The Metamorphosis of the Myth of Jam from the Indo-European Period to Islamic Era

The most important reason for the survival of mythological characters is the transformations that each character or mythical narrative has experienced over time. Jamshid is one of the ancient characters in Iranian literary and mythical texts that many mythological narratives and themes are devoted to him. As the present research shows, the primary basis of the story of Jam dates back to the Indo-European period and its process of transformation takes place in Islamic era. In this metamorphosis, all the elements of the evolution of a myth, namely, fracture, transformation and integration are seen. Also, the divinity of the Vedic Gods and mysticism of Islamic period can be detected in the metamorphosis of the myth of Jam. The present article attempts to show all changes that have befallen this Indo-European popular myth in the context of Iranian culture. Jamshid is a figure that descends after the advent of Zarathustra, but he reborns and becomes exalted because of his longtime popularity.