Mythical Birds Through History
Five Birds of Myth and Legend
Birds of Myth and Legend - The Phoenix
Most people are aware of the amazing regenerative properties of the phoenix, or firebird. This mystical bird was described in many ancient cultures from Phonecia, Egypt, ancient China, and even Africa. It was used in Christianity as a symbol of the rebirth and ressurection of Jesus Christ as well. This bird is usually described as gold and red. It lives for 1,000 years and then bursts into flames and dies to be reborn from the ashes.
Birds of Myth and Legend - Garuda Bird
The Garuda bird comes from Indian mythology. Originally described as an eagle, the Garuda bird has also been part bird and part man in some instances. This giant mythological bird is said to sometimes carry the Indian god, Vishnu on his back.
Different countries have varying views of this legendary bird. Indonesian myth states that the Garuda bird eats humans. In Buddhism, he is a demon, while in Hindu tales he brings life and knowledge.
Birds of Myth and Legend - Harpies
These ancient Greek characters had various descriptions ranging from beautiful winged women to nasty crones with vulture wings and claws. Perhaps less like birds and more like nasty angels, they were associated with carrying the dead to the underworld and for punishing those who angered the gods. A strong connection to wind existed as well.
Birds of Myth and Legend - The Roc
Sometimes spelled Rukh, this giant bird is said to have a wingspan of over fifty feet and enough strength to pick up adult elephants in its talons. The Roc appears in such stories as "The Seven Voyages of Sinbad." It usually appears to be a real creature instead of a spiritual or magical one.
Birds of Myth and Legend - Thunderbird
Hailing from Native American legends, the thunderbird is said to create thunderstorms by flapping its wings and flashing its large eyes. It is also considered a spiritual messenger who may grant good luck to those who dream of him.
These three giant birds of myth and legend may be just that: fantasic fiction made up by different cultures. It is also possible that sightings of large condors, finds of extinct bird eggs or even dinosaur eggs could lead to the belief in these creatures.
Published by Melanie L. Marten
Melanie Marten is self-taught and self-employed. Besides freelance writing, she dabbles in website design and owns dozens of websites and blogs. Work is squeezed in between parenting two boys, homeschoolin... View profile
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- Myths and legends from many corners of the globe include tales of magical birds.
- Most people are aware of the amazing regenerative properties of the phoenix, or firebird.
10 Comments
Post a CommentAnd SINBAD tied himself to the leg of the POC with his turbin to escape the island and these birds also sank his ship by dropping huge boulders on it
Grand article ! Let us not forget about the Dove thought of as the symbol of Peace and the messanger of good tidings as in the story of Noah.. when the Dove brings back the twig , to signal that the floods had subsided..... Also in Christian tradition is seen as the Corpral evidence of the HOLY SPIRIT ... Over Christ , as he waited for John the Baptist to Baptize him in the Jordan River . As the Voice of the ALMIGHTY is heard to annouce .... " This is my Son in whom I am well Pleased !"
However even lacking this .... Its a very very good article! Thanks.
My ex-girlfriend was a harpy.
Good to see something mentioning the Garuda!
Great post. I enjoyed it.
If you get a change, come for a visit sometime.
pattimari
Great topic, I liked it!
cool idea here!
Great topic!
Hey cool idea! Loved it!
I had only heard of a few of those.