An Interpretation Of The Gathering Of The Moths Around The True Candle

Abstract

In Eastern classical literature, particularly in Sufi literature, there exist numerous paired symbolic images. Poets have created ghazals, stories, debates, and masnavis devoted to these images. The pair of the candle and the moth is one such symbolic image, which poets have widely and effectively employed in their works. Alisher Navoi also made extensive use of these paired images in his writings. This article analyzes the story of the candle and the moth presented in Navoi’s epic “Lison ut-tair.” The role of these images within the narrative and their thematic significance are examined. In particular, the true identity, purpose, and self-sacrificing nature of the moth are explored.