Qobad among his host.”
#40
به شاهی برو آفرین کن یکی
✦
نباید که سازی درنگ اندکی
“Offer him homage for the kingship, and suffer no delay."”
#41
بگویش که گردان ترا خواستند
✦
به شادی جهانی بیاراستند
“Tell him: "The champions have called for thee, ready to adorn the world in joy.”
#42
نشان ار توانی و دانی مرا
✦
دهی و به شاهی رسانی ورا
“If thou knowest his sign, lead me to him and seat him upon the throne of power."'”
#43
ز گفتار رستم دلیر جوان
✦
بخندید و گفتش که ای پهلوان
“At Rostam's words, the valiant youth laughed and said: 'O glorious paladin,”
#44
ز تخم فریدون منم کیقباد
✦
پدر بر پدر نام دارم به یاد
“I am Kay Qobad, of the seed of Fereydun; generation by generation I remember my royal birth.'”
#45
چو بشنید رستم فرو برد سر
✦
به خدمت فرود آمد از تخت زر
“When Rostam heard this, he bowed his head, stepping down from the golden seat in homage,”
#46
که ای خسرو خسروان جهان
✦
پناه بزرگان و پشت مهان
“O King of kings of the world, shelter of the noble and backbone of the great,”
#47
سر تخت ایران به کام تو باد
✦
تن ژنده پیلان به دام تو باد
“May the throne of Iran be at your command, and may the bodies of war-elephants fall into your trap.”
#48
نشست تو بر تخت شاهنشهی
✦
همت سرکشی باد و هم فرهی
“As you sit upon the royal throne, may you possess both exalted majesty and divine glory.”
#49
درودی رسانم به شاه جهان
✦
ز زال گزین آن یل پهلوان
“I bring greetings to the King of the World from Zal the chosen, that heroic champion.”
#50
اگر شاه فرمان دهد بنده را
✦
که بگشایم از بند گوینده را
“If the King gives command to his servant, I shall unleash the messenger's tongue to speak.”
#51
قباد دلاور برآمد ز جای
✦
ز گفتار رستم دل و هوش و رای
“The courageous Qobad rose from his place, his heart, mind, and intellect enlivened by Rostam's speech.”
#52
تهمتن همانگه زبان برگشاد
✦
پیام سپهدار ایران بداد
“Thereupon Tahamtan opened his lips and delivered the message of Iran's commander.”
#53
سخن چون به گوش سپهبد رسید
✦
ز شادی دل اندر برش برطپید
“When the message reached the prince's ear, his heart throbbed with delight within his chest.”
#54
بیازید جامی لبالب نبید
✦
بیاد تهمتن به دم درکشید
“He reached for a goblet brimming with wine and drank it in a single breath to the honor of Tahamtan.”
#55
تهمتن همیدون یکی جام می
✦
بخورد آفرین کرد بر جان کی
“Likewise, Tahamtan drank a cup of wine and uttered praises upon the soul of the Kai.”
#56
برآمد خروش از دل زیر و بم
✦
فراوان شده شادی اندوه کم
“A clamor arose from the melody of treble and bass; joy overflowed and sorrow diminished.”
#57
شهنشه چنین گفت با پهلوان
✦
که خوابی بدیدم به روشن روان
“The King of kings thus spoke to the hero: 'I beheld a dream with an enlightened soul.'”
#58
که از سوی ایران دو باز سپید
✦
یکی تاج رخشان به کردار شید
“'That from the direction of Iran came two white falcons, bearing a crown as radiant as the sun.'”
#59
خرامان و نازان شدندی برم
✦
نهادندی آن تاج را بر سرم
“'Gliding gracefully, they approached me and placed that shining crown upon my head.'”
#60
چو بیدار گشتم شدم پرامید
✦
ازان تاج رخشان و باز سپید
“'When I awoke, I became full of hope because of that radiant crown and white falcon.'”
#61
بیاراستم مجلسی شاهوار
✦
برین سان که بینی بدین مرغزار
“'I arranged a royal feast, in the manner that you behold in this meadow.'”
#62
تهمتن مرا شد چو باز سپید
✦
ز تاج بزرگان رسیدم نوید
“'Tahamtan has become to me like that white falcon; the tidings of the crown of nobles have arrived.'”
#63
تهمتن چو بشنید از خواب شاه
✦
ز باز و ز تاج فروزان چو ماه
“When Tahamtan heard the King's dream of the white falcon and the moon-bright crown,”
#64
چنین گفت با شاه کنداوران
✦
نشانست خوابت ز پیغمبران
“He spoke thus to the king of heroes: 'Your dream is a divine sign from the prophets.'”
