Ritual Symbols of Existential Intelligence in Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh

One of the best indicators of intelligent behavior in human is the ability to utilize symbols (Gardner, 1999:24). Symbol is interrelated with the human’s conscious and subconscious mind and creates the language of myth and epic. The language of mythical and epic works is symbolic and mysterious. The major religions of our world have created ritual symbols to be able to set forth arguments in existential themes with their members. This study primarily sought to find out answers for the role of symbols in recreation of existential intelligence in body of Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh. Using an analytical-descriptive method and benefiting from library resources, this study made attempts to identify and extract ritual symbols in the Shahnameh; Finally, it was observed that existential intelligence is well represented in the light of symbols such as barsam and baj, hunting, marriage, burial, and celebration and wine by the Great Sage of Tus (Ferdowsi). No study has investigated the interrelationship among the symbols and the range of human’s intelligences rather the symbols used in Shahnameh have been studied most frequently. Therefore, this study is the pioneer in examining this untouched aspect.