Mythological Beauty

The Phoenix is a legendary, beautiful, brightly colored bird of great size. Its plumage
resembles the flames it rises from upon its rebirth, combining orange, red, and bright
violet hues. Phoenix beak and claws are blue-violet. Its eyes glow a deep ruby red. 

In many myths and legends, the Phoenix symbolizes rebirth and are considered noble
creatures. They are said to have an extraordinarily long life span, living anywhere
from 1,000 to 12,000 years. When the time comes for the Phoenix to die, it goes far
up into the mountains and builds a nest of herbs and straw. It settles into the nest
and takes a last look at the world around it, immolates itself, and rises from the ashes
renewed and young. 

The Phoenix is known in the folklore of many countries. In China, it symbolizes the
Empress, and is second only to the dragon as the most respected creature of legend.
The Greeks and Romans had their version of the Phoenix, which was seen as a type
of peacock or eagle, except for the brilliant plumage. In Egypt, it was envisioned as more
like the flamingo, while the Russians depicted it as a fire bird.  Jewish tales say the
Phoenix was the only creature that did not join Adam when he was banished from Eden. 

The Phoenix is universally considered a champion of good, and a truly magical creature.
They are generally reclusive, but will occasionally work with honorable wizards and
magicians for some greater good. The Phoenix abhors evil, and will not associate with
anyone without honor and goodness. According to folkloric tales, the Phoenix does not
actively seek out evil to destroy, but will not pass up the opportunity to destroy evil
when it presents itself. Also, no matter which story you read, the Phoenix is always the
symbol for creation from destruction, in spite of differences in beliefs or ideology.

The Phoenix was believed to be almost immortal, being able to heal itself of any hurt or
wound inflicted by an enemy. Legends add that the tears of the Phoenix heal any wound
and counteract poisons.

Early Christian art, literature, and symbolism use the Phoenix as a symbol of Christ, due
to the parallels between the two of death, resurrection, and rebirth. Early Christian writers
justified themselves by quoting Psalms 92:12, where the word Phoenix appears, not as a
description of the bird, but in reference to a palm tree. 

The Phoenix is still a prominent figure in today’s society, being the central image in the
seals and flags of San Francisco, Atlanta, and Phoenix, Arizona. The city of Phoenix
was also named for the legendary bird, as it has had its share of disasters to overcome
in the course of its history, and has risen from each to become one of the largest
metropolitan areas in the US.
The bird was a favorite of Shakespeare in the middle ages, and has made a comeback
in 20th century literature. Many of our contemporary authors such as D.H Lawrence,
C.S. Lewis, Ray Bradbury, and J.K.Rowling have incorporated the Phoenix into their
books in some way. Like dragons, the Phoenix has come full circle into a renewed
popularity in literature and modern imagery. Unlike dragons, the beautiful bird has not
had to fight to regain its good reputation, but remains as it has always been a beautiful
and mysterious symbol of good and virtue called simply the Phoenix.