THE PORTRAYAL OF VILLAIN (GHAMAZ) IN PASHTO FOLKLORE

Abstract

The character of villain is a universal phenomenon in literature. The origin of his character can be traced back to the divine theme of the enigmatic conflict between good and bad, reflected in the characters of Adam and Satan. It was the jealousy, pride and ego of Satan, which turned him into a villain. Since that time villains in literature embody these negative human traits, as man is the blend of both good and evil. Pashto folklore and specifically tappa, the most significant genre of the folklore of this language, has covered almost all aspects of Pashtun culture. This genre of the folklore has presented a rare concept of the character of villain (ghamaz), who not only works against lovers and brings separation between them but is an enemy of the whole social structure in the sense that the sole aim of his life is to destroy peace, joy and happiness from the life of people. He cannot see people happy, families united and peace and harmony in the whole community. Whenever he sees such a state, his evil propensities become active and never stops till he converts happiness into sadness, unity into disunity and peace and harmony into chaos.