The Legend of Cheng-e Pari, an Example of the Geomythology in Folklore (Case Study: Eyvan-e Qarb Township, Ilam Province)

ABSTRACT
In the past, men have had a closer relationship with the natural environment around them due to the conditions of the time. Over time, many different phenomena and events on the earth have involved the minds and attention of human beings; and they tried to explain how they were formed. With the inability of early people to understand how phenomena form, they have inevitably sought the help of myths. Myths and geology are related in several ways. Some myths are the result of man's attempts to explain noteworthy features of his environment, such as striking landforms or unusual smaller features, whereas others try to account for conspicuous natural processes, such as earthquakes, volcanic phenomena, and floods. The characters of myths are usually supernatural beings and are always associated with holiness, evil and benevolence. The geomyths, or explanatory, myths are what folklorists call etiological, are the most common type of geologically inspired folklore. Early or primitive people always have been familiar with various fossils and they also have variety utilized, so that over time associated with them, including therapeutic-healing properties and other diverse applications of fossils, beliefs, myths and allegories diversity among them has vogue. For example, one can mention the term of Cheng-e Pari among local people of Eyvan-e Qarb Township as fossils in the limestone are applied. Today, the local-ethnic stories or myths about the phenomenon of Geosciences, named geomythology are being studied. Geomythology is the study of etiological oral traditions created by pre-scientific cultures to explain, in poetic metaphor and mythological imagery, geological phenomena such as volcanoes, earthquakes, floods, fossils, and other natural features of the landscape. Geomythology explores the relationship between geology and various kinds of folklore. In this article an example of geomythology in oral culture Eyvan-e Qarb Township in Ilam province was discussed. In popular culture, these fossils are of great sacredness and spiritual importance and are respected. Based on the results and studies, the necessary steps for the formation of geomyths in popular culture are: Human-environment interaction; Observation and curiosity; Inability to understand the formation of the phenomena; Justification of the issue with supernatural reasons; The early emergence of mythological beliefs; Primary acceptance and gradual extending in the community; Final acceptance and fixation in folklore; Continuity in generation and belief to the myth emerged.