Goudarz (Persian:گودرز) is a hero fromIranian national history and one of the main figures in theShahnameh, thenational epic ofGreater Iran, and progenitor of one of its most prominent families.^[1] He is son ofKashvad, father ofGiv andRoham and the grandfather ofBizhan. His first appearance is in the time ofKay Kavus and thereafter he appears almost in every story of theheroic age, sometimes he is thespahbed of Iranian Army. His personality is described very positively with traits such as loyalty, patience and altruism.^[2]

Goudarz plays a vital role in the story ofKay Khosrow. Kay Khosrow is one of the greatest kings ofShahnameh and he is the son ofSiavash andFarangis and the grandson ofKay Kavus. Kay Khosrow was born and grown up inTuran. One day the Soroush (angel) comes to Goudarz in his dream and tells him that the son of Siavash is in Turan and Iranians should go there and bring him back to Iran. He tells Goudarz that only his son, Giv, could do this job. Goudarz then sends Giv to Turan in search of Kay Khosrow and after seven years, Giv finally finds Kay Khosrow and brings him back to Iran. At this time, Goudarz is an old man.

Goudarz is the one who killsPiran Veyse in the story ofDavazdah Rokh.^[2][3]

Unlike many other Iranian heroes who disappear in snow after Kay Khosrow's ascent, Goudarz survives this accident along withRostam andZāl.^[2]

It has been suggested that Goudarz in Shahnameh is actuallyGotarzes II of Parthia.^[2] The only difference is that in Shahnameh, Goudarz is the father of Giv, but in history it is the opposite, the historical Gotarzes is son of a certain Giv (this is known from his coins).^[4]

According toSharaf al-Din Bitlisi in the late 16th century, chiefs of theKalhori people claimed to be descended from Goudarz.^[5][6]

• Shahnameh characters

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