The Reflection of Myths in the Formation of Iranian Cultural and Social Identity: From the Shahnameh to the Contemporary Era

Abstract

The present study aims to provide a comprehensive examination of the impact of myths on the cultural and social identity of Iranians, seeking to analyze the position of these foundational narratives from historical, theoretical, and functional perspectives. Myth, as one of the oldest meaning-making instruments of human society, not only constructs the fundamental frameworks of individual and national identity but also, in the tension between tradition and modernity, offers a platform for cultural resistance and the reconstruction of meaning. Drawing on classical literary texts (such as the Shahnameh) and contemporary studies in the social sciences, this article demonstrates how Iranian myths, particularly heroic myths, have played a central role in shaping the beliefs, values, and social patterns of Iranians. In addition to analyzing the functions of myth in literature and folklore, the study addresses the challenges of interpreting myth within the context of modern transformations, its contemporary reinterpretation, and its identity-related and gender-related functions. Emphasizing the dynamic capacity of myths in responding to contemporary issues, the article concludes that myth continues to constitute a discursive resource for redefining identity and fostering social cohesion in contemporary Iran.