Pírán

Also known as: Pírán-wísah · Family: Túrán · Role: general · First appears: The Story of Saiáwush · Part 4

As one of Afrásiyáb’s generals in the Story of Saiáwush, Pírán asked to take Ferangís into his home and protect her, and Afrásiyáb agreed. When Kai-khosráu was born, Pírán entrusted him to peasants on Mount Kalún to keep him from Afrásiyáb. He later told Kai-khosráu about his father’s rank and misfortunes, while misleading Afrásiyáb by claiming the boy was nearly an idiot. Pírán took particular care to instruct Kai-khosráu, and protected him and Ferangís from Afrásiyáb’s fury. He was the brother of Pílsam and, as he described her, the father of Gúlshaher.

In the Story of Saiáwush, Gíw captured Pírán and brought him before Kai-khosráu. Kai-khosráu arranged for Gíw to stain the ground with Pírán’s blood so that Gíw could keep his oath, then interceded for Pírán’s release. Later, in the Story of Byzun and Maníjeh, Pírán persuaded Afrásiyáb to stay Byzun’s execution until he could speak with the king; Byzun told him of Girgín’s treachery.

During the conflicts with the Persian forces, Pírán ordered his troops to besiege the place where Tús was posted. The Khakán of Chín permitted him to confer with Rustem, who revealed his identity, but the confederates rejected the peace terms Pírán presented. In the fighting around Barzú, Pírán and Húmán urged Afrásiyáb to call for a general attack. The war lasted two years, and Pírán was killed in a great battle.