"Kai Khusrau, Gudarz and Giv Capturing the Demon's Fortress, Bahman (?)", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings)

Author Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 463

Kai Kavus, the king of Iran, promised that whoever could capture the impregnable fortress of Bahman in Azerbaijan would share his throne. Tus and Fariburz made the first attempt but were driven back by the terrible heat. Then Kai Khusrau sent a message to those guarding the fortress, saying that he came in God’s name and if the fortress was inhabited by divs (devils), God would vanquish it. At that moment, there was a thunderous crack in the ramparts and its walls disintegrated.

"Kai Khusrau, Gudarz and Giv Capturing the Demon's Fortress, Bahman (?)", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings), Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (Iranian, Paj ca. 940/41–1020 Tus), Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper

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