Comparison of symbolic concepts of lion in epic, lyric, and mystic works

Symbols are part of a culture of a nation and for better understanding of the myths of each nation their concepts should be comprehended. Symbol is a mark, hint, or a word which imparts a message sometimes appropriate to the surface meaning and at times beyond its apparent sense. Animals, plants, people, and objects are true examples in connection with symbols. This research deals with the study of symbolic concepts of lion in epic, lyric, and mystic masterpieces namely Shahnameh, Kamsa of Nezami and Masnavi respectively using the library method and analytic comparative approach. First, the all encompassing view of lion from Avesta and Pahlavi texts are provided next, the symbolic concepts of this majestic creature in the above genres are stated and towards the end of each section the degree of correspondence of symbolic concepts in each work, the frequency of the name of the beast and the percentage of the symbolic concept of lion employed is determined for every work. The result obtained from this study shows that lion is the most employed beast as far as repetition of its name is concerned (1487 times) and second to horse is the most employed beast for the number of symbolic concepts used (19 concepts). Lion’s four symbolic concepts such as bravery, might, predatory, and rage in three works consist 21% correspondence. Six characteristics such as massiveness, agility, being tyrannical, and rancorous, immensity, and faithfulness correspond to 31.5 % in two works and nine features 47.5% is observed in one three works. Also 47.5% of concepts belong to epic domain, 10.5% in lyric domain, and 42.5% concepts fall into mystic domain.