#65
کنون خیز تا سوی ایران شویم
✦
به یاری به نزد دلیران شویم
“'Now arise, let us head toward Iran and go to aid the brave warriors.'”
#66
قباد اندر آمد چو آتش ز جای
✦
ببور نبرد اندر آورد پای
“Qobad leaped up like fire from his place and set his foot upon his war-steed.”
#67
کمر برمیان بست رستم چو باد
✦
بیامد گرازان پس کیقباد
“Rostam girt his loins swift as the wind and rode proudly behind Keiqobad.”
#68
شب و روز از تاختن نغنوید
✦
چنین تا به نزد طلایه رسید
“Night and day they rested not from riding, until they reached the vanguard of the enemy forces.”
#69
قلون دلاور شد آگه ز کار
✦
چو آتش بیامد سوی کارزار
“The brave Qalun became aware of their approach and rode toward the battle line like fire.”
#70
شهنشاه ایران چو زان گونه دید
✦
برابر همی خواست صف برکشید
“When the Shahanshah of Iran saw this, he wished to array his ranks against him.”
#71
تهمتن بدو گفت کای شهریار
✦
ترا رزم جستن نیاید بکار
“Tahamtan said to him: 'O Sovereign, it is not fitting for you to seek personal combat here.'”
#72
من و رخش و کوپال و برگستوان
✦
همانا ندارند با من توان
“'With me, Rakhsh, my heavy mace, and horse-armor, surely the enemy lacks the power to withstand me.'”
#73
بگفت این و از جای برکرد رخش
✦
به زخمی سواری همی کرد پخش
“He spoke this and spurred Rakhsh forward, casting down a horseman with every single blow.”
#74
قلون دید دیوی بجسته ز بند
✦
به دست اندرون گُرز و برزین کمند
“Qalun beheld a demon unchained, holding a mace in hand and a lasso on his saddle.”
#75
برو حمله آورد مانند باد
✦
بزد نیزه و بند جوشن گشاد
“He charged at him like the wind, struck with his spear, and severed the fastenings of his chainmail.”
#76
تهمتن بزد دست و نیزه گرفت
✦
قلون از دلیریش مانده شگفت
“Tahamtan reached out and grabbed the spear shaft; Qalun stood astonished at his fierce valor.”
#77
ستد نیزه از دست او نامدار
✦
بغرید چون تندر از کوهسار
“The renowned hero snatched the spear from his hand and roared like thunder from the mountains.”
#78
بزد نیزه و برگرفتش ز زین
✦
نهاد آن بن نیزه را بر زمین
“He thrust the spear, lifted him off his saddle, and planted the butt of the spear into the ground.”
#79
قلون گشت چون مرغ با بابزن
✦
بدیدند لشکر همه تن به تن
“Qalun hung like a bird upon a roasting spit; all the army witnessed it, man by man.”
#80
هزیمت شد از وی سپاه قلون
✦
به یکبارگی بخت بد را زبون
“Qalun's army fled before him in utter rout, their ill fortune rendered helpless all at once.”
#81
تهمتن گذشت از طلایه سوار
✦
بیامد شتابان سوی کوهسار
“The mighty Rostam passed beyond the vanguard riders, hastening swiftly toward the mountain heights.”
#82
کجا بد علفزار و آب روان
✦
فرود آمد آن جایگه پهلوان
“Wherever a lush meadow and a flowing stream were found, there the hero dismounted to rest.”
#83
چنین تا شب تیره آمد فراز
✦
تهمتن همی کرد هرگونه ساز
“Thus it continued until the dark night descended, while Tahamtan made all manner of preparations.”
#84
از آرایش جامهٔ پهلوی
✦
همان تاج و هم بارهٔ خسروی
“Arranging the noble heroic robes, as well as the imperial crown and the royal steed.”
#85
چو شب تیره شد پهلو پیش‌بین
✦
برآراست باشاه ایران زمین
“When dark night fell, the far-sighted hero set out in secret order with the King of Iran.”
#86
به نزدیک زال آوریدش به شب
✦
به آمد شدن هیچ نگشاد لب
“Under cover of night he brought him unto Zal, opening his lips to none regarding their coming and going.”
#87
نشستند یک هفته با رای زن
✦
شدند اندران موبدان انجمن
“For a full week they sat in high counsel, while the wise Mobads gathered in assembly with them.”
#88
بهشتم بیاراست پس تخت عاج
✦
برآویختند از بر عاج تاج
“On the eighth day they adorned an ivory throne, suspending the royal crown directly above it.”