Decoding Phoenix: The mythical bird that lives for 500 years
Have you ever overcome a major setback and bounced back spectacularly? If the answer is yes, then, someone must have compared you to a Phoenix rising from the ashes. It simply means emerging out of a catastrophe stronger, smarter and more powerful. While most of you are aware that Phoenix is a bird, but do you know whether it’s for real or not? Let us find out!
The myth of Phoenix
Phoenix, as it turns out, exists only in myths. It has been around for thousands of years now, since the time of the ancient Egyptians. However, it was introduced to the world by the Greeks, although it did become immortal only in the hands of the Romans.
You will be fascinated to learn that the descriptions of phoenix have varied over time. While some believe this mythical bird looks like an eagle, there are others who say it resembles a hawk or a heron, or even an ostrich! People also believe that this majestic bird has scarlet-coloured feathers and a golden tail, while some say it has multi-coloured features like that of peacock. But one thing everyone agrees on is its golden halo (made up of golden tail, plumage, beak and talons), from where the myth emerges!
It is believed that the phoenix reflects so much light that it seems to emit rays almost like the Sun. Maybe that’s why people over the ages have associated phoenix with the worship of the Sun. As per the myth, only a single phoenix exists at a time and goes on to live for 500 years! Guess what happens when it dies? It builds a nest on a mountain peak and then sets it on fire. As the nest gets consumed by the flames, out of the ashes a new phoenix rises to life. Wait, that’s not it. As soon as it gets ready to rule the world, it flies its predecessor’s ashes to Heliopolis, a mythical land in Egypt. There, it places the ashes on the altar of the Egyptian Sun God as an offering.
With the death of one phoenix, another one comes to life, That is why it is often associated with rebirth and eternity.
Phoenix and its superhuman strength
Many of you who know of this magical bird may associate it with superhuman strength and rightly so. People over the years have believed that phoenix possesses immense strength and can even lift huge weight with its tails alone (such as flying 4 people together). However, it has never been known to be violent and is a gentle yet strict herbivore. In fact, phoenix is considered to be the most independent and detached creature in the world. After all, it does stay all alone for over five centuries!
Phoenix and its purgative capabilities
Turns out, that the tears of phoenix have healing powers that are so potent that they can even cure a dying person. In fact, the tears are often believed to be the only antidote to the venom of basilisk, a mythical dragon-like creature. Not only that, the soul-touching songs of phoenix are considered to be so powerful that they can enhance courage and comfort in those who are in dire need of it, while causing fear in those who are evil.
Phoenix: A messenger or an apparition?
Phoenix is believed to be a super messenger as it can deliver emergency messages within seconds, by simply bursting into flames and disappearing from here to re-appearing elsewhere. It does so by leaving behind a single golden tail feather. If this isn’t enough, phoenix can also carry along both things and people from one place to another and comes and goes almost like an apparition.