New researches in Islamic humanities studies

New researches in Islamic humanities studies

Analysis and application of sacrificial literature in the Iliad and the Odyssey and the mythological section of the Shahnameh

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
saadallah rahimi
mohammad dianati
mohammad hodjjat
Islamic Azad University, Kerman Branch. Kerman. Iran
10.22034/api.2025.2073161.1493
Abstract
Research Objective: This research deals with a comparative analysis of the motif of sacrifice in two epic works, Shahnameh by Ferdowsi and Iliad and Odyssey by Homer. The main objective is to identify the similarities and differences in the presentation of this concept in order to achieve a better understanding of the intellectual, religious and mythological structures of the two ancient civilizations of Iran and Greece.
Research Method: The research method in this article is analytical-comparative and based on library studies. The data were collected by directly examining the texts of Shahnameh, Iliad and Odyssey as well as related mythological sources and then analyzed in a comparative framework.
Findings: The findings show that although sacrifice is a fundamental ritual in both traditions, they have fundamental differences in their function and symbolic meaning. In the Iliad and Odyssey, sacrifice is mainly an “exchange” relationship and a ritual practice with multiple and personalized gods to achieve worldly goals (such as victory in war). In contrast, in the mythological part of the Shahnameh, sacrifice in a monotheistic context is more a symbol of servitude, gratitude, and a means to fulfill the divine will, establish "justice," and cosmic order. Sacrifice in the Shahnameh has more pronounced ethical and cosmic dimensions, while in Homer's works, its civil and social aspects are emphasized.
Conclusion: Finally, this study concludes that the difference in the representation of the concept of sacrifice reflects the difference in worldview, religious structures (polytheism versus monotheism), and core values ​​of the two civilizations. In ancient Greece, sacrifice is a tool for interacting with the gods and maintaining the cohesion of civil society (polis), while in ancient Iran, it is a symbol of the ideal king's connection with the transcendent to establish justice and order in the kingdom.

Graphical Abstract

Analysis and application of sacrificial literature in the Iliad and the Odyssey and the mythological section of the Shahnameh
Keywords
Ferdowsi
Shahnameh
Homer
Iliad and Odyssey
Sacrifice
Subjects
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New researches in Islamic humanities studies
Volume 4, Issue 7
April 2025
Pages 1-13