Anthropologic Interpretation of the Dragon Myth And the Repetitive Motifof Dragon-Slaying in Mythology

جستارهای نوین ادبی

Article 2, Volume 43, Issue 4, October 2010, Pages 1-26   

Document Type: Research Article

DOI: 10.22067/jls.v43i4.10182

Author

Farzad Farzad Ghaemi^*

Abstract

Dragon and the Hero's battle with it is one of the most important and most repeated motifs in epic-mythological narratives about goddess and athlete's initiation, which is found in many of the mythical cultures of the world. The repeat of this motif symbolizes the repeat of a pattern to forge the holy order for the world after the era of turbulence. Victory's hero in this battle ensures the return of light and rain to the nature and enunciates the good tidings and blessings, as well as fundamental frequency and security to the people.
In this paper, we analyze the dragon myth in external and internal dimensions: the external dimension of the dragon myth is based on the natural-historical symptoms and is focused on the central role of a "snake"; a natural showing of death and destruction and an animistic interpretation of phenomena like flood, earthquake and geyser. In anthropologic approach – especially from psychological Jung's analysis– the internal dimension of the dragon's myth represents the dark side of the unconscious that has been displayed outwards.
While the hero overcomes his "shadow," he achieves the transcendental individuality and perfection of human and he will save the nature and their people.

Key words: Dragon, Hero, Unconscious, Myth, Zahhak (AziDahaka), Jung.