Document Type : Qualitative Research
Authors
1
Ph.D. student in Persian language and literature, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Dr. Shariati, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad
2
Associate Professor of Persian Language and Literature, Faculty of Literature and Humanities Dr. Shariati, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad.
3
Associate Professor of Persian Language and Literature, Faculty of Literature and Humanities Dr. Shariati, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad
Abstract
Family is the main institution of society and its form can be seen in all times and places. Narrative texts of classical Iranian literature can be an important source in the historical recognition of family system in Iran. In heroic epopees, the system of family is one of the hypertextual themes and backgrounds. Discovering and explaining the structure of the family in these texts, like understanding the elements that make up the cultural foundations of a nation, can be the key for its archeological understanding for sociologists and historical researchers. Therefore, the aim of this research is to analyze the structure and functions of the Iranian family system and the forms and criteria for marriage in heroic epopees after Shahnameh (Banoogashsbnameh, Borzoonameh, Bahmannameh, Faramarznameh, Kooshnameh, and Garshasbnameh) by describing, analyzing content and comparing on one hand, and clarify the origin of (Islamic-Iranian) ideas of these epopees about family system on the other hand.
In these epopees, family formation plays the role of reproduction, protection and maintenance, socialization, controlling sexual behavior, compassion and kindness and preparing the social base. Political, secret marriage, marriage with captive women, marriage through the purchase of a spouse and marriage according to the epic tradition are the most important forms of marriage in these epopees. These systems are two-dimensional; hence, both Islamic ideas and attitudes of ancient Iran towards family system, have found their way into these epopees.
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