Journal of the stylistic of Persian poem and prose
volume Number 18، number In Volume 1، Apeil 2025 ، issue Number 107

Structural Analysis of the Legend of "Chelgis" Based on Campbell's Hero's Journey Theory

Ali Amini (Author in Charge)

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In the early twentieth century, with the emergence of leading researchers, new theories were presented in the humanities that paved the way for new and more precise methods of analyzing human cultural heritage. Among the most famous of these theorists are Carl Jung and Joseph Campbell, whose theory of the archetype and the hero"s journey created a huge development in this field and through which many folk stories and narratives can be analyzed structurally. In fact, the aim of this article is to find patterns defined based on Campbell"s theory of the hero"s journey in the famous folk legend "Chelgis and Jahantigh".

METHODOLOGY: In this research, which was conducted using a library method, a theoretical study was conducted regarding the adaptation of the legend of "Chelgis and Jahantigh" with Campbell"s theory of the hero"s journey. The main source of the study is the Morning Stories by Fazl Ahmad Mohtadi, which was published by Lima Saleh Ramsari and published by Moein Publications.

FINDINGS: In this legend, three stages of departure (separation), initiation, and return can be followed, however, in this narrative, the first two stages play a more prominent role, and the third stage, which is the hero"s return, has a weaker effect than the previous two stages. In addition, the order of all the minor stages (including seventeen stages) that constitute Campbell"s analytical theory is not necessarily observed in the story. Also, in examining this legend, the three stages of "the belly of the whale", "unseen help", and "the saving hand from outside" cannot be clearly separated from each other.

CONCLUSION: In this narrative, a hero named Jahantigh embarks on a difficult journey upon seeing the image of Chelgispai and, by going through certain stages, he achieves a kind of self-knowledge and spiritual perfection, while also succeeding in his mission and gaining worldly blessings. Thus, the main task of the hero is consistent with Campbell"s theory of the "hero"s journey" archetype in this story.

Keyword
Popular literature , myth , legend , Joseph Campbell , Chelgis , Hero's Journey , Carl Jung , Archetype

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