What is The Phoenix?
A phoenix is a mythical bird that likely originated in ancient Egypt or the Middle East. However, other cultures, including the Greeks, Chinese, Hindus, and others, have similar stories about supernatural birds. The phoenix is an ancient mythical bird, it’s symbolism and mythology still intrigue us today. The inspiration for the stories and the artwork date back to at least 1500 BC with the phoenix symbolising rebirth, renewal, immortality, healing and the eternal fire.
Origins
The phoenix legend likely originated in ancient Egypt however, some scholars argue the source of the first mentions being in ancient Greece. Most suggest it was inspired by an Egyptian avian deity named Bennu.
According to Egyptian legends, Bennu was a creator deity. As the stories go, he flew over the waters of Nun, which were the waters of total chaos, and landed on a rock. Upon landing on the rock, Bennu let out a primordial cry, which marked the beginning of the end of the chaos.
The ancient Greeks were inspired by the ancient Egyptians, and vice versa. So, it is likely that the Greeks based their myths about the phoenix on Bennu or other stories of supernatural Egyptian birds.
For the Greeks, the phoenix symbolized immortality and regeneration. However, the magical bird was not as powerful as the gods themselves. In the 6th century BC, the poet Hesiod authored the epic poem The Precepts of Chiron.
Across the globe and throughout time.
Across time and around the world, a number of cultures and faiths have stories about phoenix-like birds. These fabled birds may have common or totally separate roots.
According to Persian legends, the simurgh looked like peacock yet had a dog’s head and a lion’s claws. The Simurgh is a benevolent bird is often equated to the phoenix.
The phoenix dazzled the Roman Empire. They saw the immortal phoenix as an ideal symbol for the reign of their Empire with Rome coming to be known as the Eternal City. The Romans even put phoenixes on their coins.
In Jewish mythology, the bird represented God, who does not eat and who cannot be destroyed in fire. Early Christians were also intrigued with the story of the Phoenix. They came to associate with the resurrection and immortality of Christ.
Phoenix Meanings in Judaism and Christianity
According to some historical interpretations, the bird in the Garden of Eden, who is sometimes referred to as the milcham, the bird of chol, or the hol, is similar to the phoenix. As the story goes, Eve fed all of the animals some of the forbidden fruit after trying some herself. However, one animal refused to partake – a bird who was perched in the Tree of Knowledge.
To us – The phoenix is a symbol of our rebirth, renewal, the end of and freedom from the oppression of unhealthy behaviours, of our progress and renewal - becoming the heroes in our own lives.