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| | [[Category:Politics and social sciences]] | | [[Category:Politics and social sciences]] |
| | [[Category:Anthropology]] | | [[Category:Anthropology]] |
| − | {{Claimed}} | + | [[Category:Mythical creatures]] |
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| − | [[Image:Phoenix detail from Aberdeen Bestiary.jpg|thumb|275px|The phoenix from the [[Aberdeen Bestiary]].]] | + | [[Image:Phoenix detail from Aberdeen Bestiary.jpg|thumb|350px|The phoenix from the Aberdeen Bestiary.]] |
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| − | In ancient [[Egyptian mythology]] and in [[Mythology|myth]]s derived from it, the '''phoenix''' or '''phœnix''' is a [[Mythology|myth]]ical sacred [[fire bird (mythology)|firebird]].
| + | The '''phoenix,''' or '''phœnix''' as it is sometimes spelled, has been an enduring [[myth|mythological]] symbol for millennia and across vastly different [[culture]]s. Despite such varieties of societies and times, the phoenix is consistently characterized as a bird with brightly colored plumage, which, after a long life, dies in a fire of its own making only to rise again from the ashes. From [[religion|religious]] and naturalistic [[symbol]]ism in [[ancient Egypt]], to a secular symbol for armies, communities, and even societies, as well as an often-used [[literature|literary]] symbol, this mythical bird's representation of death and rebirth seems to resonate with humankind's aspirations. |
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| − | Said to live for 500 or 1461 years (depending on the source), the phoenix is a [[bird]] with beautiful gold and red [[plumage]]. At the end of its life-cycle the phoenix builds itself a nest of [[cinnamon]] twigs that it then ignites; both nest and bird burn fiercely and are reduced to ashes, from which a new, young phoenix arises. The new phoenix [[embalm]]s the ashes of the old phoenix in an egg made of [[myrrh]] and deposits it in the [[Egypt|Egyptian]] city of [[Heliopolis (ancient)|Heliopolis]] ("the city of the sun" in [[Greek language|Greek]]). The bird was also said to regenerate when hurt or wounded by a foe, thus being almost immortal and invincible — a symbol of [[Holy Spirit|fire]] and [[divinity]].
| + | ==General Description== |
| | + | Although many [[culture]]s have their own interpretation of the phoenix, the differences in nuance are overshadowed by the [[mythical creature]]'s more homogeneous characteristics. The phoenix is always a [[bird]], usually having plumage of colors corresponding to [[fire]]: yellow, orange, red, and gold. The most universal characteristic is the bird's ability to [[resurrection|resurrect]]. Living a long life (the exact age can vary from five hundred to over a thousand years), the bird dies in a self-created fire, burning into a pile of ashes, from which a phoenix chick is born, representing a cyclical process of life from death. Because it is reborn from its own death, the phoenix also took on the characteristics of regeneration and [[immortality]]. |
| | + | {{readout||right|250px|Diverse cultures include variations on the phoenix, a bird with the ability to be reborn}} |
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| − | Although descriptions (and life-span) vary, the phoenix ([[Bennu]] bird) became popular in early [[Christianity|Christian]] art, literature and [[Christian symbolism]], as a symbol of Christ, and further, represented the [[resurrection]], [[immortality]], and the [[afterlife|life-after-death]] of [[Jesus Christ]].
| + | ==Mythical Origins== |
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| − | Originally, the phoenix was identified by the Egyptians as a [[stork]] or [[heron (bird)|heron]]-like bird called a ''[[Bennu|benu]]'', known from the ''[[Book of the Dead]]'' and other Egyptian texts as one of the sacred symbols of worship at Heliopolis, closely associated with the rising [[sun]] and the [[Egyptian mythology|Egyptian]] [[sun-god]] [[Ra]].
| + | ===Egyptian=== |
| | + | {{Hiero|Bennu –or Heron<br>Phoenix|<hiero>G31-.-G32</hiero>|align=right|era=egypt}} |
| | + | The earliest representation of the phoenix is found in the [[ancient Egypt]]ian '''Bennu''' bird, the name relating to the verb “weben,” meaning “to rise brilliantly,” or “to shine.” Some researchers believe that a now extinct large [[heron]] was a possible real life inspiration for the Bennu. However, since the Bennu, like all the other versions of the phoenix, is primarily a [[symbol]]ic icon, the many mythical sources of the Bennu in ancient Egyptian culture reveal more about the [[civilization]] than the existence of a real bird. |
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| − | == Myth origins ==
| + | One version of the myth says that the Bennu bird burst forth from the heart of [[Osiris]]. In the more prevalent [[myth]]s, the Bennu created itself from a fire that was burned on a holy tree in one of the sacred precincts of the temple of Ra. The Bennu was supposed to have rested on a sacred pillar that was known as the benben-stone. At the end of its life-cycle, the phoenix would build itself a nest of [[cinnamon]] twigs that it then ignited; both nest and bird burned fiercely and would be reduced to ashes, from which a new, young phoenix arose. The new phoenix embalmed the ashes of the old phoenix in an egg made of [[myrrh]] and deposited it in the Egyptian city of [[Heliopolis (ancient)|Heliopolis]] ("the city of the sun" in [[Greek language|Greek]]). |
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| − | Phoenix (also known as [[Garuda]] in sanskrit) is the mystical firebird which is considered as chariot of [[Hindu]] God [[Vishnu]]. Its reference can be found in Hindu epic [[Ramayana]].
| + | The Bennu was pictured as a grey, purple, blue, or white heron with a long beak and a two-feathered crest. Occasionally it was depicted as a yellow [[wagtail]], or as an [[eagle]] with feathers of red and gold. In rare instances the Bennu was pictured as a man with the head of a heron, wearing a white or blue mummy dress under a transparent long coat. Because of its connection to Egyptian [[religion]], the Bennu was considered the “soul” of the god Atum, Ra, or Osiris, and was sometimes called “He Who Came Into Being by Himself,” “Ascending One,” and “Lord of Jubilees.” These names and the connection with Ra, the sun god, reflected not just the ancient Egyptian belief in a spiritual continuation of life after physical death, but also reflected the natural process of the [[Nile River]]'s rising and falling, which the Egyptians depended upon for survival. The Bennu also became closely connected to the [[Egyptian calendar]], and the Egyptians kept intricate time measuring devices in the Bennu Temple. |
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| − | The [[Greeks]] adapted the word ''bennu'' (and also took over its further Egyptian meaning of [[date palm]] tree), and identified it with their own word ''phoenix'' '''φοινιξ''', meaning the colour purple-red or crimson (cf. ''[[Phoenicia]]''). They and the [[Roman mythology|Romans]] subsequently pictured the bird more like a [[peacock]] or an [[eagle]]. According to the [[Greek mythology|Greeks]] the phoenix lived in [[Arabia]] next to a well. At dawn, it bathed in the water of the well, and the Greek sun-god [[Apollo (god)|Apollo]] stopped his chariot (the sun) in order to listen to its song. | + | ===Persian=== |
| | + | The '''Huma,''' also known as the "bird of paradise," is a [[Persia]]n mythological bird, similar to the [[Ancient Egypt|Egyptian]] phoenix. It consumes itself in fire every few hundred years, only to rise anew from the ashes. The Huma is considered to be a compassionate bird and its touch is said to bring great fortune. |
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| − | One inspiration that has been suggested for the Egyptian phoenix is a specific bird species of [[East Africa]]. This bird nests on [[salt flat]]s that are too hot for its [[egg (biology)|eggs]] or chicks to survive; it builds a mound several inches tall and large enough to support its egg, which it lays in that marginally cooler location. The convection currents around these mounds resembles the [[turbulence]] of a [[flame]].
