The Hero's Initiation in Mythical Epics

Initiation, in its broadest sense is the proper performance of the expected and unexpected trials of life, since the very birth of an individual up to his death in order to lead him to his psychological and sociological maturity. In the domain of mythology, initiation ends in a symbolic death and rebirth. This article by following a double approach of psychology and sociology investigates the mythical epics, particularly those of Shāhnāme, and describes the initiation forms of the mythical heroes. We believe that such an approach to initiation has no previous records