سير تحول و طبقه بندي اژدها در نگارگري ايراني

Classifying and Studying the Evolutional Development of Dragons in Persian Paintings

The word Ejdeha, or Ejdar or Ejdarha is the Persian equivalent for dragon. This mythological creature has appeared to be the symbol of evil within Persian myths and folklore; and is typically overpowered by the hero of the tale. In Persian paintings, the dragon is influenced by its Chinese counterpart; however, in other instances, the dragon is affected by European paintings. In Persian paintings, most of the analysis and scrutiny of the dragon is accomplished via symbolism and religious and mythological stories. It appears that the similarity between the snake and the dragon is a significant factor in the emergence of this creature in various paintings. According to the paintings and designs in hand, the paper is divided into the following groups: 1. Dragons-snakes 2.Dragons- snakes; two- legged creatures. 3. Dragons-snakes, two-legged flying creatures. 4. Dragons-snakes, four-legged creatures. 5. Dragons-snakes, multi-headed creatures. Note that the role of the snake in evident in all five classifications. Questions raised in this paper: 1- What is the base for emergence of various shapes and appearances of the dragon in Persian painting? 2- How can the taxonomy of various types of dragons take place? Aims accomplished: 1- Studying the evolutional development of the dragon in content and form. 2- The classification of dragons based on their physical appearance. Method of research is based on analysis and comparison on the appropriate chosen forms. Keywords: