A Query into the Transformation of the Myth of Ānāhītā During the Islamic Period

تاریخ و فرهنگ

Article 3, Volume 55, Issue 1 - Serial Number 110, September 2023, Pages 71-88   

Document Type: Research Article

DOI: 10.22067/jhistory.2023.79754.1182

Author

Hamed Safi^*

Myths are symbolic representations of the human beliefs and perspectives toward the universe, and may undergo transformation throughout time. In other words, the changes and transformations in human society may affect and transform the myths, as well. Changes in religion, the industrialization of the society, and the human achievement of modern knowledge are some of the most significant reasons behind the transformation of a myth. One of the Iranian myths that have undergone such transformation throughout time is the myth of Aredvi Sura Ānāhītā, also known as Ānāhītā or Nāhīd in short. Ānāhītā is a goddess whose name was first mentioned on the inscriptions of Ardishīr II in Hamedan and Shush. On these inscriptions, Ānāhītā’s name directly proceeds Ahūrā Mazdā, and comes before Mitrā (Mihr). The main question in this research is to analyze the transformation of the myth of Ānāhītā and also its reproduction in the Islamic period. Previous research has briefly alluded to these similarities. For example, En Islam Iranien by Henry Carbon is concerned with such issues. The present study attempts to investigate the transformations of the myth of Ānāhītā, using the qualitative method and the descriptive-analytical approach. The results indicate that duo to the existence of similarities between some of Ānāhītā’s characteristics and Shīʿā beliefs, the scene has been set for the reproduction of this Iranian myth.

Abstract

Myths are symbolic representations of the human beliefs and perspectives toward the universe, and may undergo transformation throughout time. In other words, the changes and transformations in human society may affect and transform the myths, as well. Changes in religion, the industrialization of the society, and the human achievement of modern knowledge are some of the most significant reasons behind the transformation of a myth. One of the Iranian myths that have undergone such transformation throughout time is the myth of Aredvi Sura Ānāhītā, also known as Ānāhītā or Nāhīd in short. Ānāhītā is a goddess whose name was first mentioned on the inscriptions of Ardishīr II in Hamedan and Shush. On these inscriptions, Ānāhītā’s name directly proceeds Ahūrā Mazdā, and comes before Mitrā (Mihr). The main question in this research is to analyze the transformation of the myth of Ānāhītā and also its reproduction in the Islamic period. Previous research has briefly alluded to these similarities. For example, En Islam Iranien by Henry Carbon is concerned with such issues. The present study attempts to investigate the transformations of the myth of Ānāhītā, using the qualitative method and the descriptive-analytical approach. The results indicate that duo to the existence of similarities between some of Ānāhītā’s characteristics and Shīʿā beliefs, the scene has been set for the reproduction of this Iranian myth.

Keywords

Myth; Ānāhītā; Islamic Period; River; Water

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