After the demise of Yazdejerd, Hormuz ascended the throne, but was tyrannical and ill-natured. When his brother Firûz heard of what had taken place, he departed to the country of Hayatalah to crave assistance, stating that his father had acted unjustly by appointing Hormuz to be king. After the ruler of Hayatalah had taken an oath from Firûz concerning the truth of his assertion, he gave him one thousand soldiers on condition of leaving Turân, with its dependencies, in his possession. Thus Firûz attacked Hormuz with his army and vanquished him, but —according to the most trustworthy authorities—forgave him his transgressions, and sent back his auxiliaries to Hayatalah with many presents.
Hâfez Abru states that the character of Hormuz was most excellent. He was just, moral, and good-natured:
Verses: Hormuz was righteous like Yazdejerd,
He was a pure-minded sovereign;
Though brave and dignified like Esfendiar,
In wisdom and foresight he was Kaikobâd.
In the Mufâtih-ul-u’lûm it is stated that his sobriquet was ‘the sage,’ and according to the author of the Târikh Ja’fari, the reign of Hormuz lasted one year, but nothing is said of this in any other history.