Phoenix (mythology)

The phoenix is a mythological bird. Its most well-known characteristic is its unusual life cycle. The phoenix ages extremely slowly, with most versions describing it as living for centuries or even thousands of years. Furthermore, when the phoenix dies, it is reborn and begins its life again as a chick. Because of this trait, the phoenix has become a widespread symbol of rebirth, new beginnings, the balance of life and death, or the seasons.

The term “phoenix” comes from a Greek word that describes a blend of red and purple, which matches the coloration of the bird’s feathers. It is believed that people in Greece, northern Africa, and the Middle East have been aware of the myth of the phoenix for thousands of years.

The myth has endured throughout the centuries and has been passed on to later cultures and religions. In modern times, the phoenix remains a well-known symbol.

Background

As is common in mythology, certain aspects of the phoenix differ depending on the account. This includes questions as broad as the myth’s origin. Stories involving the phoenix date back to at least the sixth century BCE. Records that are unclear to modern researchers, incomplete, or simply lost to time make it difficult to determine an exact date. Another unanswered question is where the myth began. The phoenix or phoenix-like creatures were depicted in ancient Greece and Egypt and on the Arabian Peninsula. However, debate exists as to whether they are connected and which came first.

Most versions of the legend describe the phoenix as a creature with many admirable traits—it is peaceful, wise, selfless, and loyal. While specifics differ, many stories tell of the creature living in some form of utopia. While the phoenix enjoys a peaceful life, eventually it feels the effects of age. Exactly when this happens also varies depending on the account. The most commonly stated phoenix lifespan is five hundred years, but in at least one story, the phoenix lasts more than one thousand years before its resurrection. When it reaches the point that its age is a burden, it flies to the mortal realm. According to some versions, it stops to gather spices such as cinnamon and myrrh. When it arrives at its destination, it uses these spices and other materials to build a nest. In some accounts, this destination was Heliopolis in Egypt, the city of the sun.

The process of the phoenix’s death and rebirth is also not the same in all accounts. The one that has endured involves the phoenix and its nest bursting into flames, eventually burning to ash. A newborn phoenix then rises from the ashes after a period of time (three days is common). It then uses the myrrh to create an egg, in which it gathers the ashes of its previous life for proper entombment. In other versions, the phoenix is not associated with fire at all. Once its body decomposes, a newborn emerges from its remnants.

Impact

According to the Greek historian Herodotus, the phoenix originated in Egypt. Evidence exists indicating that the ancient Egyptians worshipped a bird deity known as the Bennu, which was said to resemble a heron. It was associated with the Egyptian sun god Ra and was a symbol of rebirth. Some researchers believe that a local species of flamingo may have inspired the phoenix myth. Their coloration, combined with distortion in the air during hot Egyptian days, could create the illusion of flames around the birds and their nests.

Another theory is that the similarities between the phoenix and the Bennu are coincidental and the phoenix myth began in Greece. Through Greek writings, the myth spread in the Middle East and Europe and was eventually referenced in both Judaism and Christianity.

The phoenix appears in multiple stories in the Jewish Talmud. One takes place in the Garden of Eden. Eve, having eaten the forbidden fruit, offers some to all the other animals in the garden. The phoenix is the only one to obey God’s command and refuse the fruit. When God banished Adam and Eve and the other animals from the garden, the phoenix was allowed to stay and was granted immortality as a reward for its obedience. A story in the Talmud also mentions the phoenix on Noah’s Ark. It again displays its nobility and selflessness, not demanding food because it knew Noah was overwhelmed with the task of feeding other animals.

The phoenix is common in Christian artwork. Its association with resurrection has led many Christians to adopt it as a symbol. Christians relate the phoenix to the death and resurrection of Jesus. Furthering the connection are the phoenix’s nature as a wise, loyal being that only temporarily lives in the mortal world before returning to utopia.

The phoenix has become the subject of common phrases and expressions. When a person or group has been through adversity or tragedy but goes on to find success or hope, the scenario is frequently described as “rising from the ashes.” A speaker may even reference the phoenix by name when making the comparison. Some organizations use the phoenix as their logo.

The phoenix has also influenced modern popular culture. One of the most popular storylines in the X-Men franchise involves a major character dying, only to be reborn stronger than ever. It is revealed that she was rescued by a cosmic entity that manifests as a fiery bird. This is a rare example of a phoenix associated with negative traits, as it is revealed that the entity has a violent, destructive nature and comes to be called the Dark Phoenix.

The phoenix is one of many magical creatures that inhabit the world of Harry Potter. One phoenix named Fawkes appears frequently throughout the series. As in mythology, Fawkes is extremely loyal, courageous, and intelligent and on multiple occasions displays more power than surrounding characters expect. Fawkes goes through a cycle of dying a fiery death and resurrecting, and his tears have the power to heal wounds.

Bibliography

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