The Metamorphosis of Myths in Nizami Ganjavi's Khosrow and Shirin

Ancient stories and folktales are one of the most appropriate contexts for the manifestation and continuation of the life of gods, goddesses and Amesha Spentan; they continue to live in different forms through metamorphosis. Khosrow and Shirin, composed by Nizami Ganjavi, is a famous tragic romance which its main source is local narratives. The mythical figures and characters of ancient Iran are present in this book. By using descriptive-analytical and comparative method, the present research tries to examine the characters of Khosrow and Shirin including Hormizd, Khosrow Parviz, Mahin Banu, Shabdiz, Golgoon, Shirin and Shapour, and to compare them with Amesha Spentan including Vohu Manah, Asha Vahishta, Kshatra Vairya, Spenta Armaiti, Haurvatat, Ameretat, Anahita and the god of wind. The results show that the characters mentioned have much in common with Amesha Spentan. Also, the book provides a platform for the presence of the ancient Iranian gods, goddesses, and Amesha Spentan, and it should be considered more than just a collected lyric poetry.