An Investigation into the Structure of Bijan and Manijeh Story

The old-age and widespread story of Bijan and Manijeh and its episodic place in Shāhnāmeh has led to dispute among researchers. Some attempt to present a historical justification for it and consider the story to be originated in the Parthian Era. The main issue is what kind of thought the story of Bijan and Manijeh contains which makes it so widespread and inclusive. At the same time, the question is how it could be placed in a great book like Shāhnāmeh. Analysis of the structure of the story based on Vladimir Propp's method shows the main structure is based on the plot of familiarization of the hero. Repetition of functions and main characters of this story in other Iranian stories confirm the basic and non-historic structure of Bijan and Manijeh. Investigation into the deep structure of the story too shows that it is formed under the influence of fertility rituals whose various forms are present in other stories. The reasons for the geographical inclusion of this story are the joint plot, structure and deep structure of the story.