When tidings reached King Kay Kavus that the demon host had drawn a tight siege around the Iranian camp, he commanded Rostam to gird his loins first for vengeance. Tus, Gudarz, Giv, and Gurgin marshaled the battle lines, and the royal pavilions were raised upon the plains of Mazandaran. Tus commanded the right wing and Gudarz the left, while Kavus held the center, with the elephant-bodied Rostam striding ahead.
From the ranks of Mazandaran emerged a champion named Juyan, bearing a colossal mace. Sent by the Sorcerer King, he rode before the Iranian lines, roaring defiance and demanding a duel. His voice thundered so fiercely through the valley that even the bravest Iranian warriors froze in silence. Kavus reproached his heroes, but none dared step forward until Rostam reined in Rakhsh, sought the king's blessing, and charged into the arena like a raging elephant wielding a dragon-like spear.
With a lion-like roar, Rostam struck Juyan beneath his belt, piercing armor and mail. He lifted the demon champion clean out of his saddle like a bird upon a spit, casting his broken, blood-filled body upon the dust. Panic rippled through the Mazandarani forces. Their king ordered a relentless, total assault using fierce leopard tactics. For seven full days, the sky turned indigo and the earth pitch-black under a barrage of maces, arrows, and swords, as warhorses navigated a sea of blood.
On the eighth day, King Kavus laid aside his Kayanian crown, prostrated himself in tears before Yazdan, and prayed for divine glory and triumph. Reinvigorated, the Iranian heroes—Giv, Tus, Gudarz, Gorazeh, Rohham, and Rostam—launched a ferocious counteroffensive that broke the demon army. Rostam charged straight for the Sorcerer King of Mazandaran. Terrified by the sight of Rostam's spear, the demon king used dark magic to transform his body into an impenetrable boulder.
When the strongest Iranian warriors failed to budge the stone, Rostam effortlessly lifted the giant rock, carrying it directly to Kavus's royal tent. Rostam threatened to crush the boulder into dust with his heavy mace unless the sorcerer revealed himself. Yielding to fear, the king emerged in full armor. Remembering the dark captivity and blinding of his troops, Kavus ordered the executioner to hack the Sorcerer King into pieces. After three weeks of thanksgiving, distribution of spoils, and celebration, Rostam reminded Kavus of his pledge to Evlad. Kavus granted Evlad the throne and crown of Mazandaran with a sealed royal decree, whereupon the victorious Iranian host set out for Pars.
#1
چو آگاهی آمد به کاووس شاه
✦
که تنگ اندر آمد ز دیوان سپاه
“When tidings came to King Kavus that the demon army had pressed them tight,”
#2
بفرمود تا رستم زال زر
✦
نخستین بران کینه بندد کمر
“He bade Rostam, son of Zal the White-haired, to be the first to gird his belt for vengeance.”
#3
به طوس و به گودرز کشوادگان
✦
به گیو و به گرگین آزادگان
“And to Tus, and to Gudarz of Kasvad's line, to Giv and to Gurgin of noble birth,”
#4
بفرمود تا لشکر آراستند
✦
سنان و سپرها بپیراستند
“He commanded that they array the host and burnish their lance-tips and shields.”
#5
سراپردهٔ شهریار و سران
✦
کشیدند بر دشت مازندران
“They pitched the royal pavilions of the king and chiefs upon the plain of Mazandaran.”
#6
ابر میمنه طوس نوذر به پای
✦
دل کوه پر نالهٔ کر نای
“Upon the right wing stood Tus, son of Nowzar, while mountain heart wailed with warhorns.”
#7
چو گودرز کشواد بر میسره
✦
شده کوه آهن زمین یکسره
“On the left wing stood Gudarz, son of Kasvad, turning mountain into iron and earth into steel.”
#8
سپهدار کاووس در قلبگاه
✦
ز هر سو رده برکشیده سپاه
“In the center stood King Kavus, marshaling troops drawn up on every side.”
#9
به پیش سپاه اندرون پیلتن
✦
که در جنگ هرگز ندیدی شکن
“Before the army marched the elephant-bodied Rostam, who in battle had never known defeat.”
