A Descriptive-Etymological Study of the Mythical Castles in Iranian Bundahišn

Abstract

The present studywas undertaken to fulfill a descriptive-etymological investigation of mythical castles in the middle Persian text of Iranian BundahiÅ¡n[1]. It is a significant encyclopedic text which is considered a repertoire of the toponyms and names of Iran's ancient mythical geography. Some believe that the mentioned geography corresponds to some extent to the natural geography of ancient Iran. In the present research, the names of seven mythical castles are examined and their etymologies and meanings are presented. The point is that some of these castles belong to venerable mythical characters, have prominent status in mythical issues, and demonstrate miraculous power; such that entering them is impossible for ordinary people, like mān ī Kay-Us, Kang-diz, and War ī Jam-kard. Some other castles are shelters, living sites, and places for worship, like mān ī Frāsyāb, diz ī FrÅd, and FrÄ“dÅnKard whereas some others belong to demons and devils like Kurnīd-duÅ¡īd.