The Reflection of Mithraic Beliefs on Lori Legends

Mithraism, as one of the oldest religions in the world, dates back to the pre-Zoroastrian era. Mithra is god of covenant and light; he is opposed to chaos, drought, disobedience and lie, and is known as a warrior. Due to the specific characteristics of this god, Mithraism spread in many parts of Iran. Surviving legends in some parts of Iran have mythological themes and are rooted in some religious beliefs. In the present research, by using descriptive-analytical method, the influence of Mithraic beliefs on Lori legends is examined. We study the legends that have been written in Persian language and have been collected from Lorestan, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, and Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad provinces. The reader will realize that some of the mythological and religious beliefs of Mithraism, while maintaining their functionality, and some others through transformations, have taken root in Lori legends. Some of these beliefs are as follows: how to be born, warfare, fertility, and phenomena related to sun, cock, crow, eagle, soldier, fire, number seven and cow.