Transtextual Reading of the Seven-Headed Sea Dragon with Emphasis on the Role of the Tannin in Islamic Ajayib-namehs

Tannin, a hybrid creature with seven heads, is one of the mysterious myths deeply rooted in history and prominently featured in Ajayib-nameh; the compendium of wonders. The depiction of the serpent-like Sea Dragon with seven heads has been known by different names throughout history, appearing in myths such as Yamm and Baal among the people of Mesopotamia, as well as in the narratives of Alexander the Great, spanning from the region between the rivers to the Island of Mar. Later, it found a place in the imaginative realm of the Ajayib-nameh copies; captivating the imagination of readers across various cultures, spanning from Judaism to Islam, and journeying from Greece to Iran. Relying on various names like Rahab, Leviathan, Tannin, and Yamm, this role extended its influence beyond the boundaries of the Ajayib-nameh. The presence of this creature is not confined solely to the Ajayib-nameh; rather, it has traveled through time and across different cultures, finding mention in the sacred texts of Judaism and Christianity, as well as in the myths of the Canaanite people, often etched on clay tablets. This provides evidence of the longstanding existence of such hybrid creatures in various societies across different epochs. Proving the connections between these depictions and myths is undoubtedly challenging, but Gérard Genette's theory of Transtextuality proves to be a practical approach, particularly in the interpretation of visual texts. It effectively reveals the interconnectedness of textual and visual networks, as well as their relevant connotations. In a four-stage process, the accuracy of interpreting these depictions has been established through specific categorizations based on Genette's theory. This method has allowed scholars to shed light on the enigmatic relationships between these ancient representations and their associated myths. The objective of searching for the traces of the Seven-Headed Sea Dragon in history is to uncover hidden truths concealed behind it and to provide a deeper understanding and foundation for contemporary works of art by comprehending the ancient symbols embedded within these depictions. Through this pursuit, researchers aim to shed light on the enigmatic aspects of this mythical creature, thus enriching and giving meaning to modern artistic creations. By delving into the roots of these ancient representations, a more profound comprehension of the underlying concepts and their significance can be attained; allowing artists to draw inspiration from the past and infuse their contemporary works with a sense of depth and connection to historical myths. Ultimately, this research endeavor seeks to bridge the gap between the past and the present, enabling a more insightful exploration of the timeless themes present in art throughout the ages. Questions such as: 1) In general, the Tannin is attributed to which creature? 2) How can Gérard Genette's theory of Transtextuality be applied to interpret the role of Tannin and its connection to ancient myths?  have been addressed in this research using descriptive-analytical method. The statistical population of the current article includes all depictions and narratives of the Seven-Headed Sea Dragon, which have been preserved as artistic or literary works, such as stories and myths that are available for study. Six representations and narratives have been consciously and purposefully selected as study samples by the authors and have been analyzed visually and thematically. These samples have been collected from credible textual versions preserved in museums and historical art centers. The necessity leading to the formation of this article lies in the fact that through the application of the method of Transtextuality, the existing connections among these depictions can be expressed, and scientifically prove the breadth and interrelation of myths with legends. Additionally, in the modern era where artists are inclined towards ancient patterns in all artistic disciplines, a better understanding and recognition of these historical myths, achieved through this research, contribute to the creation of meaningful and enriched works of art. The results indicate that Tannin is an ancient mythical creature with one human head and six serpent heads; representing a primordial entity embodying malevolent beliefs. It is believed that this creature can only be transcended through an indomitable power, such as God or his righteous servants, which renders it elusive and unattainable. Furthermore, based on the theory of Transtextuality, a method employed in interpreting visual texts, there exists a demonstrable visual and conceptual connection among the selected study samples. In essence, it can be asserted that myths, throughout history, have evolved and faded in accordance with prevailing beliefs and convictions. What remains are the mythical elements and conceptual underpinnings that endure, manifesting in transformed forms as folklore and popular narratives. This enduring aspect of myths and their capacity to adapt to various cultural contexts illustrate their intrinsic appeal and timeless relevance.