| + | The Huma bird joins both the male and female natures together in one body, each sharing a wing and a leg. It avoids killing for food, rather preferring to feed on carrion. The Persians teach that great blessings come to that person on whom the Huma's shadow falls.<ref> Naosherwan Anzar (transl.), [http://www.avatarmeherbaba.org/erics/master.html ''The Master Sings, Meher Baba's Ghazals''] (Zeno Publishing Services, 1981). On-line edition, May 28, 1995. Retrieved March 19, 2024.</ref> |
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| − | Another suggested inspiration for the mythical phoenix bird, and various other mythical birds that are closely associated with the sun, is the total eclipse of the sun. During some total solar eclipses the sun's corona displays a distinctly bird-like form that almost certainly inspired the winged sun disk symbols of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia.
| + | According to [[Sufism|Sufi]] master Hazrat Inayat Kahn, |
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| − | In [[Russia]]n folklore, the phoenix appears as the [[Zhar-Ptitsa]] (Жар-Птица), or firebird, subject of the famous [[1910]] [[The Firebird|ballet score]] by [[Igor Stravinsky]].
| + | <blockquote>The word ''huma'' in the Persian language stands for a fabulous bird. There is a belief that if the ''huma'' bird sits for a moment on someone's head it is a sign that he will become a king. Its true meaning is that when a person's thoughts evolve so that they break all limitation, he then becomes a king. It is the limitation of language that it can only describe the Most High as something like a king.<ref>Hazrat Inayat Kahn, ''The Music of Life'' (Omega Publications, 1998, ISBN 978-0930872380).</ref></blockquote> |
| − | The phoenix was featured in the flags of [[Alexander Ypsilanti (1792-1828)|Alexander Ypsilantis]] and of many other captains during the [[Greek Revolution]], symbolizing Greece's rebirth, and was chosen by [[John Capodistria]] as the first Coat of Arms of the Greek State (1828-1832). In addition, the first modern Greek currency bore the name of ''[[Greek phoenix|phoenix]]''. Despite being replaced by a royal Coat of Arms, it remained a popular symbol, and was used again in the 1930s by the [[Second Hellenic Republic]]. However, its use by the [[Regime of the Colonels|military junta of 1967-1974]] made it extremely unpopular, and it has almost disappeared from use after 1974, with the notable exception of the [[Order of the Phoenix (Greek medal)|Order of the Phoenix]].
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| − | The phoenix appears also on the city flags and seals of [[Atlanta]] (torched in the [[US Civil War]]), [[San Francisco]] (destroyed by [[earthquake]] and fire in 1906), [[Lawrence, KS|Lawrence, Kansas]] (attacked and burnt by Confederate raiders lead by [[William Quantrill]]), and [[Portland, ME|Portland, Maine]] (destroyed four times by fire), to symbolize the cities’ rebirths from the ashes. It is also the seal of the City of [[Phoenix, Arizona]], the 5th largest city in the [[United States]] that now sits atop the ruins of the [[Hohokam]] city that was once there. | + | ===Greek=== |
| | + | The [[ancient Greece|Greeks]] adapted the word ''bennu'' and identified it with their own word ''phoenix'' '''φοινιξ','' meaning the color purple-red or crimson. They and the [[Roman Empire|Romans]] subsequently pictured the bird more like a [[peacock]] or an [[eagle]]. According to [[Greek mythology]], the phoenix lived in Arabia next to a well. At dawn, it bathed in the water of the well, and the Greek sun-god [[Apollo]] stopped his chariot (the sun) in order to listen to its song. |
| | + | [[Image:Mosaïque Phénix 01.JPG|thumb|300px|Detail from mosaic ''Semis de roses et phénix'' [[Louvre Museum]], [[Paris]], [[France]]]] |
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| − | ===Mascot=== | + | ===Oriental=== |
| − | The Phoenix is the official mascot of [[Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering]] and the [[University of Chicago]]. An earlier institution by the same name had been founded (on a different site) by [[Stephen Douglas]] in 1859, but closed by 1889; the phoenix was chosen as a mascot of the new university to symbolize its rise from the ashes of the old. The phoenix also symbolized the city of [[Chicago]]'s rebirth following the [[Great Chicago Fire]] in [[1871]]. It has also been adopted as an athletics mascot by at least two other American colleges - [[Elon University]] in North Carolina, which changed its mascot to the Phoenix from the "Fighting Christians" upon changing its name from Elon College to Elon University in 1999, and [[Swarthmore College]], which adopted the Phoenix as its first ever mascot in June 2006. | + | The phoenix (known as ''Garuda'' in [[Sanskrit]]) is the mystical fire bird which is considered as the chariot of the [[Hindu]] god [[Vishnu]]. Its reference can be found in the Hindu epic [[Ramayana]]. |
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| − | Similarly, the Phoenix is the symbol of [[Université de Caen|Caen University]], symbolizing its revival after its complete destruction in [[1944]].
| + | In [[China]], the phoenix is called [[Feng-huang]] and symbolizes completeness, incorporating the basic elements of [[music]], [[color]]s, nature, as well as the joining of [[yin and yang]]. It is a symbol of peace, and represents fire, the sun, justice, obedience, and fidelity. The Feng-huang, unlike the phoenix which dies and is reborn, is truly immortal although it only appears in times of peace and prosperity.<ref>Mark Schumacher, [http://www.onmarkproductions.com/html/ho-oo-phoenix.shtml Phoenix] ''Japanese Buddhist Statuary''. Retrieved March 19, 2024.</ref> |
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| − | It is also the symbol for two fraternities, and one sorority. The phoenix of [[Alpha Sigma Phi]] represents the fraternity's refounding in the early 1900s. For [[Sigma Alpha Epsilon]], it signifies the rebirth of chapters as members leave and new ones are initiated. The Phoenix of [[Alpha Sigma Alpha]] recognizes the sorority's reorganization in 1914.
