Investigating the Myth of Water and Fire in Azerbaijani Nokhodi (Chickpea) Folklore Based on Pierce's Semiotics

Ardalani, Hossein; Hosseiniazam, Zahra

doi:10.22103/jis.2025.24428.2673

Investigating the Myth of Water and Fire in Azerbaijani Nokhodi (Chickpea) Folklore Based on Pierce's Semiotics

Document Type : Scientific

Authors

¹ Associate Professor, Department of Philosophy of Art , Hamedan Branch , Islamic azad University , Hamedan , Iran.

² 1. Ph.D. Candidate, faculty of Arts, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

10.22103/jis.2025.24428.2673

Abstract

Usually, folk myths are bordered by the world of myth; the myth of water and fire is one of the most important Iranian myths.
In Azerbaijani folklore, the genesis and continuity of life are intricately linked with water, while death and destruction, along with the assertion of sovereignty, are associated with fire. This study collects information in a library-based manner, aiming for a descriptive-analytical investigation based on Pierse's semiotic theories to elucidate how the Nokhodi (Chickpea) Azerbaijani folklore incorporates the water and fire myth and how the symbols and signs of the water and fire myths manifest within this folklore. The findings suggest that the creative and generative aspects of water were well-recognized by ancient peoples, with its usage in the Nokhodi Azerbaijani folklore symbolizing fertility and procreation. Furthermore, the hero's ability to not drown in the water can be interpreted as a cautious mythological passage through water, symbolizing a form of death and rebirth. Water in this folklore section symbolizes the continuity of life. Additionally, the theme of burning and destruction by fire, which has long been significant in myths, transforms into a symbol of death in the Nokhodi Azerbaijani folklore, leading to the deaths of the chickpeas. the section depicting the chickpea's liberation from the fiery oven and victory over the king evokes the mythological passage through fire, always symbolizing purification and the assertion of purity. Overall, a proper understanding of these symbols in Nokhodi Azerbaijani folklore leads to a better and deeper comprehension of the folklore itself.

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