Islamic Art Studies

Islamic Art Studies

Characteristics and Features of Folk Literature in Marzban-nameh, Rozat-ol-Oqoul, Sindbad-nameh, and the Illustrated Manuscript of Kalila wa Demna

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Mansoreh Salimi 1
SHahrooz Jamali 2
Siavash Moradi 2
1 PhD student Department of Persian Language and Literature, Hamedan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Hamedan, Iran
2 Assistant Professor Department of Persian Language and Literature, Hamedan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Hamedan, Iran
10.22034/ias.2024.442194.2343
Abstract
Folk literature serves as a mirror of real human life. To understand the beliefs and spiritual values of a nation, one must turn to its folk literature, which manifests in various forms. Folk literature has been the source of many masterpieces of formal literature, and since ancient times, many folktales, beliefs, proverbs, and idioms have been reflected in the works of great poets and writers.
This qualitative documentary research examines folk beliefs in Marzban-nameh, Rozat-ol-Oqoul, Sindbad-nameh, and the illustrated manuscript of Kalila wa Demna (Anjudan version). The study of folk beliefs in these works reveals the influence of popular beliefs in literature and the shared cultural elements of the people during the period these works were composed. The results indicate that recurring folk beliefs—such as the evil eye, talismans and spells, belief in fate and predestination, astrology, the existence of demons and jinn, male superiority over women, etc.—are prominently present in these works. This not only demonstrates their shared roots but also reflects the society and culture of the land and its people.
Research Objectives:

To examine the characteristics of folk literature in Marzban-nameh, Rozat-ol-Oqoul, Sindbad-nameh, and the illustrated manuscript of Kalila wa Demna.
To introduce the illustrated manuscript of Kalila wa Demna (Anjudan version).

Research Questions:

What are the most significant characteristics of folk literature in Marzban-nameh, Rozat-ol-Oqoul, Sindbad-nameh, and the illustrated manuscript of Kalila wa Demna?
What are the distinctive features of the illustrated manuscript of Kalila wa Demna (Anjudan version)?
Keywords
Folk literature
Marzban-nameh
Rozat-ol-Oqoul
Sindbad-nameh
illustrated manuscript of Kalila wa Demna

Subjects

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