Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

• Faranak Jahangard ¹
• Tayebeh Golestani ²

¹ Faculty member/ Institute for Humanities and Cultural Studies

² Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman

Abstract

The structure and content of the story of "Bahima and Bakeh" in Mahabhart have many similarities with the story of "Zahak" in Shahnameh. In both stories, the exposed protagonist kills humans for food. People make a pact with him, provided he does not harm anyone, to prepare his daily food and send it to him. Eventually one of the people designated as the anti-hero's food (or one of his relatives) attacks the hero and destroys him. In this article, the main lines of the two stories will be studied by comparative method and their similarities and differences will be analyzed. The boldness of the similarities indicates a common origin or adaptation of one another; Which can be reminiscent of the coexistence of Indo-Iranians in ancient times. It is natural to see inevitable differences between the two stories. For example, the original and precise links that appear in Iranian myth, including the type of symbols and their connection with each other, are not seen in the Indian text. In addition, the place of each of the stories in the epic narrative, as the main story or sub-story - which itself can indicate its importance - shows that this type of rebellion against the enemy is more important to Iranians. Has been a comment. In fact, although there are many similarities in the original narration, its more accurate processing in the Shahnameh shows the originality of this narration among Iranians.

Keywords

• Shahnameh
• Mahabhart
• Bhima and Bakeh
• Zahak
• Fereydoon
• Comparative Mythology