#10
یکی نامداری ز مازندران
✦
به گردن برآورده گرز گران
“There came forth a renowned warrior from Mazandaran, bearing a heavy mace upon his shoulder,”
#11
که جویان بدش نام و جوینده بود
✦
گرایندهٔ گرز و گوینده بود
“Whose name was Juyan—a seeker of combat, a wield of heavy maces, and a bold speaker.”
#12
به دستوری شاه دیوان برفت
✦
به پیش سپهدار کاووس تفت
“By order of the Demon King he stepped forth, swiftly advancing before Kay Kavus's host.”
#13
همی جوشن اندر تنش برفروخت
✦
همی تف تیغش زمین را بسوخت
“His chainmail gleamed upon his body, and the heat of his sword seemed to burn the ground.”
#14
بیامد به ایران سپه برگذشت
✦
بتوفید از آواز او کوه و دشت
“He rode before the army of Iran, and mountain and plain shook from his roaring voice.”
#15
همی گفت با من که جوید نبرد
✦
کسی کاو برانگیزد از آب گرد
“He cried out: 'Who among you seeks battle with me? Who dares raise dust from water?'”
#16
نشد هیچکس پیش جویان برون
✦
نه رگشان بجنبید در تن نه خون
“Not one man stepped forth against Juyan; neither vein stirred nor blood moved in their bodies.”
#17
به آواز گفت آن زمان شهریار
✦
به گردان هشیار و مردان کار
“Then spoke the King with loud voice to his wise heroes and men of war:”
#18
که زین دیوتان سر چرا خیره شد
✦
از آواز او رویتان تیره شد
“'Why have your heads grown foolish before this demon? Why are your faces darkened by his voice?'”
#19
ندادند پاسخ دلیران به شاه
✦
ز جویان بپژمرد گفتی سپاه
“The brave gave no answer to the king; as though the host had withered before Juyan.”
#20
یکی برگرایید رستم عنان
✦
بر شاه شد تاب داده سنان
“Then Rostam gave reign to his steed, approached the King, and tilted his spear,”
#21
که دستور باشد مرا شهریار
✦
شدن پیش این دیو ناسازگار
“Saying: 'Grant me leave, O King, to go forth against this ill-favored demon.'”
#22
بدو گفت کاووس کاین کار تست
✦
از ایران نخواهد کس این جنگ جست
“Kavus said to him: 'This task is yours alone; no one else in Iran will seek this fight.'”
#23
چو بشنید ازو این سخن پهلوان
✦
بیامد به کردار شیر ژیان
“When the champion heard these words, he came forth like a roaring lion.”
#24
برانگیخت رخش دلاور ز جای
✦
به چنگ اندرون نیزهٔ سر گرای
“He spurred brave Rakhsh into motion, clutching his sharp-pointed spear in hand.”
#25
به آورد گه رفت چون پیل مست
✦
یکی پیل زیر اژدهایی به دست
“He entered the battlefield like an enraged elephant, an elephant riding an dragon in battle.”
#26
عنان را بپیچید و برخاست گرد
✦
ز بانگش بلرزید دشت نبرد
“He turned his reins and raised a cloud of dust; the battlefield trembled at his cry.”
#27
به جویان چنین گفت کای بد نشان
✦
بیفگنده نامت ز گردنکشان
“He spoke to Juyan: 'O ill-omened demon, who hast cast away thy name among the proud!”
#28
کنون بر تو بر جای بخشایش است
✦
نه هنگام آورد و آرامش است
“Now is the time for pity upon thee, not the season for combat or repose!”
#29
بگرید ترا آنک زاینده بود
✦
فزاینده بود ار گزاینده بود
“'She who gave thee birth shall weep for thee, whether she raised thee or nurtured thy harm!'”
#30
بدو گفت جویان که ایمن مشو
✦
ز جویان و از خنجر سرد رو
“Juyan answered him: 'Be not secure from Juyan and his cold-faced blade,”
#31
که اکنون به درد جگر مادرت
✦
بگرید بدین جوشن و مغفرت
“'For now thy mother shall weep in heart's grief over this armor and helmet of thine!'”
#32
چو آواز جویان به رستم رسید
✦
خروشی چو شیر ژیان برکشید
“When Juyan's voice reached Rostam's ear, he let out a roar like a ferocious lion.”
