Literary Text Research

Literary Text Research

Manifestations of love in the Shahnameh, Ramayana and Mahabharata

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
1 Department of Persian Literature. Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman. Kerman. Iran
2 Faculty member of the Persian Literature Department, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, University of Kerman. Kerman. Iran
10.22054/ltr.2026.86915.4030
Abstract
This research, conducted within the framework of comparative literature using an analytical-historical method and a citation-based approach, examines love, the process of falling in love, and its manifestations in the famous epics of India and Iran (Shahnameh, Ramayana, and Mahabharata). It highlights the similarities and differences in the portrayal of love based on culture, worldview, beliefs, social rituals, and customs unique to the regions of each epic.

The study concludes that in the romantic narratives of the Shahnameh, love is measured by the standards of heroic ethics, patriotism, and the preservation of kingship. In the Shahnameh's love stories, it is usually non-Iranian women who fall in love, while the men are the objects of affection. Additionally, women are the ones who express love.

In contrast, love in the Ramayana and Mahabharata is based on dharma (divine duty) and is more philosophical than lyrical. Love manifests differently among gods (avatars) and various social classes. Moreover, female heroes in these epics generally exhibit greater loyalty in love compared to their male counterparts.
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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 21 September 2026