The Types of Allegory in Manichean Literature

One of the most important literary figures in Manicheism literature is simile as it was used by the Manichaeans to talk about their hidden truth so that they could properly propagate and spread their religion. Fable and parable are the impressive literary accomplishments of Manicheism literature in central Asia. As a result, in this study, we attempt to study the Manicheism simile and its different kinds used in this kind of literature. To do so, a library-based descriptive analytical approach was used where a summary of a fable is provided followed by its interpretation and a discussion of its morale. In general, a great part of the Manicheism prose written in Iranian languages consists of stories about people (parables) and stories about animals (fables) which were used by the Manicheans as a way to teach their doctrines and propagate their religion.