#33
پس پشت او اندر آمد چو گرد
✦
سنان بر کمربند او راست کرد
“He circled behind him like the wind and aimed his lance straight at his girdle.”
#34
بزد نیزه بر بند درع و زره
✦
زره را نماند ایچ بند و گره
“He struck with his spear at the fastening of mail and armor, leaving no knot unsevered.”
#35
ز زینش جدا کرد و برداشتش
✦
چو بر بابزن مرغ برگاشتش
“He lifted him clean from his saddle, holding him aloft like a fowl upon a skewer.”
#36
بینداخت از پشت اسپش به خاک
✦
دهان پر ز خون و زره چاک چاک
“He dashed him from horse to earth, mouth filled with blood and coat of mail shredded.”
#37
دلیران و گردان مازندران
✦
به خیره فرو ماندند اندران
“The heroes and warriors of Mazandaran stood utterly stunned at that deed.”
#38
سپه شد شکسته دل و زرد روی
✦
برآمد ز آورد گه گفت و گوی
“Their army grew broken-hearted and pale-faced, and murmurs arose across the battlefield.”
#39
بفرمود سالار مازندران
✦
به یکسر سپاه از کران تا کران
“Then commanded the ruler of Mazandaran his whole army from end to end,”
#40
که یکسر بتازید و جنگ آورید
✦
همه رسم و راه پلنگ آورید
“'Charge all at once and wage war! Bring forth all the fierce tactics of the leopard!'”
#41
برآمد ز هر دو سپه بوق و کوس
✦
هوا نیلگون شد زمین آبنوس
“From both armies warhorns and drums resounded; the sky turned indigo, the earth black ebony.”
#42
چو برق درخشنده از تیره میغ
✦
همی آتش افروخت از گرز و تیغ
“Like flashing lightning from dark clouds, fire ignited from maces and swords.”
#43
هوا گشت سرخ و سیاه و بنفش
✦
ز بس نیزه و گونه‌گونه درفش
“The air grew red, black, and violet from many spears and banners of diverse hues.”
#44
زمین شد به کردار دریای قیر
✦
همه موجش از خنجر و گرز و تیر
“The earth became like a sea of pitch, whose waves were formed of daggers, maces, and arrows.”
#45
دوان باد پایان چو کشتی بر آب
✦
سوی غرق دارند گویی شتاب
“Swift steeds ran like ships upon water, rushing headlong into the abyss.”
#46
همی گرز بارید بر خود و ترگ
✦
چو باد خزان بارد از بید برگ
“Heavy maces showered down upon helmets and headpieces, as autumn winds shower leaves down from the willow tree.”
#47
به یک هفته دو لشکر نامجوی
✦
به روی اندر آورده بودند روی
“For a full week, the two renowned armies stood face to face in fierce conflict.”
#48
به هشتم جهاندار کاووس شاه
✦
ز سر برگرفت آن کیانی کلاه
“On the eighth day, King Kay Kavus, ruler of the world, removed the Kianian crown from his head.”
#49
به پیش جهاندار گیهان خدای
✦
بیامد همی بود گریان به پای
“He stood weeping before Almighty God, Creator of the world.”
#50
از آن پس بمالید بر خاک روی
✦
چنین گفت کای داور راستگوی
“Thereafter he rubbed his face upon the dust and prayed: 'O Just and Truthful Judge!'”
#51
برین نره دیوان بی‌بیم و باک
✦
تویی آفرینندهٔ آب و خاک
“'Grant us victory over these fierce, fearless demons—You who created water and earth!'”
#52
مرا ده تو پیروزی و فرهی
✦
به من تازه کن تخت شاهنشهی
“'Grant me victory and royal glory, and renew through me the throne of kingship.'”
#53
بپوشید ازان پس به مغفر سرش
✦
بیامد بر نامور لشکرش
“Then he donned his iron helmet once more and returned to his renowned army.”
#54
خروش آمد و نالهٔ کرنای
✦
بجنبید چون کوه لشکر ز جای
“The clarions bellowed and the war-trumpets wailed; the army surged forward like a moving mountain.”
