I. Religious Studies

The myth and symbolism of the phoenix (Gk ϕοῖνιξ/phoínix, probably “Phoen. [= purple] bird”) are determined by the solar tradition (Sun; hence, parallels inter alia to the Egyp. sun-bird, benu): it comes from the East (India, Arab countries), dies through immolation, appears periodically (Tacitus, Annales VI 28), is a symbol of the resurrection (II) of Christ as the true sun (or, more generally: 1 Clem. 25; Tert. Res. 13), and has the colors of the sun (nimbus of rays). Its dw…