# Ashkash

Ashkash(Persian: اشکَش) or Askas or Arsakes is a major figure in the Shahnameh. He is introduced by Ferdowsi as the general of Kay Khosrow's army.
He is depicted as an Iranian hero from the Kayanian dynasty, tasked by Kay Khosrow to govern Makran. As a trusted commander, Ashkash played a significant role in leading the army during Kay Khosrow's campaign against Turan, which was aimed at avenging the death of Siyavash.

## Origins

Ferdowsi mentions a group called Fereydounid among the heroes of Kay Khosrow, headed by Ashkash. He may have been one of the local historical-legendary princes of the Parthian era, each of whom had his own army and banner, but who were obedient to the king.
In the Mojmal al-Tawarikh (p. 91), Ashkash, son of Kay Kawad is mentioned as one of the 1200 generals of Kay Khosrow. Al-Tabari and Al-Biruni cite Ashkan ibn Ash in his mention of the Parthian kings.

## Narrative

Ashkash was one of the seven brave Iranian men who went to Turan with Rostam to free Bizhan . He was present in many battles. In Khwarazm, he forced Shideh to flee and was appointed as the ruler of Makran by the order of Kay khosrow.

### Bizhan's rescue from the Turan dungeon

One of his most important role is in the story of Bizhan and Manizhe. Gorgin becomes envious of Bizhan's bravery and seduces him to go to Turan. There, Bizhan finds Manizhe and they fell in love. But Afrasiyab arrests Bizhan and throw him into a dungeon. Kay Khosrow gave the order to release Bizhan with special powers to Rostam and Ashkash
This is depicted in the mythological part of the Shahnameh a prose work written in Middle Persian.
   "To lead the host Ruhham, Farhad two men of valour
   and Ashkash , that lion-hero"

### Ashkash, the general of the Kuch and Baloch

Ashkash is introduced in several verses in the Shahnameh as the commander of the Kuch and Baloch armies. He played a significant role in leading the Kuch and Baloch army during the campaign against Turan, which was aimed at avenging the death of Siyavash.
This is depicted in the mythological part of the Shahnamah a prose work written in Middle Persian.
   "Next after Gostaham came shrewd Aškash endowed with prudent heart and ready brain An army of warriors of the kuch and Baloch Scheming war like the faighting-ram No one in the word has seen(them tun) rheir backs No one has seen(as much as) one of their fingers unarmed”
According to the Shahnameh, the army of kuch and baloch armored from head to foot and they had the banner with the figure of leopard.

## History

In Kay Khosrow's war with the Turanians, Ashkash was the commander of an army of Baloch, and led the army. In the Persian campaign against Turan under the command of Fariburz, Ashkash was the leader of the army. When Rostam set out for Turan to rescue Bizhan, Ashkash was one of the seven brave men who accompanied Rostam, whom Ferdowsi calls the hunter of lion. After the release of Bizhan, when Afrasiab pursued Rostam, Ashkash was the general of the army, which he fought with Garsivaz. Ashkash was present at Kay Khosrow's consultation to confront Afrasiab, and Kay Khosrow assigned him to fight against Shideh in Khwarazm with 30,000 spearmen.Ashkash defeated Shideh in Khwarazm . After this victory, Kay Khosrow sent him to Zam to prevent Afrasiab from attacking the rear of the Iranian army. Ashkash was also bravely with Kaykhosrow in the Battle of Makran and Kay Khosrow appointed him the governor of Makran.