Poetic Manifestation of Mythological and Shahnameh Allusions in the Divan of Sana'i

Abstract

From ancient times to the present, mythological themes and allusions to the Shahnameh have attracted the attention of literary scholars and poets of this land. Poets and writers have made extensive use of these myths and references and have incorporated them into their literary works. This tendency can be observed both in periods when myths occupied a highly esteemed position and in periods when they were regarded as insignificant and of lesser value. The present study seeks to examine the poetic manifestation of myths in the Divan of Hakim Sana'i. Although Sana'i, in many verses, portrays his patron as superior to mythological figures and reduces those figures to the status of mere servants, in other verses mythological characters are granted an exceptionally elevated position. Sana'i employs each mythological figure with a particular intention; for instance, through references to the mythological figure of Rostam, he frequently expresses his dissatisfaction with society, while through the figure of Zal he seeks to offer moral advice and guidance to the reader.