The phoenix is a creature from mythology.
Phoenix is a term that comes from the Latin word phoenix , in turn derived from the Greek phoînix . The concept refers to a mythological creature that, according to ancient beliefs, was capable of being reborn from the ashes .
The phoenix was mentioned as a bird that could live for five centuries and then, after its death, was capable of re-emerging to begin a new existence. The characteristics attributed to it, however, depend on the source.
Details of the myth
The phoenix was generally considered to be very strong, could heal with its tears, and controlled fire . This last quality is associated with his death, which according to myth occurred between flames, from which he finally emerged again.
Pliny the Elder, Herodotus, Ovid y Clement I son algunos de los personajes históricos que escribieron sobre el fénix. La legend ya estaba presente en el Ancient Egypt y, con el tiempo, su alcance se hizo universal.
The phoenix is credited with the ability to rise from the ashes.
The phoenix in Christianity
The story of the phoenix has countless adaptations. Christianity, for example , made it its own, relating the bird to Adam and Eve .
The phoenix, according to this version of Christian origins, was part of Paradise , having a nest on a rose bush. In this frame, from the sword brandished by the angel who was responsible for the banishment of Adam and Eve , a spark came out that ignited the animal's nest, killing it.
Since the phoenix had refused to taste the forbidden fruit, God granted it the ability to be reborn from its ashes, thus giving it immortality. In this way, when the phoenix approached its death every 500 years, it laid an egg that burned three days later. The phoenix was finally cremated and the same bird was reborn from the egg.
Beyond this narrative, the phoenix has been linked to the resurrection of Jesus Christ . Even in the Book of Job , which makes up the Old Testament , there is a mention of it.
Its meaning and symbolism
The rebirth of the ashes that the phoenix concretizes is associated with resilience and renewal . Being like this bird means having the strength to move forward after having hit rock bottom or the ability to reinvent yourself to continue.
The presence of fire, meanwhile, has a connection with purification . Everything burns with flames and from the ashes a new being emerges.
The Phoenix constellation
Phoenix , on the other hand, is the name of a constellation of 71 stars . It can be seen from the southern hemisphere during the summer season.
The brightest star of the phoenix is called Ankaa . This celestial body is located about 77 light years from our planet .
The term in sport
Several clubs, in different countries , have been baptized with the name of Fénix . We can name Club Atlético Fénix , whose headquarters are located in the city of Montevideo ( Uruguay ) and which competes in the Uruguayan First Professional Division Championship .
This institution was founded in 1916 in the Capurro neighborhood, which three years before had lost its team. That is why the new entity took the name of the bird. Club Atlético Fénix has competed in international tournaments such as the Copa Libertadores de América and the Copa Sudamericana .