GOŠASB BĀNU

 

GOŠASB BĀNU, (or Bānu Gošasb) entitled savār (knight), Rostam’s daughter and the wife of Gēv (qq.v.). She is the heroine of a short epic of some 900 verses, called Bānu Gošasb-nāma, by an unknown poet probably from the 5th/11th or 6th/12th century. There is a manuscript of the poem at the Bibliothèque Nationale in Paris (Cat. Bibliothèque Nationale, p. 18, no. 1194). It was once printed with Farāmarz-nāma (ed. R. Tafti, Bombay, 1324/1906, pp. 32-78). It describes the exploits of Gošasb Bānu alongside her brother Farāmarz (q.v.) in Turān and India. Among her heroic episodes is her battle with her father, Rostam. They fail to recognize each other at first, but disaster is avoided in time when they realize each other’s identity. Worthy of mention are also her battles with her suitors, most of whom are either taken captive or killed by her. It is only Gēv (q.v.) who passes the tests and ordeals imposed by Rostam on her suitors and comes through victorious. On the wedding night, however, she overpowers Gēv and binds him down before Rostam comes to his rescue and mediates between the two. Bēžan/Bižan (q.v.) is born of their marriage.

Gošasb Bānu’s exploits are also described in other epic works, such as Farāmarz-nāma, Borzu-nāma, and Bahman-nāma. (qq.v.), where her name appears as Bānu Gošasb to fit the meter of the epic.

 

(Djalal Khaleghi-Motlagh)

Originally Published: December 15, 2002

Last Updated: February 17, 2012

This article is available in print.
Vol. XI, Fasc. 2, p. 170-171