Firebird

## Introduction

Firebirds appear to be a species of fae bird. Firebirds are apparently uncommon in the present, but once were rather common.

## Physical Description

The one that appeared in the Unseelie Court room was 'a huge, gold-red bird standing tall . . . peering about regally. From its blue-crimson tail coiled smoke, and its eyes glowed like embers. Its great chest heaved with gilded feathers as it breathed'.

## Trivia

* 'Gwyn was thoroughly enchanted by firebirds.'

## Folklore/Mythology

In 'Slavic mythology and folklore . . . the Firebird is a magical and prophetic glowing or burning bird from a faraway land which is both a blessing and a harbinger of doom to its captor. . . . The Firebird is described as a large bird with majestic plumage that glows brightly emitting red, orange, and yellow light, like a bonfire that is just past the turbulent flame. The feathers do not cease glowing if removed, and one feather can light a large room if not concealed. In later iconography, the form of the Firebird is usually that of a smallish fire-colored falcon, complete with a crest on its head and tail feathers with glowing "eyes". It is beautiful but dangerous, showing no sign of friendliness. . . . A typical role of the Firebird in fairy tales is as an object of a difficult quest. The quest is usually initiated by finding a lost tail feather, at which point the hero sets out to find and capture the live bird, sometimes of his own accord, but usually on the bidding of a father or king. The Firebird is a marvel, highly coveted, but the hero, initially charmed by the wonder of the feather, eventually blames it for his troubles.' The firebird appears in many stories, including "The Firebird and Princess Vasilisa" from Russia, where a clever horse helps a huntsman capture the firebird.

Bennu 'is an ancient Egyptian deity linked with the Sun, creation, and rebirth. He may have been the original inspiration for the phoenix legends that developed in Greek mythology. . . . According to Egyptian mythology, Bennu was a self-created being said to have played a role in the creation of the world. He was said to be the *ba* of Ra and to have enabled the creative actions of Atum. The deity was said to have flown over the waters of Nun that existed before creation, landing on a rock and issuing a call that determined the nature of creation. He also was a symbol of rebirth and, therefore, was associated with Osiris.'

'The phoenix is a long-lived, immortal bird associated with Greek mythology (with analogs in many cultures) that cyclically regenerates or is otherwise born again. Associated with the sun, a phoenix obtains new life by arising from the ashes of its predecessor. Some legends say it dies in a show of flames and combustion, others that it simply dies and decomposes before being born again.' The simurgh is a mythical bird in Persian mythology equated with the phoenix and huma.

The Huma or Homa 'is a mythical bird of Iranian legends and fables, and continuing as a common motif in Sufi and Diwan poetry. Although there are many legends of the creature, common to all is that the bird is said never to alight on the ground, and instead to live its entire life flying invisibly high above the earth. . . . In several variations of the Huma myths, the bird is said to be phoenix-like, consuming itself in fire every few hundred years, only to rise anew from the ashes. The Huma bird is said to have both the male and female natures in one body . . . each nature having one wing and one leg. Huma is considered to be compassionate, and a 'bird of fortune' since its shadow (or touch) is said to be auspicious.'

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 *Tumblr Prompts - Fae Tales*, Chapter 9: Holding Hands. Accessed 25 September 2021.
2. ↑ *A Broken Feather, Straightened.* Accessed 04 November 2021.
3. ↑ "Firebird (Slavic folklore)." Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firebird\_(Slavic\_folklore). Accessed 25 September 2021.
4. ↑ "The Firebird and Princess Vasilisa." Widesky.org. Accessed 25 September 2021.
5. ↑ "The Firebird and Princess Vasilisa." Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The\_Firebird\_and\_Princess\_Vasilisa. Accesed 25 September 2021.
6. ↑ "Bennu." Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bennu. Accessed 25 September 2021.
7. ↑ "Phoenix (mythology)." Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenix\_(mythology). Accessed 25 September 2021.
8. ↑ "Simurgh". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simurgh. Accessed 07 June 2021.
9. ↑ "Huma bird." Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huma\_bird. Accessed 25 September 2021.