#55
سپهبد بفرمود تا گیو و طوس
✦
به پشت سپاه اندر آرند کوس
“The commander ordered Giv and Tus to sound the war-drums at the rear of the host.”
#56
چو گودرز با زنگهٔ شاوران
✦
چو رهام و گرگین جنگ‌آوران
“Mighty warriors like Goudarz, Zangeh-ye Shavaran, Rohham, and the valiant Gorgin advanced.”
#57
گرازه همی شد بسان گراز
✦
درفشی برافراخته هفت باز
“Gorazeh charged forward like a wild boar, bearing a banner seven cubits high.”
#58
چو فرهاد و خراد و برزین و گیو
✦
برفتند با نامداران نیو
“Heroes such as Farhad, Khorrad, Barzin, and Giv marched forth alongside brave and noble warriors.”
#59
تهمتن به قلب اندر آمد نخست
✦
زمین را به خون دلیران بشست
“Tahamtan launched an assault into the heart of the enemy lines, washing the earth with the blood of heroes.”
#60
چو گودرز کشواد بر میمنه
✦
سلیح و سپه برد و کوس و بنه
“Goudarz, son of Kashvad, commanded the right wing, leading weapons, troops, drums, and baggage.”
#61
ازان میمنه تا بدان میسره
✦
بشد گیو چون گرگ پیش بره
“From the right wing to the left, Giv swept across the field like a wolf charging a herd of lambs.”
#62
ز شبگیر تا تیره شد آفتاب
✦
همی خون به جوی اندر آمد چو آب
“From early dawn until the sun grew dim, blood flowed across the battlefield like a river.”
#63
ز چهره بشد شرم و آیین مهر
✦
همی گرز بارید گفتی سپهر
“All pity and mercy vanished from every face; it seemed as if the sky rained down heavy maces.”
#64
ز کشته به هر جای بر توده گشت
✦
گیاها به مغز سر آلوده گشت
“Mounds of slain corpses piled high, and the grass was smeared with human brains.”
#65
چو رعد خروشنده شد بوق و کوس
✦
خور اندر پس پردهٔ آبنوس
“Clarions and kettledrums roared like thunder, while the sun hid behind an ebony veil of dust.”
#66
ازان سو که بد شاه مازندران
✦
بشد پیلتن با سپاهی گران
“Toward the side where the King of Mazandaran stood, elephant-bodied Rostam charged with a mighty host.”
#67
زمانی نکرد او یله جای خویش
✦
بیفشارد بر کینه گه پای خویش
“Not for a single moment did he abandon his ground; he planted his feet firmly upon the field of vengeance.”
#68
چو دیوان و پیلان پرخاشجوی
✦
بروی اندر آورده بودند روی
“As the warlike demons and fierce elephants stood face to face in combat...”
#69
جهانجوی کرد از جهاندار یاد
✦
سناندار نیزه به دارنده داد
“The world-seeking champion remembered Almighty God and handed his spear to his lance-bearer.”
#70
برآهیخت گرز و برآورد جوش
✦
هوا گشت از آواز او پرخروش
“He drew his mace and let out a mighty roar, filling the air with his thunderous voice.”
#71
برآورد آن گرد سالار کش
✦
نه با دیو جان و نه با پیل هش
“The champion leader wreaked such havoc that neither demon retained life nor elephant preserved its wits.”
#72
فگنده همه دشت خرطوم پیل
✦
همه کشته دیدند بر چند میل
“Severed trunks of elephants lay across the field, and slain bodies stretched for miles.”
#73
ازان پس تهمتن یکی نیزه خواست
✦
سوی شاه مازندران تاخت راست
“Thereafter Tahamtan called for a lance and charged straight toward the King of Mazandaran.”
#74
چو بر نیزهٔ رستم افگند چشم
✦
نماند ایچ با او دلیری و خشم
“When the enemy king cast his eyes upon Rostam's lance, all courage and fury vanished from him.”
#75
یکی نیزه زد بر کمربند اوی
✦
ز گبر اندر آمد به پیوند اوی
“Rostam struck a spear-thrust at his belt, piercing through his armor into his flesh.”
#76
شد از جادویی تنش یک لخت کوه
✦
از ایران بروبر نظاره گروه
“Through sorcery, his body instantly turned into a solid mass of rock, while the Iranian troops looked on in awe.”
