Symbolic and Magical Functions of Bone as a Carrier of Death and Rebirth in Iranian Myths

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 BSc student in Acting, Department of Performing Arts, Faculty of Art and Architecture Saba. Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran.

2 The Associate Professor of Persian of Language and Literature. Faculty of Literature and Humanities. Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman. Iran.

10.22059/ijar.2026.407180.459954

Abstract

Purpose- The main objective of this research is to analyze the role of bones as symbolic and magical elements in Iran mythology and to examine their function as weapons, deathmeans dealing instruments, and life, giving tools. This study seeks to demonstrate, by drawing on diverse narratives from Iranian cultures, rituals, and mythology and comparing them with those of other nations, how bones, as the most durable part of the body and the carrier of the essence of death, have become tools for killing, transferring power, protection, summoning, and even regeneration in the mythical imagination of mankind. Furthermore, the aim of the research is to clarify why, in many mythologies, bones embody a duality of death and birth; that is, how an instrument remaining from a dead body can pave the way for the creation of the world, the generation of new beings, or the strengthening of a hero's power. Finally, through a comparative analysis of mythological examples, the present study endeavors to demonstrate the special place of bones in the cycle of birth, death, and regeneration, and to present a pattern of intercultural common beliefs concerning the power inherent in bones.
Methodology- This research has been conducted analytically with a comparative approach, examining narratives from mythologies in which death and birth via bones play a prominent role. The main focus is on Iranian examples.
Findings- The findings of this research indicate that bones in the mythologies of various cultures are a symbolic and magical element situated on the boundary between death and life. Examining the narratives revealed that bones, as the most durable part of the body, are considered to be carriers of the force of death, and this very characteristic has led to their use as death, dealing instruments in magic based on similarity, contagion, and diffusion. The findings also show that bones have a dual role in many mythologies: on one hand, they are a deadly weapon and a means of transferring supernatural power, such as the jawbone of the fish in the battle of Darab. On the other hand, they are a life giving substance that can play a role in the creation of the world or rebirth, such as the ossuary, Keyumars or in role of needle.
Conclusions- The results of the research indicate that bones in the role of a weapon embody the use of death to overcome death; meaning the stored force of death within the bone is transferred to the enemy. The functions of bones in mythology, creating death, protection, regeneration, and mediation. are common patterns across different cultures, and bones represent one of the most universal symbols in the mythological understanding of death, power, and the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.

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References

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Iranian Journal of Anthropological Research
Volume 15, Issue 2 - Serial Number 28
Indexing Databases
December 2025
Pages 190-204

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