Siavash- Persian HeroHero"The Innocent Prince"
Also known as: Siyavash, Siyavush, and سیاوش
Description
He rode through a wall of flame on his black horse and emerged unscathed, proving his innocence against his stepmother's lies. Yet exile and murder awaited him in Turan, and from the blood where the innocent prince fell, a red flower grew that Iran would mourn for centuries.
Mythology & Lore
The False Accusation
Siavash was the son of Kay Kavus, a powerful but foolish king. When Kay Kavus married Sudabeh, she conceived a passion for her stepson. When Siavash rejected her advances, she accused him of attempting to violate her.
Kay Kavus was uncertain whom to believe. To prove his innocence, Siavash agreed to undergo trial by fire. A great pyre was built, and Siavash rode through the flames on his black horse. He emerged unscathed, his innocence proven by divine protection.
Exile and Death
Despite his proven innocence, Siavash found life at his father's court unbearable. He chose exile, crossing into Turan, where King Afrasiab received him with honor and gave him his daughter Farangis in marriage. For a time, Siavash lived peacefully, building the city of Siavashgerd.
But Afrasiab's brother Garsivaz grew jealous and poisoned the king's mind against the prince. Afrasiab came to believe Siavash was plotting with Iran. Despite having done nothing wrong, Siavash was arrested and executed, his throat cut as he knelt in prayer. Where his blood touched the ground, a plant grew: the khun-e Siyavushan, the blood of Siavash, a red flower that became a symbol of his innocence.
Kay Khosrow's Vengeance
Siavash's pregnant wife Farangis was saved by loyal servants and bore a son, Kay Khosrow. When Kay Khosrow grew to manhood, he returned to Iran, claimed his throne, and led a devastating campaign against Turan. Afrasiab was hunted down and killed. Siavash's death was repaid.