The Myth Of The Phoenix

An “insightful cultural history of the mythical, self-immolating bird” from Ancient Egypt to contemporary pop culture by the author of The Book of Gryphons (Library Journal). The phoenix, which rises again and again from its own ashes, has been a symbol of resilience and renewal for thousands of years. But how did this mythical bird come to play a part in cultures around the world and throughout human history? Here, mythologist Joseph Nigg presents a comprehensive biography of this legendary creature. Beginning in ancient Egypt, Nigg’s sweeping narrative discusses the many myths and representations of the phoenix, including legends of the Chinese, where it was considered a sacred creature that presided over China’s destiny; classical Greece and Rome, where it appears in the writings of Herodotus and Ovid; medieval Christianity, in which it came to embody the resurrection; and in Europe during the Renaissance, when it was a popular emblem of royals. Nigg examines the various phoenix traditions, the beliefs and tales associated with them, their symbolic and metaphoric use, and their appearance in religion, bestiaries, and even contemporary popular culture, in which the ageless bird of renewal is employed as a mascot and logo. “An exceptional work of scholarship.”—Publishers Weekly

Preliminary material -- INTRODUCTION -- THE EGYPTIAN BENU AND THE CLASSICAL PHOENIX -- A COPTIC TEXT ON THE PHOENIX -- THE NAME PHOENIX -- LIFESPAN AND APPEARANCES -- THE DEATH AND REBIRTH OF THE PHOENIX -- THE PHOENIX AS BIRD OF THE SUN -- THE ABODE -- THE FOOD -- THE SEX -- THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE MYTH OF THE PHOENIX SOME CONCLUSIONS -- THE PHOENIX IN CLASSICAL AND EARLY CHRISTIAN ART -- BIBLICAL AND JEWISH TEXTS -- CORRIGENDA ET ADDENDA -- Maps I and II.

This life comes to an end, but a new one will soon begin. Rising from the blaze, a new phoenix spreads its wings and flies toward the sun! The mythical phoenix appears in many ancient traditions, and it still appears today as a symbol of strength and renewal. Readers of this fascinating title will explore the history and characteristics of the phoenix through leveled text and striking images. Additional features include a map, a timeline, a pop culture connection, and more.

Comprising hundreds of well-known and obscure primary sources arranged chronologically by the author, this book traces the development of imaginary animals as they appear and reappear in literary accounts from the Babylonian epic of creation to modern fantasy. 12 halftones, 70 linecuts.

The Chinese people often told stories that taught the listener about their land. The dragon was thought to be a gentle creature that protected one of the points of the compass. In this myth, the dragon and the phoenix become mountains to protect a beautiful pearl. The Chinese dragon myth is retold in this brilliantly illustrated Chinese Myth. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Short Tales is an imprint of Magic Wagon, a division of ABDO.

The phoenix is an extraordinary bird, who was born in the garden of Eden and travels all over the world and through time. Where is he and what has he seen? Here, Andersen answers these questions. Hans Christian Andersen (1805-1875) was a Danish author, poet and artist. Celebrated for children’s literature, his most cherished fairy tales include "The Emperor's New Clothes", "The Little Mermaid", "The Nightingale", "The Steadfast Tin Soldier", "The Snow Queen", "The Ugly Duckling" and "The Little Match Girl". His books have been translated into every living language, and today there is no child or adult that has not met Andersen's whimsical characters. His fairy tales have been adapted to stage and screen countless times, most notably by Disney with the animated films "The Little Mermaid" in 1989 and "Frozen", which is loosely based on "The Snow Queen", in 2013. Thanks to Andersen's contribution to children's literature, his birth date, April 2, is celebrated as International Children's Book Day.