Husseina Serai and the Genre Analysis of its Position in Iranian Folk Literature
Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Professor, Department of Persian Language and Literature, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
2
Master's student in Persian Language and Literature, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Among the various forms of folk literature, poetry—particularly songs—has always served as an influential medium for conveying messages due to its brevity, appeal, widespread use, and ease of memorization. In the study of different types of songs, a specific form of poetry known as “Hesina” was encountered. Accordingly, the main research questions are: Who or what is Hesina? What structural and content characteristics define the poetic form known as “Hesina”? And can it be considered an independent subgenre within folk song poetry? The present study employs a descriptive-analytical method and relies on data collected through library and documentary research. Based on systematic searches, at least seven recognized narratives of the Hesina story and approximately two hundred songs containing the name “Hesina” or narrating her story were identified. Hesina is portrayed in Iranian folk literature as a passionate, chivalrous, and courageous character whose love life, along with that of her beloved—referred to by names such as Delaram, Delara, Maryam, Shahrebanoo, Khatoun, and Pari—has long captivated audiences across various regions of Iran. The geographical distribution of these songs includes Khorasan, Birjand, Isfahan, Larestan (Fars), Khor and Biabanak, Herat, and other areas. Most of these songs are composed in the do-bayti form with romantic and lyrical content, occasionally including descriptions of heroic and chivalric traits. The influence of this narrative character extends into contemporary literature; for example, Abbas Maroufi’s novel Sal-e Balva features Hesina with the same semi-legendary qualities. Furthermore, genre studies indicate that “Hesinasaraei,” due to its distinctive characteristics compared to other do-baytis, can be introduced as an independent subgenre within Iranian folk songs.
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