#77
تهمتن فرو ماند اندر شگفت
✦
سناندار نیزه به گردن گرفت
“Tahamtan stood amazed in utter astonishment, as his lance-bearer took the spear upon his shoulder.”
#78
رسید اندر آن جای کاووس شاه
✦
ابا پیل و کوس و درفش و سپاه
“King Kay Kavus arrived at that spot with elephants, drums, royal banners, and his army.”
#79
به رستم چنین گفت کای سرفراز
✦
چه بودت که ایدر بماندی دراز
“He said to Rostam: 'O exalted hero, what happened that kept thee here so long?'”
#80
بدو گفت رستم که چون رزم سخت
✦
ببود و بیفروخت پیروز بخت
“Rostam replied to him: 'When the combat raged fierce and victorious fortune shined upon us...'”
#81
مرا دید چون شاه مازندران
✦
به گردن برآورده گرز گران
“When the King of Mazandaran beheld me, bearing a heavy mace resting upon my shoulder,”
#82
به رخش دلاور سپردم عنان
✦
زدم بر کمربند گبرش سنان
“I gave the rein to brave Rakhsh, and struck the point of my spear upon the belt of his armor.”
#83
گمانم چنان بد که او شد نگون
✦
کنون آید از کوههٔ زین برون
“I deemed that he would be overthrown and tumble straightway from the pommel of his saddle.”
#84
بر این گونه شد سنگ در پیش من
✦
نبود آگه از رای کم بیش من
“Yet in this wise he turned to stone before me; he had no heed of my thought, whether more or less.”
#85
برین گونه خارا یکی کوه گشت
✦
ز جنگ و ز مردی بی‌اندوه گشت
“Thus he became a mountain of hard granite, freed from all grief of war and valor.”
#86
به لشکر گهش برد باید کنون
✦
مگر کاید از سنگ خارا برون
“'Now must he be borne unto the encampment, perchance he may emerge from the solid rock.'”
#87
ز لشکر هر آن کس که بد زورمند
✦
بسودند چنگ آزمودند بند
“Whosoever among the army possessed great strength tried their hands and tested their ropes.”
#88
نه برخاست از جای سنگ گران
✦
میان اندرون شاه مازندران
“Yet the heavy rock stirred not from its place, with the King of Mazandaran enclosed within.”
#89
گو پیلتن کرد چنگال باز
✦
بران آزمایش نبودش نیاز
“The elephant-bodied hero opened his hands, needing no elaborate test for such a feat.”
#90
بران گونه آن سنگ را برگرفت
✦
کزو ماند لشکر سراسر شگفت
“He lifted up that stone in such a manner that the entire host remained filled with wonder.”
#91
ابر کردگار آفرین خواندند
✦
برو زر و گوهر برافشاندند
“They offered praise unto the Creator, and showered gold and jewels upon Rostam.”
#92
به پیش سراپردهٔ شاه برد
✦
بیفگند و ایرانیان را سپرد
“He carried it before the royal pavilion, cast it down, and left it in charge of the Iranians.”
#93
بدو گفت ار ایدونک پیدا شوی
✦
به گردی ازین تنبل و جادوی
“Rostam said to him: 'If thou step forth, emerging from this trickery and sorcery,”
#94
وگرنه به گرز و به تیغ و تبر
✦
ببرم همه سنگ را سر به سر
“Otherwise, with mace and sword and battle-axe, I shall shatter this rock entirely to pieces!'”
#95
چو بشنید شد چون یکی پاره ابر
✦
به سر برش پولاد و بر تنش گبر
“When he heard this, he emerged like a dark storm-cloud, with a steel helmet upon his head and armor on his body.”
#96
تهمتن گرفت آن زمان دست اوی
✦
بخندید و زی شاه بنهاد روی
“The champion thereupon seized his hand, laughed, and turned his face toward King Kay Kavus.”
#97
چنین گفت کاوردم ان لخت کوه
✦
ز بیم تبر شد به چنگم ستوه
“He said: 'I have brought that chunk of mountain; out of fear of the battle-axe, he surrendered in my grip.'”