| + | ===Judaism and Christianity=== |
| | + | In [[Judaism]], the phoenix is known as Milcham or Chol (or Hol): The story of the phoenix begins in the [[Garden of Eden]] when [[Adam and Eve|Eve]] fell, tempted by the serpent to eat the forbidden fruit. According to the [[Midrash#Midrash_Rabbah|Midrash Rabbah]], upset by her situation and jealous of creatures still innocent, Eve tempted all the other creatures of the garden to do the same. Only the Chol (phoenix) resisted. As a reward, the phoenix was given eternal life, living in peace for a thousand years and then being reborn from an egg to continue to live in peace again, repeating the cycle eternally (Gen. Rabbah 19:5). Rabbi Shlomo Yitzhaki, better known as [[Rashi]], commented that death has no power over the phoenix, "because it did not taste the fruit from the tree of knowledge."<ref>Harry Rozenberg, [https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/93149?lang=bi http://countdowntothemessiah.com/Research/Legends_Phoenix/Phoenix_Legend.html Phoenix in the Torah] ''Sefaria''. Retrieved March 19, 2024.</ref> |
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| − | ===Literature===
| + | The phoenix also appears in the [[Book of Job]]: "I shall multiply my days as the Chol, the phoenix" (Job 29:18), again indicating long life if not immortality. This reference, however, is controversial since ''chol'' has been translated as phoenix, sand, and palm tree in different versions.<ref> George Sajo, [https://www.studiolum.com/en/silva5.htm Phoenix on the top of the palm tree: Multiple interpretations of Job 29:18] ''Silva de varia leccion'', August 2, 2005. Retrieved March 19, 2024.</ref> |
| − | The phoenix myth is referred to in [[William Shakespeare|Shakespeare]]'s play ''[[The Tempest (play)|The Tempest]]'', | |
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| − | :''Now I will believ''e
| + | The phoenix became a symbol of [[Christianity]] in early literature, either from the ancient [[Hebrew]] legend or from the incorporation of Greek and Roman culture, or from a combination of both. In any case, the ideology of the phoenix fit perfectly with the story of [[Christ]]. The phoenix's [[resurrection]] from death as new and pure can be viewed as a metaphor for Christ's resurrection, central to Christian belief. The phoenix is referenced by the early Christian [[Apostolic Father]] [[Clement I|Clement]] in ''The First Epistle of Clement to the Corinthians.'' Most of the Christian-based phoenix symbolism appears within works of literature, especially in [[Middle Ages|Medieval]] and [[Renaissance]] Christian literature that combined classical and regional [[myth]] and [[folklore]] with more mainstream doctrine. |
| − | :''That there are [[unicorn]]s; that in Arabia''
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| − | :''There is one tree, the phoenix' throne; one phoenix''
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| − | :''At this hour reigning there.''
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| − | ::-(III.iii.27)
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| − | Also, in ''[[Timon of Athens]]'', a [[senator]] [[metaphorically]] calls [[Timon of Philius|Timon]] "a naked [[gull]], which flashes now a phoenix."
| + | ==Heraldry== |
| | + | [[Image:Rinasce piu gloriosa.png|thumb|right|300px|''Rinasce piu gloriosa'' ("It rises again more glorious").]] |
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| | + | The phoenix does not appear as a [[heraldry|heraldic]] figure as often as other [[mythical creature]]s. However, it has appeared on family crests and shields throughout time, usually depicted as an [[eagle]] surrounded, but not hurt, by flames. [[Jane Seymour]]'s heraldic badge includes a phoenix rising from a castle, between two red and white Tudor roses.<ref>[http://www.thetudorswiki.com/page/HERALDRY_of_the_Tudors Queen Jane Seymour] ''Heraldry of the Tudors''. Retrieved March 19, 2024.</ref> Some cities in [[Europe]] use the phoenix in their municipal emblem to denote the one-time destruction and consequent rebuilding of the city, connecting to the image of [[resurrection]] inherent in the phoenix. |
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| − | The early Christian [[Apostolic Father]] [[1 Clement]] references the Phoenix.
| + | Phoenix, [[Arizona]] was named such because it was a frontier station settled upon the ruins of a [[Native American]] site. The first [[Europe]]an inhabitants decided to name their city in concurrence with the idea that from the ruins of one city, another was created. |
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| − | In certain works of [[Renaissance]] literature, the phoenix is said to have been eaten as the rarest of dishes – for only one was alive at any one time. [[Jonson]], in Volpone (1605), III, vii. 204-5 writes: 'could we get the phœnix, though nature lost her kind, shee were our dish.' Another mention of the phoenix as a culinary delicacy occurs in [[John Webster]]'s [[The White Devil]] (1612): | + | ==Literature== |
| | + | [[Image:Phoenix rising from its ashes.jpg|thumb|300px|A reborn Phoenix, rising from its ashes.]] |
| | + | The phoenix no longer appears significantly in any [[religion|religious]] or [[Culture|cultural]] truths. However, the image is still used in [[literature]], perhaps because of all the [[mythical creature]]s from antiquity, the phoenix is the one that frequently expresses an enduring sense of hope and redemption. Its beauty is not as otherworldly as most of the other creatures in [[myth]], and its [[symbol]]ism is conveyed with a profound subtlety when used in literature. |
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| | + | [[William Shakespeare]] made one of the most prominent references in both his plays ''The Tempest,'' incorporating a number of other [[mythical creature]]s but placing the phoenix separate and above the rest, and in ''Timon of Athens,'' when a senator metaphorically calls Timon "a naked gull, which flashes now a phoenix." In other works of [[Renaissance]] literature, the phoenix is said to have been eaten as the rarest of dishes—for only one was alive at any one time. [[Ben Jonson]], in ''Volpone'' (1605) writes: "could we get the phœnix, though nature lost her kind, shee were our dish." |
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| − | "Those noblemen, / Which were invited to your prodigal feasts, / Wherein the phoenix scarce could scrape your throats, / Laugh at your misery, as fore-deeming you / An idle meteor which drawn forth the earth / | + | Sylvia Townsend Warner's 1940 short story "The Phoenix" satirized the exploitation of nature using a phoenix maltreated in a carnival sideshow, revealing the modern preference for violence and sensationalism over beauty and dignity. The majesty of Eudora Welty's classic 1941 short story “A Worn Path” employs the phoenix as the name of the major and virtually sole character of a sparsely written, yet rich story of regeneration and the South. |
| − | Would be lost in the air." [Act I, scene i, 23-25]
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| − | Some literary critics believe the conclusion of Andrew Marvell's 1681 poem "To His Coy Mistress" may allude to the Phoenix, given its references to birds and fire.
| + | [[Edith Nesbit]]'s famous children's novel, ''The Phoenix and the Carpet'' is based on this legendary creature and its quirky friendship with a family of children. The phoenix was also famed for being a symbol of the rise and fall of society in [[Ray Bradbury]]'s ''Fahrenheit 451.'' The pattern of an over complacent and abusive society's destruction yielding a fresh new start was compared to the phoenix's mythological pattern of consumption by flame, then resurrection out of ashes. |
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| − | Sylvia Townsend Warner's 1940 short story "The Phoenix" satirized the exploitation of nature using a phoenix maltreated in a carnival sideshow, revealing the modern preference for violence and sensationalism over beauty and dignity. | + | [[Sylvia Plath]] also alludes to the phoenix in the end of her famous poem ''Lady Lazarus.'' The speaker of this poem describes her unsuccessful attempts at committing [[suicide]] not as failures, but as successful [[resurrection]]s, like those described in the tales of the biblical character [[Lazarus]] and the phoenix. By the end of the poem, the speaker has transformed into a fire bird, effectively marking her rebirth, which some critics liken to a demonic transformation. The poem ends: "Out of the ash / I rise with my red hair / And I eat men like air." |
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| − | The majesty of Eudora Welty's classic 1941 short story "A Worn Path" employs the phoenix as the name of the major and virtually sole character of a sparsely written yet rich story of regeneration and the South.
