What is it about?
In this paper, I intend to analyze the main narrative techniques that led to the composition of Denkard VII. The text contains the universal history and legend of Zoroaster as it was seen by the late-ancient Zoroastrian community.
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Why is it important?
Denkard VII is normally read as a hagiographic text in which the life of Zoroaster is narrated in full. I refute this thesis, showing that the central theme of the work is the miracles performed by / for Zoroaster. Also, in the paper, I analyze the main composition techniques that the author-compiler used to write the story.
Perspectives
I hope this article is able to make people understand the importance of analyzing ancient literary works starting from an analysis of style and techniques. Very often, previous studies influence our point of view, and for this reason we continue to see a literary work always in the same way. In this case, since its first reading the text has always been seen as a hagiography, while it is a story of miracles.
Dr Massimiliano Vassalli
Universita degli Studi di Roma La Sapienza
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: How to Develop a Fabula: The Case of Dēnkard VII, Journal of Persianate Studies, August 2022, Brill,
DOI: 10.1163/18747167-bja10021.
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