Introduction: The dragon is a recurring and powerful motif in Iranian art iconography, yet it has often been superficially described merely as a demonic creature and a symbol of evil forces in mythology. This study aims to reinterpret and analyze the multiple meanings of the dragon symbol in Iranian art. The central research question is: Is the role of the dragon in Iranian art limited solely to the symbolism of evil, or does it carry broader, more diverse meanings? By challenging the one-sided, shame-centered view, this paper seeks to uncover the dynamic and multi-layered symbolic functions of the dragon across different cultural, religious, and artistic contexts.
Methods: To answer the research question, the present study adopted an analytical-descriptive method. Data were collected from two main sources: written historical and religious texts, and visual evidence from Iranian decorative arts. The analysis focused on examining the symbolic functions of the dragon motif in various domains, including ancient mythology, astronomical iconography, decorative patterns, and Islamic texts (particularly Quranic interpretations of the story of Moses). The study also considered the relationship between the dragon and the snake as its initial form, as well as the symbolic use of the “knot” as a magical or talismanic tool.
Findings: The findings indicate that the meaning of the dragon in Iranian art goes far beyond a one-sided symbol of evil, revealing diverse and even contradictory implications depending on the context:
- In ancient mythology, the snake – considered the initial form of the dragon – was a symbol of health and healing, not evil.
- In astronomical iconography, although the dragon itself is not a planet, it was used as a symbol to indicate specific cosmic situations, such as lunar or solar eclipses.
- In decorative motifs, the entanglement of the snake and dragon, especially when combined with the symbolic “knot” as a magical tool, carries talismanic and protective functions.
- In Islamic texts, particularly the Quranic interpretation of the story of Moses (PBUH), the dragon represents the manifestation of the rod of prophecy. In this context, it is depicted as a protective agent and a destroyer of evil and tyrannical forces.
Thus, the dragon simultaneously embodies opposing qualities: healing and danger, protection and destruction, cosmic order and chaos.
Conclusion: As a result, this study demonstrates that the role of the dragon in Iranian art is not static or unidimensional but rather a dynamic and multi-layered symbol. Its meanings shift in accordance with the cultural, religious, and artistic context in which it appears. Therefore, the dragon cannot be interpreted solely within the framework of a symbol of evil. This research contributes to a more nuanced understanding of Iranian iconography and invites further study of other similarly complex symbols in Persian visual culture.