Zoroaster, Mani and Mazdak in Persian Poetry

Considering the influence of the ancient history on the Persian literature, the author intends to compare the literary features of three prominent characters− Zoroaster, Mani, and Mazdak− in the Persian poetry. So after tracking them in the Persian poetry texts and surveying the opinions of the poets in regard to these three reputable persons; we understand that Zoroaster is more often mentioned in these texts, however in negative manner and was often reproached by poets. Moreover the poets have noted the artistic aspects and beautifying purports of Mani, without considering his message. Mazdak also has been constantly neglected and intensely reproached by poets. Among the reasons of disregarding of Persian poetry for these three great characters, we could refer to the political and religious reasons. Moreover the poets’ lack of knowledge about ancient people as well as the penetration of Islam in Iran and Muslims’ rejection of these religions is other reasons. It seems that the extreme attention to the artistic aspects of Mani is due to his esoteric and mysterious beliefs.