Abstract
In Persian language and classical poetry, there is a variety of texts about the “sky” and its impact on humankind. The word is often interpreted as a metaphor for fate or ...
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In Persian language and classical poetry, there is a variety of texts about the “sky” and its impact on humankind. The word is often interpreted as a metaphor for fate or divine power. However, a look at the mythological background of the metaphor reveals that it is not merely a figure of speech; rather it refers to beliefs, both Iranian and non-Iranian, that have found their way, like other religious concepts, into Persian poetry. This article examines the origins of the word “sky” with reference to ancient Iranian texts and other cultures’ myths. Given the expanse of Persian classical literature, the divans of four fifth-century poets are referenced: Onsori, Manuchehri, Naser-Khosro and Mas’ud-e Sa’d. Exploring the different applications of the word “sky” in these divans, in comparison with preceding myths and historical ideas, indicates that all the applications of the word have ideological backgrounds which are, consciously or otherwise, reflected in the poetic languages of the poets.
Keywords: Sky, Mythology, De-metaphorization, Poems.
