The Story of "Gāvpāy Demon and the Religious Wise" in Marzbannameh

Abstract Marzbannameh</em> is one of the masterpieces of Persian literature both in terms of form and content and one of the precious jewels of the crown of Persian literature. This book contains the wise anecdotes, allegories, and myths, which have been prepared in the manner of Kelileh and Demneh</em> from the language of human beings, beasts, birds, demons, and fairies. Marzbannameh</em> is one of the valuable works of Persian literature that was written in the fourth century by Espahbod Marzban Ibn Rostam Ibn Shervin in Tabaristani language. He converted it into the technical language in 622-617 (Safa, 1990). In addition, this book is a successful example that has a high and significant literary value in Persian literature. It also has great content and stories with precious missions. Being familiar with Iranian culture, stories and myths, Marzban Ibn Rostam has used them artistically in thematic, characterization and symbolism, he has used them for the good effect of his words. With a general look at the text of this work, we will realize that the depth of many of his stories and the theme of this book originate from the worldview of ancient Iran, especially the culture of Mazdisna. In this regard, Mohammad Moein links many post-Islamic Iranian poems and the books of prose, including Marzbannameh</em>, with pre-Islamic narratives and legends, and he believes that many of the contents of Marzbannameh</em> can be traced to culture and literature. Found before Islam (Moein, 1945), some consider it a relic of Sassanid Iran (Ripka, 2002; Rezaei,2010). From this point of view of the mythological approach, the most controversial and famous story of this book is the story of "Gāvpāy Demon and the Religious Wise" (دیو گاوپای و دانای دینی) about which different opinions have been expressed.