A Comparative Study of Love Stories Among Mythological Deities: An Analysis Using the Triangular Theory of Love (Case Study of Greek, Indian, and Mesopotamian Deities)

Subject Areas : Myths of Iran and nations

Sahar Zolqadri ¹ , Zahrā Ansāri ² , ّFarāmarz Khojasteh ³ , Hossein Mirzā Niknām ⁴

1 - Ph D. Candidatee of Persian Language and Literature, Hormozgan University
2 - The Assistant professor of Persian language and Literature, Hormozgan University
3 - The Associate professor of Persian language and Literature, University of Hormozgan
4 - The Assistant professor of Persian language and Literature, University of Hormozgan

Received: 2024-02-04 Accepted : 2024-09-10 Published : 2024-12-21

Keywords: Triangular Theory of Love, Robert J. Sternberg, Goddesses, Gods, Indian Mythology, Greek Mythology,

Abstract :

The concept of love is a fundamental and intricate aspect of human experience, drawing significant attention from scholars and philosophers. Among the various theories exploring this phenomenon is Robert J. Sternberg's triangular theory of love, which delves into the psychological dimensions of love and is commonly utilized in the analysis of literary works. This article employs an analytical-comparative approach to examine the behaviors of mythological deities from India, Greece, and Mesopotamia through the lens of Sternberg's theory. By juxtaposing these divine narratives with Sternberg's framework of seven types of love, observations reveal a prevalence of "fatuous love" in Greek mythology, alongside instances of "empty love," "companionate love" and "consummate love" in Indian myths, while Mesopotamian tales exhibit fewer examples of love. These findings potentially mirror cultural perceptions and conceptions of love within these societies. The study sheds light on the intricate emotional and abstract capacities of early civilizations.