#98
برویش نگه کرد کاووس شاه
✦
ندیدش سزاوار تخت و کلاه
“King Kavus looked upon his face and deemed him unworthy of throne and crown.”
#99
وزان رنجهای کهن یاد کرد
✦
دلش خسته شد سر پر از باد کرد
“He recalled all the ancient afflictions; his heart grew grieved and his head filled with pride and wrath.”
#100
به دژخیم فرمود تا تیغ تیز
✦
بگیرد کند تنش را ریز ریز
“He ordered the executioner to take a sharp sword and chop his body into pieces.”
#101
به لشکر گهش کس فرستاد زود
✦
بفرمود تا خواسته هرچ بود
“Swiftly he sent a messenger to the enemy camp, commanding that all their possessions,”
#102
ز گنج و ز تخت و ز در و گهر
✦
ز اسپ و سلیح و کلاه و کمر
“Of treasure, thrones, pearls, and jewels, of horses, weapons, crowns, and belts,”
#103
نهادند هرجای چون کوه کوه
✦
برفتند لشکر همه هم گروه
“Should be piled high in mountain heaps everywhere, as the whole army assembled together.”
#104
سزاوار هرکس ببخشید گنج
✦
به ویژه کسی کش فزون بود رنج
“He bestowed the treasure upon each according to his desert, especially unto those who had suffered greater toil.”
#105
ز دیوان هرآنکس که بد ناسپاس
✦
وز ایشان دل انجمن پرهراس
“And among the demons, whoever was ungrateful and rebellious, filling the assembly's heart with dread,”
#106
بفرمودشان تا بریدند سر
✦
فگندند جایی که بد رهگذر
“He commanded that their heads be severed and cast in places where travelers pass by.”
#107
وز آن پس بیامد به جای نماز
✦
همی گفت با داور پاک راز
“Thereafter he came unto the place of prayer, communing in secret with the pure Judge.”
#108
به یک هفته بر پیش یزدان پاک
✦
همی با نیایش بپیمود خاک
“For a whole week before the pure God, he prostrated himself upon the dust in worship.”
#109
بهشتم در گنجها کرد باز
✦
ببخشید بر هرکه بودش نیاز
“On the eighth day he unlocked the doors of the treasuries, bestowing gifts upon all who were in need.”
#110
همی گشت یک هفته زین گونه نیز
✦
ببخشید آن را که بایست چیز
“For another week he continued in this fashion, bestowing riches upon those who required them.”
#111
سیم هفته چون کارها گشت راست
✦
می و جام یاقوت و میخواره خواست
“In the third week, when all affairs were set aright, he called for wine, ruby goblets, and revelers.”
#112
به یک هفته با ویژگان می به چنگ
✦
به مازندران کرد زان پس درنگ
“For one week, wine-cup in hand alongside his intimates, he tarried thereafter in Mazandaran.”
#113
تهمتن چنین گفت با شهریار
✦
که هرگونه‌ای مردم آید به کار
“Rostam then spoke unto the monarch: 'Every manner of man may prove useful in his own turn.”
#114
مرا این هنرها ز اولاد خاست
✦
که بر هر سویی راه بنمود راست
“These accomplishments of mine stemmed from Olad, who guided me rightly in every direction.”
#115
به مازندران دارد اکنون امید
✦
چنین دادمش راستی را نوید
“He now places his hopes upon the rule of Mazandaran, for in truth I gave him such a promise.'”
#116
کنون خلعت شاه باید نخست
✦
یکی عهد و مهری بروبر درست
“First, he must receive the royal robe of honor, / And a binding covenant sealed with the royal mark,”
#117
که تا زنده باشد به مازندران
✦
پرستش کنندش همه مهتران
“So that as long as he lives in Mazandaran, / All the nobles and elders shall render him service and obedience.”
#118
چو بشنید گفتار خسرو پرست
✦
به بر زد جهاندار بیدار دست
“When the vigilant sovereign heard the words of his loyal hero, / The ruler of the world placed his hand upon his breast in accord.”
#119
سپرد آن زمان تخت شاهی بدوی
✦
وزانجا سوی پارس بنهاد روی
“He then entrusted the throne of that realm unto him, / And set forth from that place to return toward Pars.”