واکاوی ریشه های اساطیری و تحلیل افسانه شگفت مردم دریانشین و بازتاب آن در متون ادب فارسی (مقاله علمی وزارت علوم)
درجه علمی: نشریه علمی (وزارت علوم)
آرشیو
چکیده
یکی از باورهای شگفت که در اساطیر، عجایب نامه ها و برخی از متون نظم و نثر ادب فارسی بازتاب یافته و زمینه مناسبی برای خلق مضامین و تصاویر غریب ایجاد کرده است، اعتقاد به انسان دریانشین یعنی موجودی مرکب است که نیمه بالای جسمش انسان و نیمه پایین آن ماهی است. مسئله اصلی این پژوهش که به روش توصیفی تحلیلی و با استناد به منابع کهن انجام شده است، بررسی، نقد و تحلیل افسانه مردم دریانشین در متون ادب فارسی، جستجو در ریشه ها و زمینه های آن در اساطیر و افسانه ها و نیز نشان دادن نمونه های مشابه در اسطوره های دیگر ملت هاست. انسان دریانشین که در مواقعی با پری دریایی همسان است، مطابق تصورات قدیم، در کاخ های افسانه ای و محیطی سرشار از جواهرات گران بها در زیرِ آب زندگی می کند. زندگی انسان دریانشین، نظامی اجتماعی دارد و گاه ازطریق ازدواج صاحب فرزند می شود. اغلب شاد و اهل آواز و طرب است و بااینکه قادر به تکلم نیست، برخی اوقات با انسان مراوده دارد و حتی با او ازدواج می کند. گاهی در نقش نجات بخش و راهنمای کشتی شکستگان ظاهر می شود. انسان دریانشین حاصل تلاش ذهن بشر است برای خلق دنیایی موازی در زیر آب که اجزای آن با جهان محسوس متناظرند و بازگوکننده برخی جوانب گوناگون و ناسازگار جهان و نسبت آن با زندگی و انسان به شمار می آید.Exploring and Analyzing the Mythological Origins of the Stunning Legend of "The Merman" and Its Reflection in the Books of Persian Literature
One of the enchanting beliefs reflected in the mythologies, wonder books, and various poetry and prose texts of Persian literature is the existence of a pelagic compound creature whose upper half is human and lower half is fish. This study conducted through a descriptive-analytical method and referencing ancient sources aimed to review, critique, and analyze the concept of Merman in Persian literary texts. It explored its roots and backgrounds in mythologies and legends, while also indicating similar cases in the mythologies of other nations. The Merman akin to the mermaid is believed to inhabit mythical underwater palaces adorned with precious jewels. This creature leads a life governed by a social system and has children through marriage. Typically portrayed as cheerful and fond of music, the Merman has been known to interact with humans, sometimes marrying them, despite being mute. In various tales, it saves and guides sailors whose ships have strayed at sea. The pelagic human emerges from humanity’s imagination, creating a parallel world beneath the waves that reflects tangible aspects of life, revealing diverse and often contradictory elements related to human existence.
Keywords : Human-Animal, Human-Fish, Mermaid, Wonder Books, Mythologies, Legends.
Introduction
According to mythological beliefs, communities of humans exist under the sea, analogous to those residing on land. The legends surrounding these sea-dwelling human beings often linked to mermaids trace back to mythological eras, particularly among nations with water-related geographies. The belief in merfolk has found extensive coverage in books of wonders and other literature within similar genres. Sailors and merchants have also extensively documented their encounters with these mythical beings. Additionally, zoological texts have served as platforms for exploring this captivating legend. The tale of merfolk has inspired poets, leading them to weave vivid themes and imagery into their works. Modern poets have continued to reference this legend, showcasing its enduring appeal. This research aimed to analyze the myth of sea-dwelling men in ancient Persian literary texts, discussing its various dimensions and addressing ambiguities within Persian literature.
