SACRED PLANTS AS SIGNS OF A BOND BETWEEN MYTHS AND DIVINE STORIES

Abstract

Myths are among the oldest legacies of ancestors that manifest in the culture and knowledge of modern societies. Included in the mythical elements of different religions that assume special respect are trees and plants that are regarded as sacred in divine books, and are sometimes viewed as heavenly trees and plants in the religious ceremonies of Abrahamic religions. The introduction of these plants under similar names and indicators in myths and religions raises the questions: “Are the sacred plants in religious texts the same as the sacred plants in myths or not?” and “Would these sacred plants be regarded as a common ground and an indication of an underlying union between myths and religious stories or that one should be seen as influenced by the other?” To answer the questions and demonstrate the link between myths and religions, a library-based study was performed on the subject and data led to the conclusion that even if a myth was assumed to be a deviation from divine stories, it would be reasonable to accept common elements of similar sanctity and to suggest that this would not contradict the acceptance of the deviation of one from the other. Meanwhile, the surviving documentation of old times indicates the originality of myths; so, if religious figures had opposing theories in this regard, they were required to use the advantages of religions along with myths as they had failed to produce a credible religious reason to substantiate their claims; for this, work has to start from the underlying and common elements, i.e., sacred plants.