The Comparative Study of Dragon Killing Myth in the Images of Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh and their Relation with Binary Worldview in Ancient Iran

Abstract :
In the history and culture of Iran, the myth of dragon killing has always carried ritual and religious value. In these myths, evil forces and rebellious power of the Self have taken dragon form so that the champion of the story fights with them to reach the higher stage of conduct (Soluk) and spirituality and true victory, that is, overcoming the Self (Nafs). Similarly, the contrast between good and evil derives from the concept of binarity in ancient rituals which, in the world of myths, is the battlefield between divine power and evil forces. These mythical notions, this contrast and binary worldview were of interest to Iranian artists and were reflected in their paintings. This study aimed to examine comparatively the myth of dragon killing in the images in Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh (The Book of Kings) and their relation to binarity worldview in ancient Iran. Research questions are:

1- What is the relationship between the myth of dragon killing and the binarity worldview in ancient Iran?

2. Do the images depicting the killing of dragons follow the myths of dragon killing?

The research method is descriptive-analytic using a comparative approach and documentary sources as well as library are used to collect data. The research population consists of 6 images of Ferdowsi’s illustrated Shahnamehs related to the historical periods that were analyzed qualitatively. The results of the study show that, as the concept of binarity in Aryan fundamental beliefs is related to the two forces of good and evil, and the issue of moral choice is one of the most important issues in Zoroastrianism; In the images, there is always a confrontation between a hero who is a symbol of goodness and divine power with a dragon which symbolizes evil and abomination.

Keywords: Dragons, Binarity Worldview, Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh, Myth, Iranian Painting, Ancient Iran