A Comparison of the Oral and Written Versions of the Tale 'Khaki and the Demons' Based on Vladimir Propp's Morphological Model
Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Arak University Department of Persian Literature PhD Candidate Start Date: September 2023 City: Arak Country: Iran
2
Full Professor of the Persian Literature Department at Arak University
10.48311/cfl.2025.86480.0
Abstract
This study examines the narrative structure of the Iranian folktale *Khaki and the Demons* through Vladimir Propp’s morphological framework. The oral version, collected from Komijan in Markazi Province, comprises six distinct narrative moves that closely align with Propp’s thirty-one functions. In each move, the hero encounters a new challenge and progresses through magical elements, donor characters, and strategic actions.
In contrast, the written version—*Khaki and Thirty-Nine Brothers*, published in *Folk Tales of Lorestan*—presents a more condensed structure with only two narrative moves. Despite differences in language, plot complexity, characterization, and audience engagement, both versions demonstrate strong structural compatibility with Propp’s model.
The oral narrative, due to its length, encompasses all thirty-one functions and all seven character roles defined by Propp. The written version includes all seven roles and most functions, though not all. Function sequencing in both versions shows a high degree of conformity to Propp’s model (approximately 95–96%).
Findings suggest that Propp’s theory is adaptable to Iranian magical tales when applied with cultural and linguistic sensitivity. *Khaki and the Demons* exemplifies the dynamic interplay between universal narrative structures and local storytelling traditions, highlighting the shared poetics of magical tales across cultures.
In contrast, the written version—*Khaki and Thirty-Nine Brothers*, published in *Folk Tales of Lorestan*—presents a more condensed structure with only two narrative moves. Despite differences in language, plot complexity, characterization, and audience engagement, both versions demonstrate strong structural compatibility with Propp’s model.
The oral narrative, due to its length, encompasses all thirty-one functions and all seven character roles defined by Propp. The written version includes all seven roles and most functions, though not all. Function sequencing in both versions shows a high degree of conformity to Propp’s model (approximately 95–96%).
Findings suggest that Propp’s theory is adaptable to Iranian magical tales when applied with cultural and linguistic sensitivity. *Khaki and the Demons* exemplifies the dynamic interplay between universal narrative structures and local storytelling traditions, highlighting the shared poetics of magical tales across cultures.
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