Associate Professor in Persian Language and Literature, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran.
10.22034/perlit.2026.69767.3875
Abstract
Nezami Ganjavi's epic Khosrow and Shirin, despite its historical and lyrical structure, contains hidden layers of mythological elements. This article employs a descriptive-analytical method to examine the mythological substructure of the story of Khosrow and Shirin, proposing a hypothesis that this narrative derives from the ancient archetype of the marriage between the peri (fairy) and the hero. In this framework, Shirin is analyzed as a manifestation of the peri in mythology, with attributes such as supernatural beauty, enchantment, connection with water, shape-shifting, a desire for fertility through heroes, and possession of treasure and many servants being attributed to her. Similarly, symbols like Shirin’s connection with lions, horses, and remote palaces further emphasize her peri-like qualities. This mythological interpretation adds internal coherence to the elements of the story and offers a deeper understanding of the text. The present paper argues that the enduring appeal of the Khosrow and Shirin narrative lies not only in Nezami’s storytelling prowess but also in its unconscious connection to mythological structures embedded in Iranian culture. This research also addresses questions about how archetypal motifs continue to persist in classical Persian literature.
Karimi qare baba, S. (2026). Khosrow and Shirin: A Narrative Based on the Archetypal Motif of the Peri's Marriage with Heroes. Persian Language and Literature, (), -. doi: 10.22034/perlit.2026.69767.3875
MLA
Karimi qare baba, S. . "Khosrow and Shirin: A Narrative Based on the Archetypal Motif of the Peri's Marriage with Heroes", Persian Language and Literature, , , 2026, -. doi: 10.22034/perlit.2026.69767.3875
HARVARD
Karimi qare baba, S. (2026). 'Khosrow and Shirin: A Narrative Based on the Archetypal Motif of the Peri's Marriage with Heroes', Persian Language and Literature, (), pp. -. doi: 10.22034/perlit.2026.69767.3875
CHICAGO
S. Karimi qare baba, "Khosrow and Shirin: A Narrative Based on the Archetypal Motif of the Peri's Marriage with Heroes," Persian Language and Literature, (2026): -, doi: 10.22034/perlit.2026.69767.3875
VANCOUVER
Karimi qare baba, S. Khosrow and Shirin: A Narrative Based on the Archetypal Motif of the Peri's Marriage with Heroes. Persian Language and Literature, 2026; (): -. doi: 10.22034/perlit.2026.69767.3875
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