| + | More recently, ''Harry Potter'' series author J.K. Rowlings has used a phoenix as a central symbol in her stories. While the Harry Potter series has drawn some controversy from the Christian community, Rowling's use of other classical mythical beasts and her classical literature background suggests that she is using the phoenix as a Christian symbol of purification and resurrection.<ref> John Granger, ''Looking for God in Harry Potter'' (Saltriver, 2006, ISBN 978-1414306346).</ref> |
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| − | [[Edith Nesbit]]'s famous children's novel, [[The Phoenix and the Carpet]] is based on this legendary creature and its quirky friendship with a family of children.
| + | ==Notes== |
| | + | <references/> |
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| − | The 1957 [[Children's literature|children's novel]] [[David and the Phoenix]] features the Phoenix as a main character. | + | ==References== |
| | + | * Conway, D. J. ''Magickal Mystical Creatures: Invite Their Powers Into Your Life.'' Llewellyn Publications, 2001. ISBN 156718149X |
| | + | * Granger, John. ''Looking for God in Harry Potter''. SaltRiver, 2006. ISBN 978-1414306346 |
| | + | * Kahn, Hazrat Inayat. ''The Music of Life''. Omega Publications, 1998. ISBN 978-0930872380 |
| | + | * Nigg, Joe. ''Wonder Beasts: Tales and Lore of the Phoenix, the Griffin, the Unicorn, and the Dragon.'' Libraries Unlimited, 1995. ISBN 156308242X |
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| − | Phuong, the name of a female character in Graham Greene's _The Quiet American_ who seeks a marriage to a Westerner, means "Phoenix."
| + | == External links== |
| − | | + | All links retrieved March 19, 2024. |
| − | The phoenix was also famed for being a symbol of the rise and fall of [[society]], Montag and Faber in [[Ray Bradbury]]'s [[Fahrenheit 451]]. The pattern of an over complacent and abusive society's destruction yielding a fresh new start was compared to the Phoenix's [[mythological]] pattern of consumption by flame, then resurrection out of ashes.
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| − | More recently, [[J.K. Rowling]]'s [[Harry Potter]] novels feature a phoenix, named [[Fawkes]] (after [[Guy Fawkes]]). He is [[Dumbledore]]'s pet. Dumbledore's [[Patronus Charm|Patronus]] is a phoenix. The life span of this bird is unknown, though it is less than 500 years. In Harry Potter's world, phoenixes can carry enormous weights, their tears have extraordinary healing powers and their song is said to strike fear into the hearts of the impure and courage into those who are pure of heart. The wizards' wands in this world all have a magical element (i.e. a phoenix feather, a unicorn hair, dragon heartstring) at their core (surrounded by wood). Both Harry's and [[Lord Voldemort|Lord Voldemort's]] wands contain a feather from [[Dumbledore|Dumbledore's]] pet phoenix, [[Fawkes]], hence why they locked in [[Priori Incantatem#Priori Incantatem|Priori Incantatem]] when the two characters attempted to engage in a magical battle.
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| − | In Neil Gaiman's short story 'Firebird', a party of Epicureans finally answer the question of what happens when a Phoenix is roasted and eaten; you burst into flames, and 'the years burn off you'. This can kill those who are unexperienced, but those who have swallowed fire and practised with glow-worms can achieve an immensely satisfying eternal youth.
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| − | [[Sylvia Plath]] also alludes to the phoenix in the end of her famous poem "Lady Lazarus." The speaker of this poem describes her unsuccessful attempts at committing suicide not as failures, but as successful resurrections, like those described in the tales of the biblical character [[Lazarus]] and the Phoenix. By the end of the poem, the speaker has transformed into a firebird, effectively marking her rebirth, which some critics liken to a demonic transformation. The poem ends: "Out of the ash / I rise with my red hair / And I eat men like air."
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| − | In Alan Gibbons 'Legendeer' series the main character is called phoenix and is a rebirth of his great uncle Andreas and his destiny as the Legendeer. Phoenix then completes his great uncle's destiny travelling through 3 worlds of ancients myths ; Ancient Greece; Vampyrs; Norse myths. He then appears to die but it is reavelled he chose a new life/birth patrolling these myth worlds and keeping them safe.
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| − | In [[Terry Pratchett]]'s novel [[Carpe Jugulum]], the search for the phoenix forms an important, if confusing and seemingly useless, side plot.
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| − | ===Music===
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| − | * [[Transsylvania Phoenix]] is the name of a [[Romania|Romanian]] rock band with folkloric lyrics.
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| − | * The Christian rock band [[Pillar (band)|Pillar]] has a phoenix as part of their logo.
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| − | * The British band [[Queen (band)|Queen's]] logo has a picture of a Phoenix on the top part. The logo was designed by their singer, [[Freddie Mercury]].
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| − | * In the [[Elton John]] song ''Grey Seal'' a phoenix bird is mentioned: "If the phoenix bird can cry than so can I"
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| − | * Rock group [[30 Seconds to Mars]]'s official logo is the phoenix.
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| − | * [[Phoenix (band)|Phoenix]] is the name of a [[France|French]] soft pop/rock band.
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| − | * [[La Fenice]] ("The Phoenix") is a famous [[Opera]] house in [[Venice, Italy]].
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| − | * Bassist [[Dave Farrell]] of [[Linkin Park]] is also known as Phoenix.
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| − | * The alternative rock band [[Live (band)|Live]] makes reference in the song ''[[The Dolphin's Cry]]'' saying "this phoenix rises up from the ground, and all these wars are over". The Phoenix is used in this context to help symbolize the cycles of love and sexual union being reborn over and over again.
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| − | * The American hard metal band [[Bound for Glory]] in the chorus of ''The Iron Eagle Flies Again'' sings " From the fire the winged one emerges into the endless night the rubbles of old turnes to streets of gold ..."
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| − | *Fusion rock group Sol Spectre (translated "sun spirit") uses a flaming phoenix rising from from a fire as one of its emblems
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| − | *The Band [[Senses Fail]] has at the end of their song (Bite To Break Skin) the Verse. "The phoenix will die inside the firestorm"
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| − | Numerous musicians have recorded songs called that reference the Phoenix in the title:
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| − | *[[AFI (band)|AFI]]: "The Days of the Phoenix" (from the album ''[[The Art of Drowning]]'')
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| − | *[[Annihilator (band)|Annihilator]]: "Phoenix Rising" (from the album ''[[Set the World on Fire]]'')
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| − | *[[Converge]]: "Phoenix in Flight", "Phoenix in Flames" (from the album ''[[Jane Doe (album)|Jane Doe]]'')
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| − | *[[The Cult]]: "The Phoenix" (from the album ''[[Love (Cult album)|Love]]'')
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| − | *[[Dan Fogelberg]]: "Phoenix"
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| − | *[[Fortress (band)|Fortress]]: "Phoenix Rising" (from the album ''Fortress'')
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| − | *[[Headhunters]]: "Phoenix" (sung in *[[Celtic language|Celtic]]){{cn}}
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| − | *[[Kids in the Way]]: "Phoenix With a Heartache" (from the album ''[[Safe from the Losing Fight]]'')
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| − | *[[Stratovarius]]: "Phoenix" (from the album ''[[Infinite (Stratovarius album)|Infinite]]'')
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| − | *[[Thrice]]: "Phoenix Ignition" (from the album ''[[Identity Crisis (album)|Identity Crisis]]'')
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| − | *[[Robbie Williams]]: "Phoenix From the Flames" (from the album ''[[I've Been Expecting You]]'')
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| − | *[[L´ÂME IMMORTELLE]]: "Phoenix"
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| − | ===Artwork===
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| − | Sculptor Theodore Roszak used the phoenix as inspiration for his 1958 "Night Flight."
