A Comparative Look at the Ethics of Gods and Paladins in Iliad and Shahnameh

Background: Iliad and Shahnameh are two transnational works which are precious treasures for studying the customs and culture of two ancient nations of Iran and Greece. In this research some of the ethical specifications of the mythological gods and paladins of Iran in Shahnameh and Olympus gods and paladins of Iliad have been studied and the basic differences between two nations which stem from the differences of their culture and beliefs have been shown. The essay plans to show the Iran ancient cultural highlights and a closer look at the immensity of this ancient land. Method: The method of this research is analytical descriptive and based upon comparison of two ancient culture from the views of beliefs and ceremonies. Conclusion: The studies show that there are some differences between the human and divinely behaviors of Iliad and Shahnameh. In Iliad we see that the unethical conducts, discrimination, inclination to the front of oppression and promise breaking towards the devoted people by the Achaeans on the one hand and on the other corruption, lying and rivalries between the Olympus gods terminated to the vast carnage of Achaeans and Trojan tribes. The paladins and the heroes of Iliad in compare with the Olympus gods are more noble and are more promise leal. The Iranian gods are the symbol of ethics and the punisher of promise breakers and those who violates the others’ right. Such ethical solidarity and stability make the heroes of Shahnameh incline to cavalier. The Iranian gods hatred towards war and violation. But seriously believe in revenge and defense of their lands while the Olympus gods support the violators and they themselves are the main factor of war and massacre.

Keywords:

Iliad , Shahnameh , Ethics , Gods , Paladins