A Comparative Study on the Role of Women in Family Conflicts in Persian, Greek, and Roman Myths Based on Ferdowsi's Shahnameh and Greek and Roman Mythological Texts

The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of women in myths in terms of relationships with family members. In this study, the authors examine the influence of women in family conflicts in myths and epics based on the American school using a comparative-descriptive-analytical method. The results indicate that in Iranian mythology, especially in the conflict between Goshtasb and Isfandiar, women have a passive role, are not very noticeable, and are even overshadowed by men. This can be related to the rule of patriarchy in the Iranian culture, but in Greek and Roman myths, women have a significant role and in some ways either have a provocative role or are a deterrent and even become victims in the meantime. Jealousy, running away with the beloved, rebellion, and betrayal are the similarities of the narratives and the reduction of the mythological context, putting conditions for girl's suitors, hostage-taking, witchcraft, madness, lust and greed, self-sacrificing for the homeland, love for one's spouse, wisdom and right-seeking, and calling for calm are some of the differences between the narrations.IntroductionOne of the events in the myths of different nations is the differences and confrontations within their families with each other which in some cases lead to the elimination of the other. The confrontation of Salm, Tur and Iraj, Rostam and Sohrab, Siavash and Kavous, Rostam and Sheghad, and even Isfandiar and Goshtasb in the Iranian culture and  counterparts such as Cronus and Zeus, Amolusu versus Remus and Remulus, Paris and Priam, Polynices and Eteocles, are some examples. Hence, the present study intends to examine the role of women in these conflicts by applying the family conflicts in Greek, Roman, and Iranian myths and to show the role women play in such conflicts. The Iranian examples of Ferdowsi's Shahnameh are based on the correction of Jalal Khaleghi Motlagh, and examples related to Greece and Rome are found in the books of Medea and Hecuba, Iphigenia in Ulysses, Greek Myths, and the Culture of Greek and Roman Mythology.Materials and MethodsThis qualitative research studies the similarities or differences of the role of women in family conflicts between the two Iranian and Greek-Roman societies through a comparative-descriptive-analytical method.Discussion of Results and ConclusionsIn the story of Medea, some reason could be postulated regarding the killing of children, the most obvious being Medea's revenge on Jason. Medea as a woman has a prominent and influential role in this mythical story. Medea’s excessive love for Jason had led her to do things that few were willing to do. Fleeing her homeland and betraying her homeland, killing her brother, killing Pelias, and being rejected by the people of her homeland were some examples of what media did to join Jason.There seems to be no specific reason for the family quarrel between Hera and Hercules and the massacre of his family. Hercules commits this act while he is not in a normal state of mind. He commits this insane act because of his stepmother's conspiracy. In the Iphigenia, in addition to women falling victim to the monopoly and power-seeking of men, there is a talk of sacrificing virgins to the gods, and a kind of religious sacrificing takes place, and even choosing a virgin to sacrifice in the Iphigenia story may refer to their belief about the purity and goodness of the sacrifice to the gods.In the story of Procne and Thereus, the child becomes the victim of a conflict between the parents. The mother decides to take revenge on the father by killing the child because of his betrayal. In fact, he sacrificed Procne for his power-seeking, and in order to consolidate his power, he married her to Thereus.In Soodabeh's story and her role in the conflict between Kikavous and Siavash, Soodabeh's ambition has not been ineffective in creating this conflict. It seems that this intention is seen in his request to get closer to Siavash. Because Soodabeh knows very well that Siavash will become the undisputed king of Iran in the future, he seeks to maintain his position as queen; however, she not only does she decide her own death but also causes Siavash to die.In the story of Farangis, when Siavash is imprisoned, she advises her father not to kill an innocent person. Her other role is shown in the image of a kind mother and a faithful wife who wholeheartedly protects the child she has in her womb. In this mythical story, Farangis has a valuable role and unlike Greek myths, love for her husband and children is her main priority.In the story of Katayoun, we are faced with a father who has forgotten his paternal affection and has kept his power more greedily to replace this emotional void. Katayoun's concern is with the dominance of patriarchal culture in Eastern societies. In the ancient society of Iran, the tyranny of the fathers was greater.The results also show that, in the Iranian mythology, we do not see any evil woman except Soodabeh. In the family disputes, the women of the Iranian myths are shown to be valuable, wise, and prudent. They seek to prevent this confrontation. When we look at the role of Farangis and Katayoun in the tragedy of Siavash, Afrasiab, Goshtasb, and Isfandiar, we see them as women trying to prevent their husbands and children from confrontations. In this regard, it can be said that the issue of Eastern tyranny of the fathers is somewhat highlighted. It seems that patriarchy is much stronger in the Persian mythology than than Greek and Roman mythology.In Iranian myths, women play the role of perseverance and compromise; in the meantime, according to their knowledge of the ancient dominant force, they try to prevent family tensions as much as possible. In addition,  they mostly call on the young and emerging force, the child, to calm down. It is as if the dominant and patriarchal system does not listen to advice; this could show the difference between the views of East and West. Whereas in the Greek and Roman mythology, women are first "self-centered" and husbands and children are the next priorities, these women seem to have forgotten or killed motherly affection and compassion within themselves. These narrations are similar in categories such as jealousy, rebellion, flight, escape, and betrayal. In categories such as mythological themes, putting conditions for suitors, hostage-taking, the ability to cast spells, insanity, lust and greed, sacrificing for the homeland, love for one's spouse, wisdom and right-seeking, and an invitation to silence and tranquility are different.