The Town Herald

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The Legend of the Phoenix

by [Mordigen]


The Legend of the Phoenix
a brief history of mythology

The Phoenix is one of the most well-known and well respected myths and legends. It has been seen worldwide, spanning cultures, countries, languages and traditions of all kinds. It is one of the very few creatures of myth that can be found in any culture at any time. The Phoenix, acompanied by its consort, the Dragon, is a lofty and sacred creature in Asian cultures and histories and is often masked in the renowned "ying yang" symbol. While the Dragon represents the male or masculine energies, the Phoenix represents the female or feminine energies. This pair of mythological beings can also be found in folklore around the world, from European myth to Egyptian Hieroglyphs, and in native American and tribal legends worldwide.

The classical legend is the tale of a mighty bird, massive in size, and glorious to look upon, adorned with feathers like the sun, that is ancient, sacred, and holds immense knowledge and wisdom. It continues to grow in what may be considered a rapid time frame, until it reaches death or is struck down, as legend goes, to ash. It is then said that the Phoenix's ashes become inflamed, and is reborn anew from within the flames. Though the appearance of the bird itself varies in small details, the most well-known and well recognized is that of a graceful, long-necked bird bearing a close resemblance to a peacock or bird of paradise, or a cross between the two. Interestingly enough, however, the first records of the story of the Phoenix were collected from Egypt, which stated that the bird originated from Arabia and resembled an eagle. Though every culture may have there own take on the mythical bird, the story of rebirth never seems to falter.

Over time the Phoenix has become a sacred symbol of life, death, rebirth and resurrection and has-- most understandably-- been connected with the sun and fire. In some old Catholic scriptures from the time of the crusades, the sacred bird was often connected with the devil, as it was "immortal, unable to be slain and bearing the inferno of hell upon its wing." Luckily, this darker, more menacing image of the Phoenix never caught on, and it is looked upon today as a source of enlightenment and inspiration, in spiritual beliefs, art, literature and cultural legends.
-[Mordigen]







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