Phoenix

In Greek mythology, a phoenix or phenix is a long-lived bird that is cyclically regenerated or reborn. Associated with the sun, a phoenix obtains new life by arising from the ashes of its predecessor. The greek phoenix was probably inspired by the egyptian legendary Bennou. Bennou was a magical bird that had the appearance of a heron. However, only one bennou was alive in a given period. Why? Because Bennou lived during five hundred years. And, at the end of his life, he consumed himself in fire. When the fire was running out, a new bennou was born. And this new, unique bennou, started a whole new cycle of five hundred years. When the Greek encountered egyptian legends, the bennou was "adopted" by the Greek and the legend of the phoenix was born. For more information, visit the Wikipedia entry. Back to Legendary Creatures

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