The Weirdo and I; A Mythological Analysis Based on Feminine Symbols and the Process of Adolescent Maturation

The Weirdo and I by Forouzande Khodajoo is a novel in the fantasy genre written for teenagers. The elements and characters of the novel are influenced by mythological motifs. In fact, the fantasy presented in the work is of the mythological fantasy type and has a deep foundation behind its components. The present study intends to analyze and explore the mysteries and mythological concepts in the story in an analytical-comparative manner and mythological criticism approach. The main character of the story (a girl named Baran) is in the stage of maturity; she has been given a task that to do it, she must enter an unknown land. The results show that the rituals and actions that are necessary to pass from childhood to youth are symbolized in the story. Her mission during the maturity is to discover the seeds of life and bring life back to the ancient land. The character of woman, as a tree inhabiting the ancient land, is influenced by the archetype of the sanctity of trees. The character of the river fairy, who is the guardian of water, is inspired by the sacred goddesses of ancient times. Elements such as oysters and tears are symbols of fertility and femininity. Also, the monster of starvation, as an element of evil, has a mythological origin.