Riddle in Ancient Iran: Riddle Debate in the Matikan-e Yusht Faryan

Authors : Yaşar Yeşim Amaç

Pages : 283-296

Doi:10.26650/jos.1454084

View : 41 | Download : 43

Publication Date : 2024-04-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The riddle, a literary genre with ancient roots, persists in both oral and written tradition to this day. Its presence in Iranian literature can also be traced to ancient times. Matikan-e Yusht Faryan, among the earliest surviving examples of the riddle genre from ancient Iran, is believed to have been written in Middle Persian during the Sassanid period. This text narrates the intellectual clash between Yusht Faryan, a devout follower of the Zoroastrian faith, and Aht, a sorcerer, as they engage in a battle of wits through a series of riddles to test their knowledge. According to the narrative, Yusht Faryan resides in a city named “Frasn Wizaran” (The Riddle Solvers), safeguarded by Urmuzd, the Zoroastrian god, and aided by the Amesha Spentas. Aht, aspiring to take control of the city, declares his intent to pose 33 questions to the city’s young people aged under 15 years, threatening death to those unable to answer. He executes 900 mubeds (religious men) and 9 girls from the Espitman clan when they fail to answer his first question. However, a 15-year-old boy named Yusht Faryan successfully answers all his questions, receiving assistance from Urmuzd and the Amesha Spentas when needed. Subsequently, Yusht Faryan poses three questions to Aht, who is unable to answer them and receives no help from Ahriman and the giants. Thus, Yusht Faryan emerges victorious in the riddle debate and kills Aht. This study examines the riddles in Matikan-e Yusht Faryan through Persian translation, categorizing them based on their thematic subjects.
Keywords : Matikan Yuşt Feryan, Aht, Eski İran, bilmece, münazara

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