Iranian and Greek Mythological Characters and the Myths of Sin; A Comparative Study

In addition to epic, tale and folk, myth is one of the constituent elements of the culture and ethnic and national identity of societies. Some mythologists believe that the religions of the early civilizations and the period before the spread of monotheistic religions were based on myths. The Original Sin is a concept seen in the actions and deeds of the mythological characters of different nations. It seems that the doctrine of Original Sin is a theme that has had a great impact on the fate of nations. An examination of the various myths reveals that mythological characters commit the Original Sin, sometimes intentionally and voluntarily, and sometimes unintentionally and involuntarily.  The present study investigates the myth of sin in Iranian and Greek mythology by using analytical-comparative method. The attempts are made to study the motives for committing the Original Sin in Iranian and Greek mythology, and to consider the differences and commonalities between the mythological and epic characters of Iran and Greece. The results show that despite the fundamental differences between Iranian and Greek mythological characters, factors such as doubt, pride, intervention of Demon and evil forces, as well as gaining power and kingdom are the main reasons of committing the Original Sin. Unlike Iranian mythology, in Greek mythology, the gods have obvious implications for the Original Sin.