Recognizing Two Narrative Patterns of Zoroastrian sources in a Couplet in Shahnameh

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Article

Author

• Mohamadjafar Yahaghi

Professor of Persian language and literature

10.22067/jls.2024.87821.1577

Abstract

This study aims to present a new interpretation of the verse "به رشک‌اندر اهریمن بدسگال / همی رای زد تا بیاگند یال" from the story of Kayumars in the Shahnameh. The research begins by citing the aforementioned verse and critically examining existing interpretations. It then delves into Zoroastrian sources, focusing on the keywords "consultation" and "empowerment," and investigates evidence of two narrative patterns present in these texts. A descriptive-analytical approach is used to collect, review, analyze, and structurally compare the evidence. The first pattern consists of three stages: 1) assembly, 2) consultation, and 3) action. The second pattern comprises five stages: 1) awareness of destiny, 2) unconsciousness/immobility, 3) stimulation, 4) consciousness/movement, and 5) action. The analysis and interpretation of the verse based on these patterns reveal that they have undergone transformations to be incorporated into the verse. The verse essentially describes Ahriman consulting with the demons to disrupt the era of Kayumars, his son Siamak, and the people. Through this consultation and the suggestions proposed by the demons aimed at chaos, slaughter, and destruction, Ahriman gains power. He then approves the attack plan and sends his son Khazuran with an army of demons to execute it. Furthermore, in explaining the integration of the two aforementioned patterns in this verse, it can be posited that these patterns have likely merged due to the overlap of certain elements, resulting in a final four-stage pattern in the verse: 1) awareness, 2) assembly, 3) consultation, and 4) action.

Keywords

• Shahnameh
• Kayumars Ahriman
• gathering consultation
• gaining strength
• action

Main Subjects

• Mythology

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