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| − | ===Automotive===
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| − | GM's [[Pontiac Firebird]] sported a huge phoenix on the hood of its car, although it came in vouge in the early seventies, it stayed as a cornerstone of the styling until the early eighties before it was phased out.
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| − | ===Phoenix trams in Brisbane, Australia===
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| − | Following a disastrous fire that destroyed the [[Paddington tram depot fire|Paddington tram depot]] in [[1962]], the [[Brisbane City Council]] constructed eight trams from material salvaged from trams destroyed in the fire. These trams featured a small picture of a phoenix underneath the [[motorman]]'s windows, to signify that these trams had "risen from the ashes".
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| − | ===Video games=== | |
| − | *In [[Ultima VII]]: Serpent Isle, the Avatar encounters a Phoenix who rewards the Avatar with a life creating Phoenix egg after the Avatar revives the Phoenix using fire. The egg is a vital ingredient in the creation of Boydon's new body.
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| − | *In the [[Final Fantasy]] series, the Phoenix appears as a summon in [[Final Fantasy V]], [[Final Fantasy VI]], [[Final Fantasy VII]], [[Final Fantasy VIII]], and [[Final Fantasy IX]]. Unlike most summons in the series, obtaining the Phoenix summon usually ties into the game's story in some way. In Final Fantasy V, the player can do a [[side-quest]] in which he or she finds King Tycoon's wyvern at the top of Phoenix Tower, barely alive. The Wyvern proceeds to sacrifice himself to Reina, King Tycoon's daughter, by diving from the tower and as he plummets toward the bottom, a phoenix rises up out of his body and grants the group his aide as a summon. In Final Fantasy VI, the character Locke, a noble thief, attempts to revive his long-lost lover Rachel, who he lost when she fell to her death in the chasm of a cave, by using the [[Magic in the Final Fantasy series#Summon Magic|magicite]] in Phoenix Cave, which is said to possess the essence of the legendary bird. The Phoenix is a legendary bird but only one lived at a time. When it was about to die it would build a fire and kill itself but a new younger Phoenix would be born. The [[down feathers|down]], or in the Japanese versions, the tail, of the Phoenix is a common product in general stores and can be used to revive dead or mortally wounded party members and destroy undead creatures.
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| − | *In [[Sonic Adventure 2]] (Battle), a phoenix is one of the small animals that you can give to your [[Chao (Sonic the Hedgehog)|chao]] to raise every stat except stamina.
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| − | *A phoenix named Peter plays an important role in Sega's game [[Shining Force II]].
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| − | *In the game [[Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal]], the main ship you fly around on is called The Phoenix a.k.a. "The pride and joy of the galaxy's fleet."
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| − | *In the [[Protoss]] Campaign found in [[StarCraft]], a main hero figure is known as [[Fenix (StarCraft)|Fenix]]. Though the spelling is different, there is a point in the storyline where as a fiery, passionate personality, he is killed in battle, but then comes back to life in a cybernetic body, thus creating the same kind of image. Sadly, the Protoss hero is yet again killed in battle after his resurrection, by [[Infested Kerrigan]].
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| − | *The phoenix can also be summoned in [[Warcraft III]], where it burns itself over time, but is continuously reborn from an egg that it leaves behind at death.
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| − | *A Phoenix, and its not-as-powerful downgrade 'Firebird,' can be recruited in the Conflux castle of [[Heroes of Might and Magic III]] (complete with upgrades). The Conflux castle is full of elementals of various types, such as earth, fire, air and water; it is reliant on magic during battle and its most powerful creature is... the Phoenix. The Phoenix actually has its own unique ability that no other creature has in HoMM, quite fittingly, it rebirths a small number of Phoenix when it dies in battle.
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| − | *In [[Golden Sun: The Lost Age]] a phoenix is a later rather hard monster that is encountered later in the game. It does not have rebirthing abilities (though it can revive other monsters) but does have some powerful fire attacks.
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| − | * In [[Lost Magic]], the Phoenix is a fiery bird in Blaze Lake which attacks with its feathers.
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| − | *In [[Age of Mythology]] and its expansion pack, the phoenix is a myth unit for the Egyptian civilization and sent to the player by the god Thoth. When it is killed, an egg is laid from which a new phoenix can be hatched as long as the egg is not destroyed.
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| − | *Phoenix was one of the characters in the 1980s computer game [[Archon (computer game)|Archon]], originally released for [[Atari 8-bit family|Atari]] but later ported for various other platforms, including Apple II, Commodore 64, Amiga and IBM PC.
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| − | *In [[Guild Wars]], Phoenix is a a spell in the Fire Magic line of magic for the profession "Elementalist". It flies out from the caster's location, burning nearby enemies, before exploding in the area of the targeted foe. Also , a stylized phoenix appears in the spell art for the Resurrection Signet, a spell that revitalizes dead party members. In addition, a Phoenix is a pet that can be found in Guild Wars: Factions.
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| − | *The [[Pokémon]] franchise includes two Pokémon which are based on the Phoenix, named [[Moltres]] and [[Ho-oh]]. The latter's name is a romanisation of the name for the [[Fenghuang|Chinese Phoenix]], ''Houou''.
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| − | *The [[Shenmue]] series includes much of the myths about the Phoenix and includes a Phoenix design carved in a stone mirror.
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| − | *In the PlayStation game [[Monster Rancher 2]], the monster Phoenix is a creature said to sleep in the volcano Kawrea. Which later on the main character will wake it up. The monster is pictured as a flaming bird with mighty Fire magic such as Fire Beam and Fire Wave. The main character can produce Phoenix by combining two monster with a Phoenix Feather (found in Kawrea Volcano). Later then, the main character can produce Phoenixs from CDs.
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| − | * In the PlayStation game [[Mega Man X6]], one of the eight main [[Maverick (Mega Man)|Maverick]] boss characters named [[Blaze Heatnix]] is a flaming bird [[Reploid]] and uses fire and magma attacks.
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| − | * In the [[Game Boy Advance]] game [[Mega Man Zero 2]], one of the bosses of the game is named ''Phoenix Magnion'' and has fire based abilaties.
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| − | * In [[MegaMan Battle Network 5]], a Giga Chip can be bought at Higsby's store: in Protoman, it is Death Phoenix, and in Colonel, just regular Phoenix. Death Phoenix summoned dark worm-like objects to attack the foe, then summon the last Navi used. Phoenix rained fire on the opponent, then healed you with the healing powers of the Phoenix.
