Analysis of the myth of the plant god in the story of "Gaduli and the Cow"

Articles in Press

Document Type : Scientific

Author

Department of Persian Language and Literature, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Jahrom University, Jahrom, Iran.

10.22103/jis.2025.23829.2633

Abstract

Context/Objective: Fertility rituals are one of the most frequent types of mythology that contain a large part of world mythology. This myth is the justification of the ancient man for the rebirth of plants in the spring season, which has been manifested in various forms in the corners of the world. In their field investigations, the authors have recorded a legend that has great similarities with other similar stories in the myths of the world. This story has not been written before in any source and due to the fact that few old people remember this legend, it is on the verge of being forgotten.
Method/Approach: This article was written using a field and library method and a descriptive-analytical approach.
Findings/Results: The findings of the research show that the character of "Gadouli" who appeared in this story in the role of a plant god, from birth to death, has a special relationship with nature and its greenery; In order to save nature and restore life and greenness to the world, the hero of the story fights with the drought demon that has imprisoned the female cow, and by defeating him, the world becomes new again. In this folk tale, the god of plants, like his other counterparts, is sent into the reed plant. The presence of characters such as Gadoli, Mandani and Golbas, the introduction of the cow as a factor in childbirth, local and familiar places for the people of the region, have given the story a local flavor.

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Journal of Iranian Studies

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 03 July 2025

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