Materials & Methods
The primary sources for this research included mythological texts, wonder books, writings featuring unusual topics, ancient zoological texts, and works from both Persian and contemporary literature. The study began by tracing the roots of this belief within the mythologies of various cultures. It proceeded to examine how this legend was reflected in books of wonders and zoological writings. Furthermore, it explored the depiction of this myth in poetic works and the broader context of Persian literature.
Research Findings
The myth of the "man-fish" is a manifestation of the "man-beast" myth, appearing in various forms across the mythologies of several cultures, including Greece, Africa, Mesopotamia, Iran, India, and China. The concept of the human-fish symbolizes humanity’s astonishment at a world that combines incongruous elements, reflecting its multidimensional complexity. Through such imaginings, humanity has sought to reconcile conflicting aspects of existence and comprehend it as a unified whole. This legend envisions a parallel realm beneath the waves with elements akin to those in terrestrial life.
The Merman often depicted in a feminine manner is characterized by beauty and gentleness. Though mute, he communicates with humans through gestures and signs, sometimes even marrying them. His deep connection to the sea allows him to retreat into its depths whenever he escapes human captivity. A significant role attributed to the Merman is that of a guide for shipwrecked individuals stranded on distant shores. He is portrayed as a joyous and lively being often found dancing and singing atop the waves. However, there are tales where he deceives sea travelers with his enchanting songs. Some sources classify these sea-dwelling beings as a type of animal, attributing various healing properties to their skin and flesh.
The motif of the sea-dwelling man, along with his life among the ocean waves, serves as a potent metaphor in Persian poetry, often symbolizing the weeping lover submerged in tears. This belief has permeated contemporary poetry and prose, where writers and poets draw inspiration from traditional portrayals of the sea-dwelling man, as well as from translated works. The exploration of this figure, along with its multifaceted aspects, forms part of a genre often described as 'strange literature', challenging audiences with extraordinary concepts that transcend conventional boundaries.
Discussion of Results & Conclusion
From the perspective of ancient cultures, the Merman is viewed as an amphibious entity primarily residing in the sea but occasionally venturing onto land. His environment is often depicted as lavishly adorned with precious jewels and he inhabits luxurious mythical palaces. The Merman's beauty is frequently emphasized, embodying traits associated with gentleness and grace.
Despite being mute, the Merman possesses a unique form of communication, often using sign language to interact with humans. On rare occasions, he forms bonds with human beings, leading to marriages that bridge the gap between the terrestrial and the aquatic. These interactions underscore a profound connection between two worlds, highlighting themes of longing and desire that resonate deeply within the human experience.
The sea-dwelling man is frequently portrayed as a figure of joy and exuberance, engaging in communal activities, such as singing and dancing. However, his enchanting songs can also serve as a source of deception for unwary sailors, drawing them into treacherous waters. This duality reflects the complexities of existence and the unpredictable nature of the sea, which can be both nurturing and destructive.
In various narratives, the Merman is described as possessing certain magical qualities with his skin and flesh attributed with healing properties. This belief not only enriches the myth, but also emphasizes humanity's fascination with the mysterious and the unknown. The allure of the sea-dwelling man lies in his embodiment of the human desire for exploration, both of the physical world and of the self.
Overall, the motif of the sea-dwelling man serves as a powerful symbol within Persian literature, representing the intertwining of love, loss, and the eternal quest for understanding. As contemporary poets and writers continue to draw inspiration from this rich tradition, the legacy of the Merman endures, inviting new interpretations and insights into the complexities of human existence.
Exploration of the Merman in Persian literature not only enhances our understanding of cultural narratives, but also invites a broader dialogue about the nature of myth and its relevance in contemporary society. Through this lens, we can appreciate how ancient beliefs continue to shape modern storytelling, bridging the gap between the past and the present. The Merman remains a testament to the enduring power of myth, reflecting humanity's ongoing struggle to navigate the depths of existence and the mysteries that lie beneath the surface.
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