Barzú

Family: Túrán · Role: warrior · First appears: Barzú, and his Conflict with Rustem · Part 1

In the Story of Barzú, and his Conflict with Rustem, Afrásiyáb promised Barzú his daughter in marriage and the monarchy of Chín and Má-chín if he destroyed Rustem. He appointed two masters to train him, then placed ten thousand experienced horsemen under his command. Barzú defeated the Persian force and captured Tús and Fríburz. When sent to challenge Rustem, he struck him a blow that disabled one of his arms; Rustem persuaded him to postpone their combat until the following day. A few hours later, Rustem sent Ferámurz in disguise as the warrior Barzú had fought. Ferámurz struck Barzú with his battle-axe and captured him alive.

After Kai-khosráu ordered Barzú’s execution, Rustem asked that he be spared and taken to Sístán. There, Barzú escaped captivity with his mother, Sháh-rú, and fled toward Túrán. Sháh-rú revealed to Rustem that Barzú was the son of Sohráb and Rustem’s grandchild. Rustem accepted him, took him to Sístán, and gave him a station of honor; he introduced Barzú to his great-grandfather Zál, who welcomed and caressed him.

In the Story of Súsen and Afrásiyáb, Barzú transferred his allegiance from Afrásiyáb to Kai-khosráu: “I now eat the salt of Kai-khosráu, and my allegiance is due to him.” During their combat, Afrásiyáb wounded Barzú with a dart. When the fighting became a general battle, Rustem and Ferámurz came to Barzú’s aid, and Kai-khosráu’s arrival drove the Túránians to flight as Afrásiyáb escaped.