Comparative Study of the Kinship Between the Narratives of "Eskandar" and "Kush Pil-Dandan"
Subject Areas : Research in Iranian classical literature
Mojdeh Haj Ahmadipour Rafsanjani
1
,
Farzad Ghaemi
2
*
,
majid houshangi
3
1 - PhD Student, Department of Persian Language and Literature, Faculty of Literature, Ferdowsi University, Mashhad, Iran.
2 - Assistant Professor, Department of Persian Language and Literature, Faculty of Literature, Ferdowsi University, Mashhad, Iran.
3 - Assistant Professor, Department of Persian Language and Literature, Faculty of Literature, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran.
Keywords: Comparative literature, Adaptation, Kush, Eskandar, and Kush-Nama.,
Abstract :
Comparative literature is a contemporary science or research field that focuses on the comparison, examination, and analysis of literary works and, in its broader sense, the artistic works of different nations and cultures. It explores the similarities and differences among these works, as well as the literary and cultural influences and exchanges between nations. This discipline aims to see and recognize the "self" in the mirror of the "other." This issue has prompted literary critics to study literary works in relation to each other in order to achieve an evolutionary and comparative understanding of the signs within the texts. On the other hand, the "Koush-nama" narrates the tale of "Koush Pil-dandan," a dark and demonic hero in Iranian epics. A comparative analysis of this tale reveals the frequency of similarities between the narrative of Koush and that of Alexander the Great in non-Iranian mythological-historical accounts. This encourages critics to explore the layers and indicators of kinship between these two narratives and their main foundational themes. Therefore, this research has sought to discover the system of signification between the two texts using a descriptive-analytical method and comparative study.
The findings of this research indicate that these two stories, due to their alignment and overlap in areas such as characterization, action, emotional states, and intertwining narratives, are undoubtedly part of a system of mutual influence. This influence from the narrative of Alexander to Koush is particularly significant, suggesting that in various aspects, the character of Koush can be seen as a transformed reflection of the non-Iranian figure of Alexander. Furthermore, this narrative can be interpreted as a selective metamorphosis derived from a collection of data found in popular literature and the written accounts of Alexander
Keywords: Comparative literature, Adaptation, Kush, Eskandar, and Kush-Nama.
In the contemporary era, comparative analysis or critique of literary works serves as one of the most important and influential methods of literary criticism. This approach seeks to examine the common and differing relationships among the literary works of different nations. Scholars within the field of literature regard comparative analysis as a crucial tool for comparing and analyzing works to achieve a deeper understanding of world literature. Comparative literature is not limited to examining the stylistic and thematic aspects of literary works; it also addresses the cultural, social, historical, and political influences that shape these works. This interdisciplinary approach demonstrates the interconnectedness of various cultures and suggests that no nation’s identity is entirely pure. Instead, every culture is a hybrid of various cultural influences. By analyzing works from different nations, scholars can discern the extent of this blending and gain insight into the shared aspects of human experience as depicted in literature.
In general, to understand the literature of a nation more effectively, it is essential to study its works within the framework of comparative literature. Comparative literary studies transcend national, linguistic, and ethnic boundaries, fostering a cultural dialogue between nations. By doing so, this method not only improves our understanding of literature but also contributes to the fields of sociology, politics, and philosophy. Through this broader, more global approach, comparative literature allows for the examination of how literature reflects and influences the society and culture from which it originates.
Comparative literature has two primary schools of thought, commonly known as the French and American approaches. These schools, which emerged from different intellectual traditions, provide distinct methods for analyzing literary works across cultures. The French method, which is the focus of this study, emphasizes historical relationships and the mutual influence of literary works on each other. The French school, which became prominent in the nineteenth century, takes a historical approach, looking at the shared literary influences between nations and examining how these influences shape the literary works of different cultures. The goal of the French comparative method is to identify connections, parallels, and mutual influences between literary traditions. This method prioritizes historical relationships, emphasizing the reciprocal exchange of cultural and literary influences between nations.
Unlike other methods, the French comparative approach is less concerned with the aesthetics of literary works and more focused on identifying the historical, social, and cultural interactions that shape the evolution of literature. Researchers within this tradition primarily look for historical evidence and sources that highlight literary connections between different cultures and show how these exchanges influence the development of national literature. As such, comparative literature under the French school is seen as a means to explore the connections between the literary traditions of different nations, understanding that no single literary tradition exists in isolation from others.
Research Methodology
This study is conducted using an analytical-descriptive approach, grounded in the French comparative school of literary criticism. The study examines a variety of historical, religious, and literary sources, including both primary and secondary texts, to explore the similarities and reciprocal influences between the narratives of Kūsh-Pīl-Dandan from Persian epic literature and Eskandar the Great, particularly as depicted in Persian literature. These sources include epic poems, religious texts, historical accounts, and other forms of literature that provide insight into the cultural and historical significance of these figures.
