Analysis of Superheroes in Shahnameh (Based on Semantic Contradictions in the Structures of the Gilbert-era Imagination System)

Abstract

In Shahnameh, there are superheroes who are separated from the human context of the narratives and are placed on higher levels, but their common features and selfishness connect them to each other and to the body of the narrative. In this research, the structures of Gilbert Doran's imagination system have been used to identify Shahnameh superheroes. The structure of the imagination of the age is the "fundamental" binaries, opposite poles, and "contradictory semantic" pairs, and meaning arises from the reciprocal relationship of these pairs. Distinctions create semantic meanings, and poles are defined by their opposites. In Shahnameh, understanding the concept of "self" and "other" causes a struggle to take possession of the "object of value" in which the concept of enemy and superhero is formed. According to this system, Divan in one body, Dahhak, and Afrasiab (who represented the Turan army against Iran from being a crown prince in the time of Nozer until he was killed) are considered enemies of Iranians and in this framework, Fereydon, Rostam, and Key Khosrow, who have the main role and duty in confronting and defeating the opposite pole and Ahura's victory over Ahriman, are considered superheroes. All of Iran's enemies, by virtue of their characteristics, are essentially symbolic of drought and barrenness, and superheroes are solar figures who must bring rain and fertility back to Iran after victory.

Keywords

• epic
• shahnameh
• pahlavan (hero)
• anti-hero
• gilbert durand