Bat symbolism in Idrīs Bidlīsī’s Hašt Bihišt VI

Abstract

Cultural and social set of beliefs of all communities have normally been closely related to animals, which are symbolized in literature and history. Cultural and social definitions of animals as ‘good’ or ‘evil’ have persisted throughout the history of humankind. In the Iranian environment, bats are mostly perceived as symbols of darkness and ignorance. Here, we briefly review the role that bats play in Idrīs Bidlīsī’s unpublished Hašt Bihišt (Book VI) and its symbolisms associated with bats. We present shortly Idrīs’ highlighted Arabic verse in reference to the symbolized darkness and ignorance of bats.