A Comparative Study of Selected Mythological Characters in the Shahnameh and Ancient Chinese Narratives 《列王纪》部分神话人物与中国古代故事的比较研究

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Associate Professor of Persian Language and Literature, Qom International University

2 PhD Candidate in Persian Language and Literature, Al-Mustafa International University

Abstract

Despite their distinctive features and characteristics, the literary masterpieces of Iran and the world share a number of common elements. Iran and China, two ancient and influential civilizations, have maintained cultural and linguistic interactions since early times, and in Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh—regarded as one of the great world epics—China is mentioned on numerous occasions. Both cultures possess ancient and mythological figures, heroes, kings, warriors, and enduring epic traditions. Accordingly, these epics and myths merit comparative examination and analysis. In this study, a number of prominent Iranian characters in Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh and heroic figures from China are examined and analyzed through a descriptive–analytical and comparative approach. The findings indicate that the myths of each nation reflect that nation’s moral values and human beliefs. Persian and Chinese literatures contain numerous mythological characters who, regardless of prevailing ideological perspectives, adhere to lofty ethical values on the basis of their shared humanity, and who function as symbols of greatness and as models for their societies. Just as major figures in the Shahnameh—such as Rostam, Kāveh the Blacksmith, and Siyāvash—embody this role, Chinese myths likewise present figures such as Liu Bei, Zhang Fei, and Guan Yu in the story of the “Three Brothers,” along with their wise minister, who—like Rostam in the Shahnameh—are noble and ethically driven individuals. Through patriotism, courage and valor, forgiveness and self-sacrifice, and unity and solidarity, they strive to preserve the independence and freedom of their people. These figures serve as mythological symbols of their respective nations and constitute national and cultural models within their literatures. Respect for and veneration of these characters have been transmitted across successive generations among Persian- and Chinese-speaking peoples through the retelling of these myths.

     伊朗与世界各地的文学名著，尽管各具特色，但同时也有共性。伊朗和中国这两个重要的古文明国家，自古以来就有着文化和语言的关系。费尔多西的《列王纪》被认为是世界史诗之一，书中多次提到中国。两国都有古老的传奇人物、英雄、国王和战士以及重要而流芳百世的史诗。从这个角度来看，我们应该以比较的角度来分析这些史诗和神话。本文以描述性分析和比较的方式对菲尔多西《列王纪》中伊朗的一些重要人物和该国的英雄进行了研究和分析。通过对此论题的研究得出的结论是：每个民族的神话代表了该民族的道德价值观和民族信仰。波斯和中国文学中有许多神话人物，无论流行的意识形态如何，他们都因其人性而坚持崇高的道德价值观，被认为是伟大的象征和人民的榜样。正如《列王纪》中罗斯坦、卡维·阿汉加尔、西亚瓦什等重要人物践行这些价值; 在中国神话中，三国演义及其贤臣故事中的刘备、张飞、和关羽等人物也是如此，类似《列王纪》中的罗斯坦是高尚而有道德的人，他们以爱国主义、勇敢与无畏、宽容与牺牲、团结与共情努力维护人民的独立和自由。他们是他们民族的神话象征和文化典范。通过尊重和传颂这些典范人物，让这些神话在波斯语和汉语民族中代代相传。

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Scientific Biannual Journal of Language and Culture of Nations
Volume 8, Issue 16
December 2025
Pages 29-57

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