A Comparative Analysis of the Motifs of the Story "Kor-e Asb-e Siah" in Bakhtiari Culture and the Story of Siavash
Document Type : پژوهشی اصیل
Authors
1
PhD Candidate in Persian Language and Literature, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran.
2
Professor of Persian Language and Literature, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran.
3
Assistant Professor of Persian Language and Literature, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran.
Abstract
The literature of popular culture, based on beliefs, thoughts, and desires, has featured many adaptations and revisions of mythical epic narratives. It has been used as a model to create new stories that afford insight into the general perception and perspectives on these tales. This study aims to undertake a comparative analysis of the characters, actions, and mythical epic motifs of the story “Kor-e Asb-e Siah” in Bakhtiari culture and the story of "Siavash" in Shahnameh using document analysis. The comparative investigation encompasses an examination of their social backgrounds, physical attributes, and actions of stepmom characters, horse characteristics, and seeking asylum in another land. The results demonstrated significant similarities between these two stories; the main protagonists are princes with indeterminate maternal lineage, possessing corporeal beauty and horses that share similar qualities such as color, intelligence, and the ability to jump high. Additionally, their stepmothers are seeking for a sexual desire, both ultimately taking refuge in another land, getting married, and building a city and palace for themselves. Nevertheless, there are divergences between these stories; the story of Siavash features more politically motivated character behavior, whereas “Kor-e Asb-e Siah” emphasizes on familial matters. Hence, it could be concluded that “Kor-e Asb-e Siah” in Bakhtiari culture is a creative retelling or adaptation of the story of Siavash.
Keywords
Subjects
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Asmand, A., & Khosravi, H. (1998). Myths of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari. Il.
Ferdowsi, A. (2008). Shahnameh: complete text (based on Moscow's edition). Peyman.
Ghaemi, F. (2014). Structural analysis of Siavash mythic ritual (comparison of Siavash-Siavashan with tragedy-Dionysia based on myth and ritual). Literary Criticism, 7(25), 153-184.
Ghanbari Adivi, A. (2012). Folklore of Bakhtiari people. Neyooshe.
Hasouri, A. (1999). Siavashan. Cheshmeh.
Irani Arbati, Gh., & Khaza'i, M. (2017). Khvarenah symbols in Sassanian art. Negareh Quarterly Journal, 43, 18-30.
Jafari-Qanavati, M. (2016). Storytelling and some of its types in popular culture. Journal of Dramatic Literature and Visual Arts, 1(1), 87-96.
Keyvani, M. (2014). Mah Pishouni (folkloric metaphors of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari). Samandish.
Khadish, P. (2013). Oral narratives of Goshtasb story in Shahnameh (Iranian and Non-Iranian narratives). Journal of Epic Literature Research, 9(15), 131-140.
Layard, A. H. (1988). Layard's travelogue (early adventures in Iran) (translated into Farsi by M. Amiri). Vahid.
Limoochi, K. (2006). Myths of Bakhtiari people. Pasi Tiger.
Mahjoub, M. J. (1990). Shahnameh and popular culture. Iranian Studies Journal, 2, 248-272.
Mokhtarian, B. (2020). Introduction to the mythological structure of Shahnameh. Agah.
Moloudi Arani, A. (2020). The image of Siavash: physical and visual representation of Siavash myth in archaeological materials of greater Iran in Sassanian and first three centuries of Islamic era. Iranian Industrial Arts, 3(1), 141-161.
Razi, H. (2002). Encyclopedia of ancient Iran. Sokhan.
Sarkartti, B. (2019). Hunted shadows (selected Persian articles). Tahuri.
Tahmasebi Kohyani, J. (2012). Lori's myths. Neyooshe.
Vakilian, A. (2003). Folk tales. Markaz.
