نوع مقاله : مقاله پژوهشی
نویسنده
دانشیار دانشکدۀ تمدّن و مطالعات جهان، واحد دزفول، دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی، دزفول، ایران
چکیده
کلیدواژهها
موضوعات
عنوان مقاله [English]
نویسنده [English]
Zahhak (Aži Dahāka / Azi Dahāk) is one of the most complex characters in Iranian mythology and Persian epic literature. He has consistently symbolized evil deeds, heresy, and tyranny, and may be seen as a figure onto whom many of the negative traits of monarchs in Iranian history or associated with Iranian cultural memory have been projected. This has made his story and character receptive to multiple layers of mythological and historical interpretation, and his traits have often aligned with various mytho-historical figures within Iranian tradition. Consequently, scholars have compared Zahhak with a number of other personalities and found meaningful parallels. Continuing this line of comparison, the author explores the similarities between Zahhak and one of the kings of the Maurya dynasty in India — Ashoka — and concludes that both figures may trace their origins to the Scythians who settled in India. Both have fathers with ascetic tendencies — Merdas and Chandragupta —whose rule they seize and bring to an end. Both are known for bloodthirstiness and fearlessness, and yet, despite their tyranny, they enjoy popularity among certain segments of the population. During their absences from their respective countries, each entrusts governance to loyal deputies: Kondrow and Kumar. Both also promote Indian religious traditions — idolatry in Zahhak’s case and Buddhism in Ashoka’s. Ashoka, after a period of intense cruelty, ultimately chooses a religious path and turns to helping the people. Zahhak, by contrast, shows no such transformation; however, his nephew or grandson — Kush-e Pīl-Dandān .........
کلیدواژهها [English]
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