The Apollonian and Dionysian Psychological Types in Iranian Mythology and Mysticism

Nietzsche mentions two central pillars for the genuine influential civilization of ancient Greece, i.e. , the Apollonian and the Dionysian principles. The first principle, using the logic of wisdom, has structured and formed all affairs and orders of the Greek's world, and thus contributed to the formation of the unique individuality of the Greek man. The second, relying upon passion, madness and ecstasy, has tried to reach beyond the systematized frames and limited individualities of the first principle and therefore has led to a more extensive and comprehensive individuality by means of passion and excitement. The growth and transcendence of the Greek man has taken a big step forward through the constant conflict and dialectic between these two contradictory elements. Meanwhile music and sculpture have functioned as the containers of these two elements, representing the Greek wisdom and madness. However, based on mythical, historical and cultural evidence, it must be said that the two mentioned contradictory principles did not originate in ancient Greece but ancient Iran. The present article is an attempt to shed light on the Iranian origin of the two principles by analyzing their main features. Next, their background in the ancient Iranian civilization is presented. Finally, their continuation into various Iranian cultural trends, especially the mighty trends of mysticism and Sufism, undergoes discussion.