Kai-khosráu

Also known as: Khosráu · Family: Irán · Role: son of Saiáwush and Ferangís · First appears: The Story of Saiáwush · Part 6

Born to Ferangís at Khoten, Kai-khosráu was the son of Saiáwush, who had prayed before his death that a son might be born to vindicate his name. To keep the infant from Afrásiyáb, Pírán entrusted him to peasants on Mount Kalún. In his twelfth year, after hearing from Pírán of his father’s rank and misfortunes, he feigned madness when summoned before Afrásiyáb, who sent him with presents to Ferangís. Pírán reunited mother and son, and later helped protect them from Afrásiyáb.

A dream led Gúdarz to send Gíw to find the prince. Gíw recognized him as Saiáwush’s son and took him to Ferangís; the three crossed the Jihún despite Afrásiyáb’s orders to stop them. Kai-káús welcomed Kai-khosráu, seated him on a throne like his own, and commanded the nobles and warriors to obey him. After the prince conquered the enchanted fortress at Bahmen, Kai-káús announced him as successor, and he was crowned shortly afterwards.

As king, Kai-khosráu sought Rustem’s help to avenge Saiáwush, and led campaigns against Afrásiyáb and the Túránians. He refused peace until he had avenged his father, killed Shydah in combat, and later ordered Afrásiyáb and Gersíwaz put to death for Saiáwush’s murder. He also granted Rustem’s request to spare Barzú, and appointed Gúdarz, Gíw, and Tús to high offices.

After returning to Irán, Kai-khosráu abandoned the duties of sovereignty and renounced the throne. He distributed food and money to the poor for seven days, gave Rustem Zábul, Kábul, and Ním-rúz, and appointed Lohurásp as his successor. Setting out on a final journey, he took leave of Zál and Rustem, then continued with Gúdarz, Gíw, and Tús. At the promised fountain he bathed, told his followers to go, and vanished into the water.