Examining allegory and its function in Nezami ganjavi' poems based on the cognitive approach of metaphor .

Azarnivar, Leila; Asadollahi, Khodabakhsh

doi:10.30465/lir.2025.50284.1942

Examining allegory and its function in Nezami ganjavi' poems based on the cognitive approach of metaphor .

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Leila Azarnivar ¹

Khodabakhsh Asadollahi ²

¹ PhD Graduate in Persian Language and Literature, Faculty of Literature and Humanities University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran

² Professor, Department of Persian Language and Literature, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran

10.30465/lir.2025.50284.1942

Abstract

Introduction
Language not only serves as a means of connecting individuals with the external world but also reflects the culture, perspectives, and experiences of a civilization. It is also a vital tool for communication and the expression of thoughts and ideas. These features have led cognitive linguists such as Lakoff and Johnson to consider language as a system for organizing, processing, and transmitting information. Accordingly, language is not only a medium for conveying referential meanings but also a reflector of cognitive content, human perception, and abstract concepts present in the mind. On this basis, they proposed Conceptual Metaphor Theory, in which metaphor is introduced as a key tool for understanding and cognition. They argue that a significant portion of human verbal communication relies on metaphors, which manifest in various forms within everyday language.
If conceptual metaphor is considered broadly—encompassing allegory, simile, and metonymy—it can be regarded as synonymous with figurative language. Such figurative expressions often take the form of sentences, for example, “A flower has no reverse side” or “To weave together sky and rope,” which primarily appear as proverbs. Behind these proverbs, there is often a compressed narrative that can be interpreted through projection (imagery), serving as a unified structure for conveying implicit and didactic meanings. For instance, reflection on the verses of the Holy Qur’an shows that allegory and metaphor have been frequently used to convey religious and ethical teachings. From this perspective, allegory and metaphor are sometimes instructive and inspirational, and at other times, they serve as essential tools for enhancing human communication and interaction with the surrounding world.
Persian literature also abounds in allegorical expressions, as poets and writers have extensively employed them to convey moral and didactic concepts. Examples include Kalile and Demne, Saadi’s Gulistan, Rumi’s Mathnawi, and Nezami’s Panj Ganj (Khamse). In this sense, conceptual metaphor—particularly its linguistic form—can be seen as a cognitive tool through which the proverbs and allegories of poets and writers may be analyzed. Among these poets, Nezami Ganjavi stands out for his ability to convey complex, profound, and even unspoken emotions through language, creating abstract and conceptual meanings that profoundly influence human thought. Analyzing his poetry through a cognitive lens allows readers to decode the content of allegories while gaining insight into the mental and social processes embedded in a culture, thus engaging with the creative mind of the poet. Based on this, the main objective of the present study is to examine Nezami’s proverbs with respect to the primary mechanisms of Conceptual Metaphor Theory as a tool for cognition and understanding of abstract phenomena. This is pursued by identifying the most frequently used source domains in Nezami’s proverbs, in order to achieve a deeper understanding of their meanings and to reveal the fundamental lines of his thought. Accordingly, this study addresses the following questions:
1. Which source domains does Nezami employ in his proverbs, and what is their frequency?
2. What are Nezami’s objectives in using these proverbs?

Materials & Methods
The present study is theoretical and employs a descriptive–analytical approach, relying on credible library sources and grounded in the cognitive framework of Lakoff and Johnson’s Conceptual Metaphor Theory. The research corpus consists of Nezami Ganjavi’s Panj Ganj (Five Treasures), complemented by relevant books and scholarly articles on conceptual metaphor theory. Verses containing proverbs and allegories were systematically extracted from the corpus. Each selected verse was carefully reviewed to ensure it exemplifies metaphorical or allegorical language consistent with the study’s objectives. Following extraction, each proverb or allegory was analyzed according to Lakoff and Johnson’s cognitive framework. The analysis focused on identifying the source domains (the conceptual basis of the metaphor) and target domains (the abstract ideas or concepts being expressed). The relationships between source and target domains were then examined to understand how Nezami employed allegorical language to convey complex and abstract meanings. This approach allows for a detailed understanding of the cognitive mechanisms underlying Nezami’s allegories and provides insights into the frequency, function, and thematic patterns of metaphorical expressions in his poetry.

Discussion & Result
Jalal al-Din Abu Muhammad Elias ibn Yusuf ibn Mu’ayyad, known as Nezami Ganjavi, a prominent poet of the sixth Islamic century, skillfully conveyed his ethical, educational, and philosophical ideas through eloquent and expressive poetry, drawing upon his profound knowledge of literature, astronomy, Islamic sciences, and Arabic language. His works, especially the Panj Ganj (Five Treasures) including Makhzan al-Asrar, Khosrow and Shirin, Layla and Majnun, Bahramname, and Iskandarname, exemplify the masterful use of allegory and parable to communicate moral, social, and philosophical concepts.
Allegory in Nezami’s poetry serves to concretize abstract ideas through sensory and tangible representations, enabling readers to engage with ethical, social, and religious concepts indirectly, thus bypassing conscious resistance and cognitive biases. Through allegorical stories and parables, Nezami addresses themes such as silence and moderation, patience, foresight, contentment, hope, loyalty, and justice, creating a form of cognitive reconstruction and behavioral guidance for his audience.
Through this intricate system of metaphorical mapping, Nezami effectively renders abstract concepts perceptible and relatable. His parables not only educate morally and ethically but also facilitate cognitive and emotional engagement, allowing readers to internalize and apply these values in their own lives. Consequently, Nezami’s poetry stands out as a model of literary artistry, pedagogical efficacy, and psychological insight.
Conclusion
Nezami’s metaphors and parables are deeply rooted in human, social, and cultural experiences, drawing inspiration from daily life and traditions. These figurative expressions make his moral and educational messages comprehensible and impactful for the audience. The use of vivid and diverse imagery enriches the linguistic and literary quality of his poetry while enhancing its semantic depth. Metaphors also serve as a bridge between the material and spiritual realms, conveying philosophical and mystical concepts to readers. Beyond their instructive role, they evoke emotions and stimulate reflection on life, ethics, and human relationships. Through parables, Nezami establishes an effective connection with the audience, facilitating the internalization of his educational, ethical, and spiritual teachings, making his work both literary and pedagogically significant.

Keywords

Nezami Ganjavi

Panj Ganj

allegory

Lakoff

conceptual metaphor

Subjects

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