Jul 1, 2010

History of the Phoenix

History of the Phoenix

The History of the Phoenix is from not one particular mythology as you may think. Many people believe it to have derived from the Greek mythologies but instead it has roots in Greek, Arabic and Egyptian mythology, and unlike most varying mythologies on a particular subject they all share the same understanding and are not differing. In all of the mythologies the "Phoenix" stands as a symbol of immortality, resurrection and life after death. For a better understanding of the varying meanings that the bird has had to varying cultures.

Appearance: The Phoenix is breathtaking to say the least. Its large size only enhances its beauty, as it soars and dives in the sky. Its feathers are composed entirely of fire; its tail feathers orange and deep yellow, and its body mostly dark orange, red and crimson. Other then the feathers of fire, the Phoenix has other defining features. The huge talons are razor sharp and could easily skewer several men. They are quite comparable to the front legs of the Griffon, only they are in the more traditional place of birds. The talons themselves are about a half-foot long, three curved claws in front, and one larger jagged claw in the back. Another defining feature of the Bird of Flames is its head. The long and slender beak looks very traditional to most large birds, but its eyes are a much different story. They are deep set and shine of an intelligence that is undeniable, which is truly remarkable. There is no doubt that the majestic beast has hidden origins, an even more mysterious present, and a shrouded future.

The Classical Phoenix is perhaps the best known. The Phoenix's true home is in Arabia, near a cool well. At dawn every morning the Phoenix would sing a song so beautiful that even Apollo would stop to listen. This Phoenix lives anywhere from 500-1461 years (according to different people) When it is near death it builds a pyre of myrrh and other spices , and sets it own fire and is burned by the flames. The new phoenix from the ashes takes the remains of its predecessor, embalms them in an egg of myrrh and takes them to the city of the sun Heliopolis , to deposits them on the altar of the sun god. There only exists one phoenix at any given time. A symbolic representation of the Death and rebirth of the sun or just the sun. Some legends tell of the phoenix rising from the ashes after three days. It is also described as being either eagle like or heron like. It lives on dew, killing nothing and crushing nothing that it touches. Generally considered the king of birds. It has alternatively been called the bird of the sun, of Assyria, of Arabia, of the Ganges, the long-lived bird and the Egyptian bird. The earliest reference to the Phoenix was made by Hesiod in the 8th century B.C., but the most detailed account is by Heroditus. The Phoenix is associated with the sun god Apollo.
According to Hesiod the phoenix lives 972 generations of 33 years each. That would point the birth of the phoenix at the same moment that all the stars return to their starting positions and begin a new orbit in an eternal cycle. This is spoken of as the Great Year. Spoken plainly, the phoenix was a mirror of the universe.

The phoenix bird symbolizes immortality, resurrection and life after death. In ancient Greek and Egyptian mythology, it is associated with the sun god. According to the Greeks, the bird lives in Arabia, near a cool well. Every morning at dawn, the sun god would stop his chariot to listen to the bird sing a beautiful song while it bathed in the well.


Today's Phoenix

Todays Phoenix bird symbolizes immortality and resurrection, and rising from the ashes to start a new beginning.
The firey bird rising from the ashes is a classic symbol of life and freedom and self-determination: nothing in this world can ever stop the phoenix.
The Phoenix gives us strength to carry on, and the will to succeed.


"Too all that dream, and all that dare
To see the beauty of land, sea and air
Nothing shall ye ever spy
As wondrous as the Phoenix in the sky

Too all who think, and all that ponder
The ways of things on this earth we wonder
The one thing ye shall never know
Is: To what home does the Phoenix go?

Too all that pray, and believe in too
something so merciful, pure and true
A brighter sign there shall never be
Then the mighty Phoenix over the sea

Too all that live a life of good
Your deeds of love will come back; as they should
A happy life shall be yours to take away
When the Phoenix comes with the break of day

Too all that walk the path of dark
My next words ye would do well to mark
For your deeds of evil, ye shall be burnt in flame
And your actions shall be meet with untold of pain

To Human, Elf, Dwarf and all
To every creature great and small
The Phoenix is many things; in future now and history
And though every person has their say, The Phoenix stays a mystery"

The Phoenix
He know's his time is out! and doth provide
New principles of life; herb he brings dried
From the hot hills, and with rich spices frames
A pile shall burn, and Hatch him with his flames.

On this the weakling sits; salutes the Sun
With pleasant noise, and prays and begs for some
Of his own fire , that quickly may restore
The youth and vigor, which he had before.
Whom soon as Phoebis spies, stopping his rays

He makes a stand, and thus allays his pains.......
He shakes his locks, and from his golden head,
Shoots on bright beam, which smites with vital fire

The willing bird; to burn is his desire.
That he may live again; he's proud in death,
And goes in haste to gain a better breath.
The spice heape fired with celestial rays
Doth burn the aged phoenix , when straight stays
The Chariot of the amazed Moon; the pole
Resists the wheeling, swift orbs, and the whole
Fabric of Nature at a stand remains.
Till the old bird anew, young begins again.

- Claudian

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