Symbols of Ancient Egypt: The Legend of the Phoenix Bird
Much has been discussed, and the image of the phoenix bird is widely recognized as the mythological creature that is reborn from its ashes in a perpetual cycle of rebirth. Yet, the origins and symbolism of this creature are not commonly known.
To understand its beginnings, one must look to Kemet, known today as ancient Egypt, where a truly unique bird, the Benu bird, was venerated. This avian was intimately linked to the cycle of the underworld or Duat, embodying the 'ba', or soul, of deities such as Ra or Osiris (Usir). The name 'Benu' itself derives from a verb meaning 'to rise'. Legend holds that at the moment of creation, this bird alighted upon a rock amidst the primordial waters and let out a call that shattered the original silence, defining what would come into being.
When Greek travelers reached Egypt, Herodotus recorded a variation of this myth. He described the bird as having a lifespan of five hundred years. At the end of its life, it would construct a nest, ignite it, and throw itself into the flames. From these ashes would emerge another phoenix. This new bird, after embalming its predecessor's remains, would carry them to the temple of Ra.
To understand the myth as we know it today, we must delve into Greek mythology, which has evolved from the depiction of the Benu bird of Kemet as seen and interpreted by Herodotus. In Greek lore, there exists a sacred bird named Φοῖνιξ, capable of resurrecting from its ashes. This elusive creature, upon sensing its impending demise, self-immolates to birth a new bird. The myth closely mirrors that of Herodotus, and over time, it has undergone modifications due to various influences.
Next I want to reproduce a text by Herodotus where he talks about this magnificent bird:
"There is another sacred bird there that I have only seen in paintings, whose name is the phoenix. Indeed, the times it allows itself to be seen are rare, and so infrequent that according to those from Heliopolis, it only visits Egypt every five hundred years to mark the death of its father. If its size and shape are as described, its appearance and figure are very similar to those of an eagle, and its feathers are partly golden and partly crimson in color. Such are the wonders they tell us about it, that although they are not worthy of belief for me, I will not fail to recount them.
To transport his father's body from Arabia to the Temple of the Sun, he employs the following method: he first forms a solid egg of myrrh, as large as he can carry, testing its weight after formation to ensure it is manageable; he then hollows it out until there is an opening through which he can encase his father's body; this he secures with another portion of myrrh and fills the cavity until the weight of the egg, now laden with the body, equals that which it had when solid; finally, he seals the opening, carries the egg, and takes it to the Temple of the Sun in Egypt. This is what they say about that bird"
Later, the myth evolved, and it was the Christians who reshaped the myth, adapting it to their symbolism. Thus, the bird had lived in the Garden of Eden and nested in a rose bush. When Adam and Eve were expelled from paradise, a spark from the sword of the angel who expelled them ignited the bird's nest, causing both to burn. As the only creature that had refused to eat the forbidden fruit, it was granted immortality through resurrection from its own ashes. When its time came to die, it would build a nest and lay an egg, from which a new bird would emerge to soar through the skies.
In other cultures, we find different interpretations of the myth, either through influence or spontaneous generation, as can occur with myths in lands far apart with no apparent connection. In Chinese culture, there is Feng-Huang; in Japanese, Ho-oo; in Russian culture, the firebird later immortalized by Stravinsky; in Hinduism, Garuda; in Mayan or Aztec cultures, Quetzal; and even among Native Americans, it is known as Yel.
What is today considered a mythological and non-existent creature was once believed to be real. In fact, the Benu bird did exist as such and is even mentioned in Pliny's Natural History as a large eagle with a golden necklace around its neck, a purple body, and a blue tail with some pink feathers. Its resurrection was explained by the emergence of worms from its bones and marrow after death.
Finally, note that the etymology of the word Φοῖνιξ means both Phoenician and red in the ancient Greek language.
Bibliography:
Historia de la antigüedad T. 1 - Duncker, Max
The Book of the dead. - Tirard, Helen Mary Beloe, i.e. Mrs. Nestor Isidore Charles Tirard; Naville, Edouard, 1844-1926
Gran diccionario de la mitología egipcia - Elisa Castel
Historia natural. - Plinio el Viejo.
The Book of the dead. - Tirard, Helen Mary Beloe, i.e. Mrs. Nestor Isidore Charles Tirard; Naville, Edouard, 1844-1926
Gran diccionario de la mitología egipcia - Elisa Castel
Historia natural. - Plinio el Viejo.
OTHER SYMBOL ENTRIES:
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