The Armenian Legend of Ara and Semeramis: A Comparative Study of Queen Semiramis’ Controversial Portrayal in English Children’s Adaptation of the Legend
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31185/lark.Vol1.Iss48.2761Keywords:
Assyrian Empire, Babylonian magic, Babylonian captivity, Nimrod, Sennacherib, Two BabylonsAbstract
Over the centuries till this day, Queen Semiramis is considered one of the most renowned female figures of Ancient times in cultural memory. Historical sources depict her with both admiration and terrible hate. The problem of the study lies in the negative, inaccurate portrayal of queen Semiramis in Armenian legends for adult and for children as well. The researchers aimed at studying the Armenian Legend Ara and Semiramis that is adapted by for English children readers to address the inaccuracies and explain the controversy. Selected the Armenian legend of Ara and Semiramis by Zabelle C. Boyajian and the completely identical children’s version adapted by Anon Mouse. The researchers have concluded that all negative, inaccuracies and controversy regarding the portrayal of Queen Semiramis’ personality is highly influenced by political and religious agenda. Thus, they recommend spreading awareness about this great queen and highlighting all hidden reasons for distorting the image of this Mesopotamian queen.
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Copyright (c) 2022 Researcher Zahraa Muthana, Prof Ansam Yaroub Khyoon
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