Comparison of Myths in the Shahnameh, Iliad-Odyssey, and Mahabharata

Abstract

Myth originates from the evolved thinking, beliefs, and consciousness of human beings and is found as a component of culture across all nations and traditions. Myths convey the worldview of societies and constitute essential elements in the construction of culture. Mythological aspects recount the tales of historical heroes and reflect both culture and history. A comparative analysis of the epic poems of Ferdowsi (Shahnameh), Homer (Iliad and Odyssey), and the Hindu Mahabharata reveals notable similarities in the heroic figures such as Esfandiar and Achilles, as well as in complex characters such as kings and women who have appeared in parallel narratives. This comparison highlights the function of epic literature as a mirror of the respective cultures, emphasizing shared themes of heroism, courage, and social values across diverse civilizations. This study regards myths as historical symbols that embody intangible and latent meanings through symbolic elements. Within myths, two essential natures are often depicted: the force of good and the force of evil. The characters within these myths serve as symbolic representations of deeper meanings. Myth resides in the human soul and manifests profound human truths. Myth is not merely the narration of legends; rather, at times, it conveys complete or partial truths about phenomena or human existence. Sign, symbol, and myth constitute three fundamental and essential codes in the process of message transmission. The findings of this research affirm that myths can be utilized to understand and analyze the socio-economic and cultural conditions of different ethnic groups. This study employs a descriptive-analytical method based on library resources.