An Anthropological Analysis of Keykhosrow’s Character in Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh

Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh is full of stories which are rooted in myths. The characters of stories can be analyzed from different viewpoints. Keykhosrow is one of the eminent characters of myths. In this paper, relying on desk study, document and content analysis, and the adoption of Marcel Mauss’ anthropological approach and Eliade’s theory about magic doctors we have analyzed Keykhosrow and his magical actions. The findings of this paper show that the Iranian-Turanian Keykhosrow is a potential witch. He also has characteristics and actions which can be found in witches. Keykhosrow, like a king-priest who dominated Classical Elements and adept in witchcraft, conquers Afrasiab with unusual magical tricks and ends the Great War.