Journal of the stylistic of Persian poem and prose
volume Number 18، number In Volume 8، November 2025 ، issue Number 114

Thematic Classification of Iranian Folk Verse Literature

Mokhadderh Rajabikia , Fatemeh Mohseni Gardkohi (Author in Charge), Fatemeh Heydari

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Iranian folk literature—both poetry and prose—preserves the collective beliefs, rituals, and lived experiences of people, transmitted orally across generations. Despite its richness, this vast body of work has rarely been organized into a systematic thematic framework. The aim of this study is to present a comprehensive classification of Iranian folk literature, offering both an analytical approach and a tool for researchers to better understand its variety, functions, and cultural significance.

METHODOLOGY: This research is based on a theoretical and library study, applying descriptive and analytical methods to examine, compare, and classify folk texts according to their subject matter and content.

FINDINGS: The study proposes a new taxonomy of Iranian folk literature that groups the works into key categories: folk tales and narratives, oral prose and storytelling, folk poetry, humorous and satirical works, ritual and ceremonial texts, and didactic literature. Despite the diversity of forms and regional variations, the results show that these works can be meaningfully organized within a unified system. Such classification highlights thematic connections across genres and regions, and reveals shared cultural patterns.

CONCLUSION: The thematic classification of Iranian folk literature not only facilitates the identification and study of these works, but also connects them to the historical, social, and cultural conditions of their creation. Each category reflects specific aspects of Iranian society, its social classes, cultural structures, and collective identity. This approach contributes to a deeper understanding of the cultural heritage of Iran and the role of folk literature in shaping its social and symbolic order.

Keyword
Folk Literature , Thematic Classification , Oral Poetry and Prose