Mirror, an Unknown Weapon in the Battlefield

Of the weapons that have remained in Persian literary texts since a long time ago، mirror is a tool neglected by researchers. There is also no thorough information on it in dictionaries and encyclopedias. In this study، attempt has been made to discuss the definitions، functions، and history of using mirror in various sources. It is shown at the end of the article that neglecting this function of the mirror has led interpreters of texts to the wrong direction. After studying the texts، it was found that mirror was a tool in the battlefield between the 10th and 19th centuries، and was fastened on the forehead of the elephant and horse to reflect the light on the eyes of the enemies. In addition، it was a type of drums and war bells that were put on the back of an elephant or hung from its neck. It was sometimes a type of armor on the body of fighters for further protection and reflection of light in the eyes of the enemies.