Afrásiyáb

Also known as: Afrasiyáb · Family: Túrán · Role: son of Poshang · First appears: Nauder

At Poshang’s urging, Afrásiyáb took up arms against Nauder, advancing to the Jihún and sending Shimasás and Khazerván against Zál. He captured Nauder, released him from fetters, and killed him; he then slew his brother Aghríras when Aghríras reproached him. After Zál and Zau turned against him, Afrásiyáb retreated to his father. Poshang later forgave him and sent him to conquer Irán. In battle against Kai-kobád, Rustem threw Afrásiyáb from his saddle and took his crown, but Afrásiyáb’s warriors rescued him. The armies eventually made peace, with Afrásiyáb’s forces withdrawing across the Jihún.

Afrásiyáb again fought Kai-káús and Rustem, escaping to Túrán after defeat and once slipping free of Rustem’s noose. He supported Sohráb’s march against Persia, ordering Húmán and Bármán to keep Sohráb’s identity from Rustem. Later, after welcoming Saiáwush and granting him and Ferangís Khoten, Afrásiyáb turned against Saiáwush: he had him beheaded and sought to have Ferangís killed, but allowed Pírán to shelter her. He pursued their son Kai-khosráu, who escaped, and thereafter fought repeated campaigns against Rustem and Kai-khosráu, suffering defeats and fleeing across Túrán and Tartary.

Afrásiyáb also ordered Gersíwaz to seize Byzun and later had him chained and suspended in a pit, condemning Maníjeh to share his fate before allowing her to live near the pit without food or visitors. When Rustem entered his palace, Afrásiyáb fled. After further battles, retreats, and the loss of his remaining refuge, he hid in a cave; Húm found and bound him, then brought him to Kai-khosráu. Kai-khosráu ordered Afrásiyáb and Gersíwaz put to death in vengeance for Saiáwush.