Hi there! Thank you for you question!

Well first of all, this is a very wide topic (really nice and interesting!), but to be more efficient, I would firstly develop a methodology and define my research more precisely. What do you exactly mean by Heroes? Define this term, it's important to have a precise definition. Kurdish and Persian Mythology is also a very wide spectrum, maybe you could limit yourself to an exact timeframe? I am no expert but the perception of mythology might have changed a lot from the early kurdish era and the 20th century for exemple. This could help you as en exemple '' Legendary heroes in Kurdish mythology and their perceptions during the ottoman period'' ? something like this?

Also are you going to confront Persian and Kurdish mythology? Why the choice of those two?

Maybe also limit yourself to a geographical area, the more specific the deeper you can go and the more interesting it will be for readers!

Let me know if you have any other questions! and keep up the good work

I suggest you use Campbell's The Hero's Journey.

Salam Abdullah,

Persian and Kordish mythology?

I am Persian of Zagros Mountains origin. Maybe I shed a light?

1-Mythology has a give and take relationship with History across the globe with regards to any and all nations. So, you might wish to define to yourself:

-What is a myth?

-How much of myth vs history (fiction vs fact) do you wish to have on your proverbial plate (research). That brings us to your study design and hypothesis.

I do not feel that you are clear about the outline of your research.

2-If I were in your position, I would look at the philosophy behind mythology and its relation to human cognition and psychology. Looks like you have already chosen the two psychologists as your panel. So, check their views about myth/ myth formation vs human reasoning (the need for myths).

3-You need to clarify above to yourself before embarking on Persian myth.

Once you have a clear idea about what it is that you are really after, then you can form or reform your hypothesis, therefore, your objective (s).

Based on your objective (s), you can then draw/construct your study design.

4- Once you have addressed the above three points, then you can search Persian history and history of myth.

Speaking of Persian history, based on your question, it seems to me that you have little data about the subject (?).

I state the above because if you would search Persian dynasties, you'll soon realise that not always there was a Kurdistan (Western terminology based on Arabic and Turkic/Ottoman Turkic languages), or Kordestan (in Parsi, Persian language)!

In fact, our third dynasty, "The Sassanian", were Kords of "Surani" origin. Sorani or versions of this word means "Kord (in Parsi, Persian), Kurd (Turkic/Arabic).

Conclusion: There was no Kordish nation in the ancient time because they were Persians and even Kings of Persia, for at least for 200 years possibly up to 300 until Tazi (Arabs of particular nomadic tribes) invasion. We are one nation and have been for the past 2500 years, at least!

5-This brings us back to your study design (?).

You need to decide which period of my nation's history is useful to you and your objective (s). Then, pls contact me to guide you where to find the sources for that particular period of Persian history.

6-If you form your hypothesis and design based on myth vs history, then I am sorry to write this, but you need to know middle Persian and current Parsi/Farsi fluently!!

Why? Because English, German, or French translations only scratch the proverbial surface of our history. Why?

Because: 1-Cognitive wiring (synaptic network) of brain (=brain formatting) that is the engine behind how we understand (analyse and process information through the prefrontal cortex, cortex, hippocampal (cortex), amygdala, and nucleus accumbens) anything, shapes during the first two and, more or less, half decades of any human's life,

and 2-It is "completely" based on their surroundings (stimuli).

Stimuli synaptic network formation/formatting

You may already have noticed this and that is based on your family name therefore heritage. Arabic language, like Persian and all ancient North African and Eastern languages, has its depth.

From the cognitive point, which your panel of psychologists were also interested in, only an Arab understands "thoroughly" what Arabian literature and therefore culture (rituals), and heritage may mean. We are focusing on the depth and quality here!

Though western researchers may disagree with my statement (almost most of them disagree), it is fine. They can believe whatever they may wish. All is well.

I hope it has helped you a bit!

I am studying ancient languages, and I am a neuroscientist. Cognitive function was the subject of my first PhD. Therefore, I am writing my experience here. I think that you must first decide what your hypothesis or question is. Then, clarify your objective (s) before anything else. Then, take it from there.

Bon Chance!