The Genesis of the Phoenix Image in Persian Poetry and its Interpretation in a Poem of the Same Name by Nima Yushij (1897-1960)

Abstract

The article deals with the matter of Phoenix image’s genesis in Persian classic literature and its interpretation in Nima Yushij’s poem ‘Phoenix’ written in 1938 and known as one the most noteworthy poem of the author. The research is aimed at analysis of Phoenix’s significant components which are rooted in mythology and determine a reader’s perception of this image in modern period. The methodology of the research is based upon the genetic-historical and comparative study and concerns various texts which were considered in a chronologic order and depict the figure of Phoenix, either European sources or Persian Classic Epics like ‘Garšāsp-nāma’, ‘Iskandar-nāma’ and ‘Mantiq at-tayr’ especially. The research revealed that Phoenix’s resurrection after the self-immolation, that is a common treat in different cultures, and its musical abilities with loneliness, that can be regarded as specific features of its Persian counterpart, imply a poet-prophet cognitive concept in Nima Yushij’s poem. The results shed light on the way that ‘the father of New Poetry in Iran’ managed to inspire his followers who adopted his poetic manner.