An Analysis of the Myth of the Abandoned Child in the Folktale “Zarraban” with an Emphasis on Its Similarities and Differences with the story of “Zaal” in Ferdowsi's Shahnameh

AbstractThe myth of the abandoned child is a frequent motif in the ancient myths and legends of nations. One of the most famous written narratives on this subject in Iran is the story of Zaal's birth in Shahnameh. This motif has examples in Iranian folklore literature, too. One of these narratives, which has not been recorded anywhere before, is the story of “Zarraban” in the village of Bahareh in Fars province. The researcher first recorded this tale using the field method and through interviews with elderly people, and then analyzed it with the use of the library method and descriptive-analytical approach, with an emphasis on its similarities and differences with the story of Zaal in Shahnameh. The findings of the research show that this narrative is basically the same as the story of Zaal in Shahnameh; however, there are also fundamental differences that have resulted in the creation of a completely native and different narrative. These differences include a different beginning, the dominance of the mythological atmosphere in most parts of the folktale, the addition of characters such as the shepherd, Goulak, Pari and Davalpa, the influence of the beliefs of the people of the region on the story, and the addition of secondary and entertaining events.