Comparative study of three epical and historical characters

Keykhosrow, Cyrus, and Zul Qarnain

Mostafa Gorji, PH.D.

Hoseen Mohammadi Mobarez

Abstract



In Farsi literature and historical and legendary text, there are three prominent characters who maintain numerous similarities in regard to their action, lifestyle, and behavior. Keykhosrow, Cyrus, and Zul Qarnain are three characters which have been studied by several sources. Although a number of researches have been carried out for comparison of Cyrus and Keykhosrow and/or Cyrus and Zul Qarnain, no independent study has been conducted on the resemblances of these three. In this article, the authors via study of books, documents, and revision of nearly 77 historical works and commentaries intends to manifest that these three characters maintain major similarities. Given this fact, this article intends to elaborate on the lives of each of them and their commonalties.