Document Type : Research original ,Regular Article
Abstract
This paper first familiarizes the reader with some general information about
Manichaeism and Manichaean cosmogony. Then, after defining “parable” as a literary
genre, the whole Manichaean myth of creation is considered as a parable. At the next
stage, the role of parable is emphasized as a tool to facilitate the understanding of
religious, philosophical, and moral doctrines for the masses. After defining, and
establishing the functional capability of parable, a Manichaean Middle Persian parable
is studied and analyzed, according to the pattern of the Manichaean myth of creation.
At the end, a comprehensive comparison is made between the characters and elements
of the Manichaean myth of creation and the Middle Persian parable.
)