A phoenix is a mythical bird with a tail of beautiful gold and red plumage (or purple and blue, by some sources [1]). It has a 500 to 1,000 year life-cycle, near the end of which it builds itself a nest of myrrh twigs that it then ignites; both nest and bird burn fiercely and are reduced to ashes, from which a new, young phoenix or phoenix egg arises, reborn anew to live again. The new phoenix is destined to live as long as its old self. In some stories, the new phoenix embalms the ashes of its old self in an egg made of myrrh and deposits it in the Egyptian city of Heliopolis (sun city in Greek). The bird was also said to regenerate when hurt or wounded by a foe, thus being almost immortal and invincible — it is also said that it can heal a person with a tear from its eyes and make them temporarily immune to death. The phoenix is a symbol of fire and divinity.[2]
Friday, March 13, 2009
IF: Legendary
A phoenix is a mythical bird with a tail of beautiful gold and red plumage (or purple and blue, by some sources [1]). It has a 500 to 1,000 year life-cycle, near the end of which it builds itself a nest of myrrh twigs that it then ignites; both nest and bird burn fiercely and are reduced to ashes, from which a new, young phoenix or phoenix egg arises, reborn anew to live again. The new phoenix is destined to live as long as its old self. In some stories, the new phoenix embalms the ashes of its old self in an egg made of myrrh and deposits it in the Egyptian city of Heliopolis (sun city in Greek). The bird was also said to regenerate when hurt or wounded by a foe, thus being almost immortal and invincible — it is also said that it can heal a person with a tear from its eyes and make them temporarily immune to death. The phoenix is a symbol of fire and divinity.[2]
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11 comments:
very neat piece!!! lovely colours
A lovely idea for 'Legendary'!x
Truly legendary. Wonderful drawing.
I love your style and the phoenix is gorgeous. Thank you for sharing this terrific legendary creature.
I love the magical phoenix, a beautiful illustration
And we are all phoenixes.
I actually found your blog through researching art prints on etsy! Low and behold, I find that you do Illustration Friday too! I just adore your work! Its so sweet!
Lovely colors! I have to tell you I love that pix of the kitten on your husband's head...lol! It always makes me smile when I visit!
I love legendary birds. My favorite is called the sarimanok.
A lovely rustic image! reminds me a bit or Ishu Patel's "Paradise" animation from back in the early 80's. nice work!
Gorgeous! The phoenix is the perfect legend. I love all your eyes.
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