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| − | * The [[Nintendo DS]] game [[Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney]], and its sequel [[Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Justice for All]], star a rookie [[defense attorney]] of the same name who, like his namesake, is able to "rise from the ashes" of certain defeat to turn cases around. The first game's final episode is also called "Rise from the Ashes" in reference to this. | + | *[http://www.egyptianmyths.net/phoenix.htm Phoenix (Bennu, Benu)] ''Ancient Egypt: The Mythology'' |
| − | | + | *[https://www.abdn.ac.uk/bestiary/ms24/f55r Phoenix] ''The Aberdeen Bestiary'' |
| − | * In the [[MMOG]] [[EVE Online]], the Caldari Dreadnought is named Phoenix.
| + | *[https://bestiary.ca/beasts/beast149.htm Phoenix] ''The Medieval Bestiary'' |
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| − | * In [[The Legend of Zelda]] series, a Phoenix is often seen as the emblem representing the kingdom of "Hyrule". This emblem can be seen respectively in the series 3 dimensional itterations, excluding [[Majora's Mask]]. In [[Ocarina of Time]] it can be seen in numerous locations throughout the game but more specifically on the Hylian Shield as adult [[Link (The Legend of Zelda)|Link]], below the Triforce mark that is above its beak. In [[The Wind Waker]] it can be seen throughout numerous locations where Link obtains the Triforce charts. This Phoenix can be said to represent how [[Hyrule]] is constantly thrown into darkness, only to be reborn once more when Link defeats the evil that haunts it.
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| − | * In [[Gears of War]], the protagonist is named [[Marcus Fenix]], with the last name pronounced the same as the bird.
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| − | * In [[Escape Velocity Nova]], the Phoenix and the Firebird are two types of Auroran fighter.
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| − | * In Bloody Roar Primal Fury/Extreme, Cronos, one of the new characters introduced into the series, has two beast forms. His first is a penguin, but his Hyperbeast form is a tall, vicious phoenix that uses various flame attacks, and sets fires wherever he walks. It should be noticed he has 4 wings in this form, and they even seem to leave a colorful trail when he flies. This beastform is also considered one of, if not, the most powerful beast in the series (second to maybe Ryoho's Dragon form and Uranus' Chimera form).
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| − | ===Film and TV===
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| − | In the daytime soap opera ''[[Dark Shadows]]'', the character of Laura Murdoch Collins returns to Collinsport, Maine after a ten-year absence to gain custody of her son from her estranged husband, Roger. It is revealed that Laura is an "immortal phoenix" in human form and is nearly at the end of her 100-year lifespan, as she is granted in this storyline. To make a successful completion of the reincarnation process, she must bring another person - her son - into the fire with her. The character of Laura the phoenix is reincarnated a few times into the plotlines of the show, with later episodes showing her to be a worshipper of the god [[Ra]], which may explain the lack of survivors of those she brings into the fire with her, reframing her victims as a divine sacrifice for favor and power rather than as companions for eternity.
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| − | In the ''[[Star Trek]]'' universe, ''[[Phoenix (Star Trek)|Phoenix]]'' is the name given to the first man-made spacecraft to travel faster than light. It is named ''Phoenix'' because in the Star Trek timeline, the Earth was still recovering from the ravages of [[World War Three]], and represents a reborn and bright future for humanity.
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| − | Also, there was a Fereration Starship called the U.S.S. Phoenix, commanded by Capt. Benjamin Maxwell. This ship went rogue, destroying several Cardassian ships and stations.
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| − | In the animated series [[Conan the Adventurer]] Needle is Conan's fledgling phoenix sidekick. He possesses the ability to enter flat surfaces and magically transforms into a phoenix design (although he needs his magical tail feathers to accomplish this feat, and loses this power if he loses one of them.) He spent most of his time inside Conan's shield. Needle speaks in the third person giving others nicknames (i.e. he calls Conan "big dumb barbarian") and loves to eat pomegranates. He eventually learns how to harness his full power and aid Conan in battle. When in public Needle, who has the ability to speak, is often asked to impersonate a parrot in order to not arouse suspicion, an act which he greatly resents.
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| − | In the movie, ''[[The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe]]'', based on the book ''[[The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe]]'' by [[C. S. Lewis]], a phoenix bursts into flame and flies low over the grass in front of the White Witch's lines, to make a wall of flame to guard Peter's retreat to safer ground.
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| − | In the ''[[Yu-Gi-Oh!]]'' Trading Card Game, one of the more popular cards is called Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys, and has what is fundamentally a phoenix-like "rebirth" power-whenever it is destroyed by some sort of card effect, it is revived from the Graveyard (discard pile). It is worth noting that [[Nephthys]] is an Egyptian goddess, drawing on the Egyptian symbolism and theme of the ''Yu-Gi-Oh!'' franchise. It is one of the rare 2-Tribute monsters restricted to one per deck, and veterans consider it (alongside the other restricted Tribute) to be one of the few 2-Tribute monsters worth playing competitively.
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| − | Also in ''Yu-Gi-Oh!'', the Egyptian God card, [[The Winged Dragon of Ra]], has the power to transform into a Phoenix. In its Phoenix form, Ra can destroy all enemy monsters at the cost of 1000 Life Points. However, this power can only be used if Ra is first revived from the Graveyard.
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| − | In the anime series ''[[Beyblade]]'', characters battle using a form of spinning top, many of which contain "bit-beasts" which are based on animals including mythological creatures. One such bit-beast is named Dranzer and is based on the Phoenix.
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| − | In the ''[[Harry Potter]]'' series of books and movies, [[Albus Dumbledore]] has a phoenix called Fawkes as a pet. Fawkes also has the ability to carry tremendous weight and to swallow killing curses. His tears also have healing properties, demonstrated in two books (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets)
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| − | In the [[Super Sentai]] and [[Power Rangers]] franchises, there have been many [[mecha]] and [[Zord]]s based off of the phoenix.
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| − | * In ''[[Gosei Sentai Dairanger]]'' (footage used in the second season of ''[[Mighty Morphin Power Rangers]]''), the HououRanger controlled Legendary Chi Beast Star Phoenix, which became the Pink Power Ranger's Firebird Thunderzord was based upon the phoenix. However, both of these are based off of the [[Fenghuang|Chinese phoenix]].
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| − | * In ''[[Chouriki Sentai Ohranger]]'' (footage used in ''[[Power Rangers: Zeo]]''), OhRed piloted the SkyPhoenix, which became Zeo Ranger V – Red's Zeozord V.
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| − | * In ''[[Seijuu Sentai Gingaman]]'' (footage used in ''[[Power Rangers: Lost Galaxy]]''), the mecha GigaPhoenix was at one time StarBeast GigaPhoenix a blue phoenix before it was mechanized. This became the Stratoforce Megazord which was formally the Phoenix Galactabeast before it became a [[zord]].
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| − | * In ''[[Mahou Sentai Magiranger]]'' (footage used in ''[[Power Rangers: Mystic Force]]'') MagiRed's power comes from the Phoenix and had both a Majin (humanoid) and Majuu (animal) Phoenix form, entitled MagiPhoenix and MagiFirebird (the latter is based on the Chinese phoenix). These forms became the Red Mystic Ranger's Mystic Phoenix and Mystic Firebird Mystic Titan forms.
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| − | In the ''X-Men'' series, the character [[Jean Grey]], who was thought to have perished, eventually resurfaces as the new character Phoenix. In the film series, the second movie ends with Jean Grey's apparent death, followed by the third film resurrecting her as Phoenix. Note that in the end of the second movie, a bird-like shadow is seen underwater when Jean Grey supposedly dies, giving any X-Men fans a sign of what's to come.
