Islamic Art Studies

Islamic Art Studies

The Symbolic Myth of the Lion in the Mysticism of Rumi, Attar, and Sanai and Its Reflection on Ilkhanid Coins

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
ٍElham Velayati 1
Mohammad Hadi Khaleghzadeh 2
Jalil Nazari 2
1 PhD student of Persian language and literature, Yasouj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Yasouj, Iran
2 Associate Professor of Persian Language and Literature, Yasouj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Yasouj, Iran
10.22034/ias.2021.266012.1588
Abstract
Myths like the lion have held a special place in Persian literature and Islamic art. The image of the lion in Iran, beyond its close connection to art and literature, is abundantly found in the reliefs of Persepolis, military and heroic banners, paintings and miniatures, textiles, and Persian literature. Persian poets, inspired by the mythological roots of the lion, have created thought-provoking poetry. The mythological role of the "lion" in Persian poetry has led some of its manifestations to acquire mythological origins. In Iran, the lion symbolizes Mithra, the sun, heat, summer, victory, the demon, courage, sovereignty, power, light, fire, the spiritual elder in mystical literature, and even Imam Ali (AS). Overall, scholars and poets have regarded this animal with respect and attributed special sanctity to it. The present research is conducted through a descriptive and analytical method, relying on data from library sources. This article examines the use of the lion in the works of three esteemed Iranian poets—Rumi, Sanai, and Attar—and explores its mythological roots. Additionally, this symbol is analyzed in the coins of the Ilkhanid period.
Research Objectives:

To explain the position of the lion in Iranian mythology and Persian literature.
To examine the symbol of the lion on Ilkhanid coins.

Research Questions:

Does the manifestation of the lion in Persian poetry have mythological roots?
What was the significance of the lion symbol on Ilkhanid coins?
Keywords
Myth
Symbol
Mysticism
Lion
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