Exploring the Creation of the World and Mankind from the Four Elements in the Artworks of Semitic and Indo-Iranian People

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 P. H. D, Assistant Professor, Department of Persian Language and Literature, Yadgar Imam Khomeini Unit, Shahr Ray, Islamic Azad University, Ray, Iran.

2 P. H. D., Assistant Professor, Department of Persian Language and Literature, Shabest branch, Islamic Azad University, East Azarbaijan, Iran.

10.22034/ias.2021.281251.1587

Abstract

A huge part of mythology is a response to the existing ambiguities regarding creation. Humans have always sought to know how they and the world around them is created. Living environments and belief in the first gods was essential in indicating the elements of creation. According to the biological and social conditions, man considered the four material elements, namely water, wind, earth and fire, among the holy ones. In the interim, the belief in the existence of water and earth is stronger. Considering the livelihood of agriculture and animal husbandry in need of water and earth, diverse philosophies of creation have been formed and depicted in many artistic and literary works. Belief in the creation of man and the world from the four elements, is a mythology that can be perceived in Semitic, Indo-Iranian religious traditions and beliefs; therefore, the examination of the four elements in the thought of Semitic and Indo-Iranian people by relying on the remaining works of art, can shed light on essential opinions in this concern. The present research has been carried out in a descriptive and analytical manner and by relying on the data of library sources. The findings of the research indicate that the materials related to the creation of the world and man from the four elements are abundantly found in Semitic, Indian and Iranian myths and beliefs, and its clear manifestation can be comprehended in the artworks of the mentioned periods.

Research aims:
1. Recognizing the existing views concerning the creation of the world and man from the four elements in Semitic and Indo-Iranian mythologies and beliefs.
2. Analyzing how the belief in the four elements is reflected in the art works of the Semitic and Indo-Iranian nations.

Research questions:
1. What religions mention the creation of man from the four elements?
2. How is the belief of the four elements in human creation reflected in the Semitic and Iranian artworks?

Keywords

References

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Islamic Art Studies
Volume 18, Issue 44
February 2021
Pages 242-252

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