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| − | In the anime version of the game "Monster Rancher" a boy named Genki gets sucked into his favorite game, so he and some new friends go in search for the Phoenix, the only creature that is powerful enough to stop the evil Moo from taking complete control of their world.
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| − | In [[Fantasia 2000]], a Phoenix-like [[fire bird]] comes alive to the music of [[The Firebird]] Suite by [[Igor Stravinsky]].
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| − | In the Japanese anime series Saint Seiya, one of the Bronze Saints is under the armor of the Phoenix, and named Ikki of Phoenix.
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| − | In the game Perfect Dark, one of the Mian weapons is called the Phoenix. It emits a high energy laser or may be changed into a highly destructive explosive shell.
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| − | ===Comics===
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| − | In the canon of comic author [[Osamu Tezuka]] the phoenix is often featured as both a literal and symbolic character. Most prominently in the 12 volume series [[Phoenix (manga)|Hi no Tori]] in which the phoenix is an all knowing cosmic force which connects the string of cultural, physical, and spiritual deaths, rebirths, reincarnations and transmigrations throughout the series.
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| − | The [[X-Men]] comics' most famous and successful story arc featured the fabled Phoenix Force merging with the dying X-Men mutant [[Jean Grey]] in order to pilot a shuttle down from space. Through Jean's empathic abilities and highly-tuned senses the sentient Phoenix experienced incredible [[sensations]] and emotions never before felt, this caused it to become corrupt and refused to leave Jean's body. This heralded the Dark Phoenix saga which saw the X-men battling the nearly limitless power of the Phoenix force. It led to Jean Grey sacrificing herself to save the world from destruction. Although not truly a Phoenix, Jean Grey symbolized the essence of a Phoenix when she rose from the ashes, or the dead, later on in the comics. The Phoenix Force later merged with Jean Grey's daughter (from an alternate future), [[Rachel Summers]], who also died and later came back to life.
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| − | In the classic [[anime]] franchise, ''[[Science Ninja Team Gatchaman]]'', the most spectacular power the [[superhero]] has is the ability to temporarily transform their aircraft, ''The God Phoenix'' in a massive phoenix like bird of flame to escape danger.
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| − | ==Demonolatry==
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| − | In the practice of [[Demonolatry]] one [[demon]] is called Flereous and referred to as "The Phoenix who Rises From the Ashes."
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| − | == External links==
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| − | {{commonscat|Phoenix}}
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| − | *[http://www.abdn.ac.uk/bestiary/translat/55r.hti Entry for the Phoenix in The Aberdeen Bes] | |
| − | *[http://www.pheonix-az.com/Pheonix_Bird.htm Mythical Phoenix History] | |
| − | *[http://www.eaudrey.com/myth/phoenix.htm General description, with Ancient References]
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| − | {{Credit1|Phoenix_(mythology)|93996420|}} | + | {{Credits|Phoenix_(mythology)|93996420|Bennu|97848783|Huma_(mythology)|95163989|}} |
The phoenix from the Aberdeen Bestiary.
The phoenix, or phœnix as it is sometimes spelled, has been an enduring mythological symbol for millennia and across vastly different cultures. Despite such varieties of societies and times, the phoenix is consistently characterized as a bird with brightly colored plumage, which, after a long life, dies in a fire of its own making only to rise again from the ashes. From religious and naturalistic symbolism in ancient Egypt, to a secular symbol for armies, communities, and even societies, as well as an often-used literary symbol, this mythical bird's representation of death and rebirth seems to resonate with humankind's aspirations.
General Description
Although many cultures have their own interpretation of the phoenix, the differences in nuance are overshadowed by the mythical creature's more homogeneous characteristics. The phoenix is always a bird, usually having plumage of colors corresponding to fire: yellow, orange, red, and gold. The most universal characteristic is the bird's ability to resurrect. Living a long life (the exact age can vary from five hundred to over a thousand years), the bird dies in a self-created fire, burning into a pile of ashes, from which a phoenix chick is born, representing a cyclical process of life from death. Because it is reborn from its own death, the phoenix also took on the characteristics of regeneration and immortality.
Did you know?
Diverse cultures include variations on the phoenix, a bird with the ability to be reborn
Mythical Origins
Egyptian
The earliest representation of the phoenix is found in the ancient Egyptian Bennu bird, the name relating to the verb “weben,” meaning “to rise brilliantly,” or “to shine.” Some researchers believe that a now extinct large heron was a possible real life inspiration for the Bennu. However, since the Bennu, like all the other versions of the phoenix, is primarily a symbolic icon, the many mythical sources of the Bennu in ancient Egyptian culture reveal more about the civilization than the existence of a real bird.
One version of the myth says that the Bennu bird burst forth from the heart of Osiris. In the more prevalent myths, the Bennu created itself from a fire that was burned on a holy tree in one of the sacred precincts of the temple of Ra. The Bennu was supposed to have rested on a sacred pillar that was known as the benben-stone. At the end of its life-cycle, the phoenix would build itself a nest of cinnamon twigs that it then ignited; both nest and bird burned fiercely and would be reduced to ashes, from which a new, young phoenix arose. The new phoenix embalmed the ashes of the old phoenix in an egg made of myrrh and deposited it in the Egyptian city of Heliopolis ("the city of the sun" in Greek).
The Bennu was pictured as a grey, purple, blue, or white heron with a long beak and a two-feathered crest. Occasionally it was depicted as a yellow wagtail, or as an eagle with feathers of red and gold. In rare instances the Bennu was pictured as a man with the head of a heron, wearing a white or blue mummy dress under a transparent long coat. Because of its connection to Egyptian religion, the Bennu was considered the “soul” of the god Atum, Ra, or Osiris, and was sometimes called “He Who Came Into Being by Himself,” “Ascending One,” and “Lord of Jubilees.” These names and the connection with Ra, the sun god, reflected not just the ancient Egyptian belief in a spiritual continuation of life after physical death, but also reflected the natural process of the Nile River's rising and falling, which the Egyptians depended upon for survival. The Bennu also became closely connected to the Egyptian calendar, and the Egyptians kept intricate time measuring devices in the Bennu Temple.
Persian
The Huma, also known as the "bird of paradise," is a Persian mythological bird, similar to the Egyptian phoenix. It consumes itself in fire every few hundred years, only to rise anew from the ashes. The Huma is considered to be a compassionate bird and its touch is said to bring great fortune.
The Huma bird joins both the male and female natures together in one body, each sharing a wing and a leg. It avoids killing for food, rather preferring to feed on carrion. The Persians teach that great blessings come to that person on whom the Huma's shadow falls.[1]
According to Sufi master Hazrat Inayat Kahn,
The word huma in the Persian language stands for a fabulous bird. There is a belief that if the huma bird sits for a moment on someone's head it is a sign that he will become a king. Its true meaning is that when a person's thoughts evolve so that they break all limitation, he then becomes a king. It is the limitation of language that it can only describe the Most High as something like a king.[2]
Greek
The Greeks adapted the word bennu and identified it with their own word phoenix 'φοινιξ', meaning the color purple-red or crimson. They and the Romans subsequently pictured the bird more like a peacock or an eagle. According to Greek mythology, the phoenix lived in Arabia next to a well. At dawn, it bathed in the water of the well, and the Greek sun-god Apollo stopped his chariot (the sun) in order to listen to its song.
