Linear Schema in Attar’s Mantiq al-Tair

Cognitive linguists believe that mind, on the basis of experience, sets out to metaphorically conceptualize different phenomena and a conceptual metaphor is the product of subjective and objective spheres. The process of the objectification of a conceptual metaphor is realized as a result of an isomorphic relationship between the objective sphere (the trigger) and the subjective sphere (target) that is called “mapping or supposition;” this process is reflected in the visual schema. The linear schema is a subcategory of the structural metaphor and can be divided into three types: origin, route, and target. Attar’s Mantiq al-Tair is a narrative work based on motion and traveling and thus can be well analyzed in the light of the linear schema. This research project tries to find the motives and purposes of the linear schema in Attar’s work with a focus on origin, route, and target. “Pilgrimage is movement” is the fundamental or grand conceptual metaphor of Mantiq al-Tair and its main aim is to “return to one’s origin.” The results of the study show that in this schema, self is the beginning of the movement; the seven places is the route of the movement and the throne of Seemorgh / Haq is the destination. The results also demonstrate that the origin schema is more of a motivational nature; movement is materialized in the route schema and target shows the outcomes of the movement. In order to elaborate on the return to one’s origin, Attar uses the trope of travel more than any other theme and concept and considers “the seven places” as its main passageways. The origin of travel in Mantiq al-Tair is the shadow self and the destination is the spiritual self or the self-ness of self which is also construed as the phoenix of truth. Reaching the destination is equal to the return to one’s origin, primary perfection, unity, and immortality.