Kai-kobád

Family: Irán · Role: king · First appears: Garshásp · Part 2

In the Story of Garshásp, Kai-kobád revealed himself to Rustem at Alberz, and Rustem hailed him as Persia’s sovereign. The night before, Kai-kobád had dreamed that two white falcons from Persia placed a crown on his head; Rustem interpreted the vision as a sign of his father and himself investing him with kingly power. After seven days of council, on the eighth Kai-kobád was crowned and seated on the ivory throne.

In the Story of Kai-kobád, raised to the throne by a council of warriors, he assembled his army against Afrásiyáb. He assigned Mihráb and Gustahem to the wings, Kárun and Kishwád to the centre, placed Rustem in front, and remained in the rear with Zál. When the Persian army returned with prisoners, he received Rustem with distinguished honor. He agreed to peace if Afrásiyáb swore never to cross the Jihún or disturb Persia again. Though Rustem argued against making peace while victorious, Kai-kobád favored justice and tranquillity; the Túránian army withdrew across the boundary, and he gave Rustem and Zál the highest honors.

Kai-kobád established his throne at Istakhar and, after ten years there building towns and cities and diffusing improvement and happiness, moved it into Irán. He had four sons: Kai-káús, Arish, Poshín, and Aramín. When his death drew near, he appointed his eldest son Kai-káús as successor and enjoined him to follow integrity and justice.