Phoenix

Description

Phoenix[* 1] (Greek: φοῖνιξ, Lat. phoenix) is a mythological long-lived bird, reborn after death. In ancient Egyptian mythology, it was called bennu, and in ancient mythology it is associated with the worship of the Sun[1]. It appeared to be similar in size and appearance to an eagle[1][2][3], with bright red or golden-red plumage. According to a common version of the myth, anticipating his death, the phoenix carried out self-immolation, after which he reappeared from the ashes, ashes (in one variation or another, the myth was associated with Heliopolis)[1][2]. It was believed that the phoenix was the only, unique individual of its kind[1]. In a metaphorical interpretation, the phoenix is a symbol of eternal renewal, immortality.

In the “Index of Folk Literature Motifs”, the catalog of the American folklorist Stith Thompson, the myths about the phoenix are classified as a “B32” motif[4].

The origin of the phoenix has been attributed to the culture of ancient Egypt. According to the book by the German religious scholar Roel van den Broek “The Myth of the Phoenix in accordance with classical and Early Christian traditions,” over time, the phoenix could symbolize both renewal in general and in particular in different ways: the Sun, time, the Roman Empire, reincarnation, consecration, life in paradise, Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, virginity, a particular exceptional person, or some aspects of Christian life in general”[5]. Some scholars argue that in Lactantius’ poem “De ave phoenice”, the mythological motif of the phoenix can be interpreted as a symbol of the resurrection of Christ[6]