By comparing the stories and myths surrounding Kūsh-Pīl-Dandan and Eskandar the Great, this study aims to identify cultural and historical connections between the two figures. It is important to note that while Kūsh-Pīl-Dandan is primarily known through the "Kūsh-Nāmeh," a Persian epic poem written by Irānshāh bin Abi al-Khayr in the sixth century AH, Eskandar the Great’s legend entered Persian literature from a variety of Greek and Roman sources. Through careful comparative analysis, this study seeks to understand how the legends of these two figures may have influenced one another, especially considering the dominance of Eskandar’s legend in Persian literature during the time the Kūsh-Nāmeh was composed.
Introduction
The present study explores the interrelations between the legendary figures of Kūsh-Pīl-Dandan and Eskandar the Great, focusing on how their respective stories overlap and may have influenced one another. Kūsh-Pīl-Dandan is a character from Persian epic literature, known primarily as an anti-hero and the nephew (or grandson, depending on the source) of Zahhak, a tyrant king from Persian mythology. His story is primarily recounted in the "Kūsh-Nāmeh," a long narrative poem by the Persian poet Irānshāh bin Abi al-Khayr. This epic tells the life story of Kūsh-Pīl-Dandan from birth to death, portraying him as a dark and loathsome figure who embodies evil yet undergoes a transformation throughout the narrative.
In contrast, Eskandar the Great is one of history’s most famous conquerors, whose story has been widely told in Persian literature, influenced by Greek and Roman sources. Eskandar’s character is often portrayed with heroic and divine qualities, but his actions and motivations are also depicted with complexity, as his story contains elements of both greatness and cruelty. The comparative analysis of these two figures is particularly interesting because both characters share notable similarities in their life narratives, from their birth stories to their behaviors and deeds.
The primary aim of this study is to explore the extent to which the narratives of Kūsh-Pīl-Dandan and Eskandar the Great overlap. The study examines several aspects of their lives, such as their origins, early childhood experiences, physical attributes, heroic acts, and moral dilemmas. One of the central questions of this research is to determine whether the narrative of Kūsh-Pīl-Dandan was influenced by the widespread legend of Eskandar during the same period, particularly given the popularity of Eskandar’s story in Persian literary circles.
Discussion
The comparative study reveals numerous shared characteristics
between Kūsh-Pīl-Dandan and Eskandar the Great, suggesting that the two legends may have mutually influenced one another. Both figures are born under unusual and mysterious circumstances, with their mothers being accused of extramarital relationships, and both characters are raised by foster families rather than by their biological parents. This parallel in their early lives sets the stage for the similar themes that run throughout their stories.
Another key similarity is the divine or semi-divine attributes ascribed to both characters. Both Kūsh-Pīl-Dandan and Eskandar are portrayed as possessing extraordinary qualities that elevate them above ordinary human beings. In Persian literature, Kūsh-Pīl-Dandan is associated with the concept of "Farrah," a divine force or glory that is bestowed upon exceptional individuals. Similarly, Eskandar is often depicted as a figure chosen by the gods, possessing extraordinary strength, wisdom, and leadership abilities.
The physical descriptions of both figures are strikingly similar, with both characters being depicted with notable physical traits that distinguish them from others. For example, both Kūsh-Pīl-Dandan and Eskandar are described as having large ears and distinctive moles on their bodies. These shared physical characteristics, along with their mythological and heroic qualities, suggest that the legends of the two figures may have influenced each other over time.
In addition to their physical and divine similarities, both characters are associated with significant conquests. Both Kūsh-Pīl-Dandan and Eskandar are involved in battles with "Black peoples" in their respective narratives, and both figures claim divinity, leading to the construction of statues in their honor. This element of self-deification is an important aspect of their stories, reflecting their belief in their superiority and the desire to be worshipped as gods.
Furthermore, both figures exhibit a dual nature, oscillating between heroic and villainous traits. Kūsh-Pīl-Dandan is portrayed as an anti-hero, committing numerous acts of violence and cruelty throughout his life, but also displaying moments of remorse and transformation. Similarly, Eskandar is depicted as both a great conqueror and a destructive force, and his legacy is marked by both admiration and resentment.
Conclusion
Considering the prominence of Eskandar's legend in Persian literature,
particularly during the period when the Kūsh-Nāmeh was composed, it seems likely that the narrative of Kūsh-Pīl-Dandan was influenced by the widespread popularity of Eskandar’s mythos. The fact that Eskandar’s story was well known in Persian literary circles during the time Kūsh-Nāmeh was written suggests that the legend of Eskandar may have provided the template for the creation of Kūsh-Pīl-Dandan’s character and story.
In conclusion, this study confirms that the Kūsh-Pīl-Dandan narrative is deeply intertwined with the legend of Eskandar the Great, reflecting the reciprocal influence of these two figures in Persian literature. The Kūsh-Nāmeh can be viewed as a Persian adaptation of the Eskandar myth, incorporating various elements of Eskandar’s legendary life into the story of Kūsh-Pīl-Dandan. The mutual influence of these two characters demonstrates the interconnectedness of world literature and highlights the importance of comparative literature as a means of exploring the shared cultural and historical roots of literary traditions across nations.
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