Oriental
The phoenix (known as Garuda in Sanskrit) is the mystical fire bird which is considered as the chariot of the Hindu god Vishnu. Its reference can be found in the Hindu epic Ramayana.
In China, the phoenix is called Feng-huang and symbolizes completeness, incorporating the basic elements of music, colors, nature, as well as the joining of yin and yang. It is a symbol of peace, and represents fire, the sun, justice, obedience, and fidelity. The Feng-huang, unlike the phoenix which dies and is reborn, is truly immortal although it only appears in times of peace and prosperity.[3]
Judaism and Christianity
In Judaism, the phoenix is known as Milcham or Chol (or Hol): The story of the phoenix begins in the Garden of Eden when Eve fell, tempted by the serpent to eat the forbidden fruit. According to the Midrash Rabbah, upset by her situation and jealous of creatures still innocent, Eve tempted all the other creatures of the garden to do the same. Only the Chol (phoenix) resisted. As a reward, the phoenix was given eternal life, living in peace for a thousand years and then being reborn from an egg to continue to live in peace again, repeating the cycle eternally (Gen. Rabbah 19:5). Rabbi Shlomo Yitzhaki, better known as Rashi, commented that death has no power over the phoenix, "because it did not taste the fruit from the tree of knowledge."[4]
The phoenix also appears in the Book of Job: "I shall multiply my days as the Chol, the phoenix" (Job 29:18), again indicating long life if not immortality. This reference, however, is controversial since chol has been translated as phoenix, sand, and palm tree in different versions.[5]
The phoenix became a symbol of Christianity in early literature, either from the ancient Hebrew legend or from the incorporation of Greek and Roman culture, or from a combination of both. In any case, the ideology of the phoenix fit perfectly with the story of Christ. The phoenix's resurrection from death as new and pure can be viewed as a metaphor for Christ's resurrection, central to Christian belief. The phoenix is referenced by the early Christian Apostolic Father Clement in The First Epistle of Clement to the Corinthians. Most of the Christian-based phoenix symbolism appears within works of literature, especially in Medieval and Renaissance Christian literature that combined classical and regional myth and folklore with more mainstream doctrine.
Heraldry
Rinasce piu gloriosa ("It rises again more glorious").
The phoenix does not appear as a heraldic figure as often as other mythical creatures. However, it has appeared on family crests and shields throughout time, usually depicted as an eagle surrounded, but not hurt, by flames. Jane Seymour's heraldic badge includes a phoenix rising from a castle, between two red and white Tudor roses.[6] Some cities in Europe use the phoenix in their municipal emblem to denote the one-time destruction and consequent rebuilding of the city, connecting to the image of resurrection inherent in the phoenix.
Phoenix, Arizona was named such because it was a frontier station settled upon the ruins of a Native American site. The first European inhabitants decided to name their city in concurrence with the idea that from the ruins of one city, another was created.
Literature
A reborn Phoenix, rising from its ashes.
The phoenix no longer appears significantly in any religious or cultural truths. However, the image is still used in literature, perhaps because of all the mythical creatures from antiquity, the phoenix is the one that frequently expresses an enduring sense of hope and redemption. Its beauty is not as otherworldly as most of the other creatures in myth, and its symbolism is conveyed with a profound subtlety when used in literature.
William Shakespeare made one of the most prominent references in both his plays The Tempest, incorporating a number of other mythical creatures but placing the phoenix separate and above the rest, and in Timon of Athens, when a senator metaphorically calls Timon "a naked gull, which flashes now a phoenix." In other works of Renaissance literature, the phoenix is said to have been eaten as the rarest of dishes—for only one was alive at any one time. Ben Jonson, in Volpone (1605) writes: "could we get the phœnix, though nature lost her kind, shee were our dish."
Sylvia Townsend Warner's 1940 short story "The Phoenix" satirized the exploitation of nature using a phoenix maltreated in a carnival sideshow, revealing the modern preference for violence and sensationalism over beauty and dignity. The majesty of Eudora Welty's classic 1941 short story “A Worn Path” employs the phoenix as the name of the major and virtually sole character of a sparsely written, yet rich story of regeneration and the South.
Edith Nesbit's famous children's novel, The Phoenix and the Carpet is based on this legendary creature and its quirky friendship with a family of children. The phoenix was also famed for being a symbol of the rise and fall of society in Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451. The pattern of an over complacent and abusive society's destruction yielding a fresh new start was compared to the phoenix's mythological pattern of consumption by flame, then resurrection out of ashes.
Sylvia Plath also alludes to the phoenix in the end of her famous poem Lady Lazarus. The speaker of this poem describes her unsuccessful attempts at committing suicide not as failures, but as successful resurrections, like those described in the tales of the biblical character Lazarus and the phoenix. By the end of the poem, the speaker has transformed into a fire bird, effectively marking her rebirth, which some critics liken to a demonic transformation. The poem ends: "Out of the ash / I rise with my red hair / And I eat men like air."
More recently, Harry Potter series author J.K. Rowlings has used a phoenix as a central symbol in her stories. While the Harry Potter series has drawn some controversy from the Christian community, Rowling's use of other classical mythical beasts and her classical literature background suggests that she is using the phoenix as a Christian symbol of purification and resurrection.[7]
Notes
- ↑ Naosherwan Anzar (transl.), The Master Sings, Meher Baba's Ghazals (Zeno Publishing Services, 1981). On-line edition, May 28, 1995. Retrieved March 19, 2024.
- ↑ Hazrat Inayat Kahn, The Music of Life (Omega Publications, 1998, ISBN 978-0930872380).
- ↑ Mark Schumacher, Phoenix Japanese Buddhist Statuary. Retrieved March 19, 2024.
- ↑ Harry Rozenberg, http://countdowntothemessiah.com/Research/Legends_Phoenix/Phoenix_Legend.html Phoenix in the Torah Sefaria. Retrieved March 19, 2024.
- ↑ George Sajo, Phoenix on the top of the palm tree: Multiple interpretations of Job 29:18 Silva de varia leccion, August 2, 2005. Retrieved March 19, 2024.
- ↑ Queen Jane Seymour Heraldry of the Tudors. Retrieved March 19, 2024.
- ↑ John Granger, Looking for God in Harry Potter (Saltriver, 2006, ISBN 978-1414306346).
References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees
- Conway, D. J. Magickal Mystical Creatures: Invite Their Powers Into Your Life. Llewellyn Publications, 2001. ISBN 156718149X
- Granger, John. Looking for God in Harry Potter. SaltRiver, 2006. ISBN 978-1414306346
- Kahn, Hazrat Inayat. The Music of Life. Omega Publications, 1998. ISBN 978-0930872380
- Nigg, Joe. Wonder Beasts: Tales and Lore of the Phoenix, the Griffin, the Unicorn, and the Dragon. Libraries Unlimited, 1995. ISBN 156308242X
External links
All links retrieved March 19, 2024.
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