The Mythanalyse of Zahhak Myth in Iranian Dramatic Literature (A Case Study of Plays from 1970s)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 PhD of Theater, Department of Performing Arts, College of Fine Arts, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

2 Associate Professor, Department of Performing Arts, College of Fine Arts, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

In contemporary times, many theater artists have revisited ancient myths and legends to explore and express their national identity. This research operates on the premise that revisiting Iranian myths within the historical and social context of each era not only revives interest in certain myths but also redefines their structures and functions. The focus of this study is the recreation of the Zahhak myth in Iranian dramatic literature in the 1970s, analyzed through the lens of Mythanalyse—a methodology that moves beyond mere textual analysis to engage with broader cultural and social discourses.
The Zahhak myth, stemming from ancient Persian mythology, tells the story of a tyrant cursed with two serpents growing from his shoulders, which feed on the brains of young men. Traditionally, Zahhak has symbolized despotism, tyranny, and moral decay. This study investigates how this ancient myth has been adapted in Iranian literature across different historical contexts to reflect evolving social and political realities. After going through critical periods in Iranian history, including the British and Soviet invasion of Iran in 1941 and the 1953 Iranian coup, this analysis focuses on the turbulent decade of the 1970s and the rise of civil movements leading to the victory of the Islamic Revolution in 1979. These key events have significantly influenced the ways in which Zahhak's story has been reshaped in Iranian dramatic literature, aligning the myth with contemporary socio-political concerns and allowing it to serve as a powerful medium for political and social commentary.
The research examines several key dramatic works from the 1970s and highlights how playwrights such as Bahram Beyzaei (Ajidahak, 1968), Gholam-Hossein Saedi (Zahhak, 1976), Mahmoud Etemadzadeh (Kaveh, 1976), and others reinterpreted the myth within the socio-cultural framework of their time. These playwrights employed Zahhak’s character and narrative structure to explore themes of transformation, societal anxieties, and collective consciousness.
This study asserts that these reimaginations of the Zahhak myth demonstrate the dynamic interplay between myth and history, where ancient narratives are continually reshaped to address contemporary social concerns. Through an analysis of these dramatic works, the study identifies common thematic elements such as the struggle for justice, the nature of power, and the role of collective memory in shaping national identity. By employing mythanalysis, the research highlights how mythic structures serve as vehicles for cultural commentary and social critique.
Ultimately, the study concludes that the myth of Zahhak in Iranian dramatic literature of the 1970s was not merely an artistic revival of a classical narrative but a means of engaging with the broader social and cultural shifts of the time. The reinterpretations examined in this research illustrate how myths can be mobilized as critical tools, enabling playwrights to navigate and reflect on evolving cultural structures. The study’s findings emphasize that the adaptability of myths like Zahhak allows them to function as both reflections of societal challenges and evolving narratives that continue to resonate across different historical periods. As such, Zahhak remains a potent symbol within Iran’s theatrical tradition, continuously evolving to mirror the struggles and aspirations of successive generations.
 

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References

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Journal of Fine Arts: Performing Arts & Music
Volume 31, Issue 1
February 2026
Pages 9-22

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