The analytic study of battle with dragon from myth and epic to religious poetryemphasizing upon the dragon being killed at the cradle by Imam Ali

Battle with dragon is one of the most exciting adventures in the mythological and heroic history that had always been the center of attention. Little by little, it found its way into religious poetry being regarded as an important achievement for religious heroes, as many poets from the 7th century till present refer to the event of slaying the dragon by Imam Ali in the cradle. The oldest narrative source of this story is Manaqib Ibn Shahr Ashub in the 6th century Hijra. However, in other authentic Shi’a and Sunni texts and sources such as Shavahed al Tanzil by Haskani, Manaqib by Kharazmi, and Manaqib Ali Ibn Abi Talib by Aljallabi al Shafeei there are no references to this story.  This research is concerned with the study and analysis of the theme of dragon killing in both myth and epic, paying particular attention to the slaying dragon by Imam Ali in cradle, also dealing with the reasons behind the frequent growth of this theme in religious poetry.  The fame of this theme in the field of divine religions could be a symbolic discussion, dragon being the symbol of either external enemies including Ahriman, Anti religion enemies or internal enemies such as Nafs or lower soul.  All saints could at some point overcome this latter enemy and in case of Imam Ali dragon can be regarded as both internal and external enemy.  Due to having an epic prestigious form, this tale not only during human history but also within the domain of religious poetry have been tremendously received.