Analysis of the Archetype of Shadow in Mythical part of Shahname of Ferdousi

ABSTRACT: The archetype of shadow is one of the most important subjects of Jung theory. Jung considers shadow as a negative and animal aspect of personality and a summary of unpleasant traits that is has no relevance with laws and rules of self-conscious life and man hide them permanently. Man should know shadow to achieve perfection and wholeness that Jung calls it individual and without suppressing control it. In this study, Zahhak will be investigated as a prominent symbol of archetype of shadow in mythology part of Shahnameh Ferdousi and will be decoded. Also, positive and negative aspects of shadow and its role in creating mental energy and individual and social aspects of this archetype will be dealt with.