Phoenix and Phoenices

Copilot answers zas inquiry about "Phoenix" in mythology

The oldest referent of the name "Phoenix" in mythology is associated with the ancient Egyptian Bennu bird. The name "Bennu" relates to the verb "weben," meaning "to rise brilliantly" or "to shine"⁴. This bird is often linked to the sun, creation, and rebirth. The Greek word "phoenix" could have been derived from the Mycenaean Greek "po-ni-ke," which may have meant "griffin" or "palm tree" and is believed to be a borrowing from a West Semitic word for madder, a red dye made from Rubia tinctorum⁵. The phoenix has been a symbol of immortality and cyclic regeneration, famously known for obtaining new life by rising from the ashes of its predecessor²..

Source: Conversation with Bing, 4/1/2024

(1) Phoenix (mythology) - New World Encyclopedia. https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Phoenix_%28mythology%29.

(2) Phoenix – Mythopedia. https://mythopedia.com/topics/phoenix.

(3) Phoenix (mythology) - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenix_%28mythology%29.

(4) Phoenix - Description, History and Stories | Mythology.net. https://mythology.net/mythical-creatures/phoenix/.

(5) Phoenix (mythology) - New World Encyclopedia. https://bing.com/search?q=oldest+or+original+referent+of+the+name+%27Phoenix%27+in+mythology.

(6) en.wikipedia.org. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenix_(mythology).

Yes, indeed! In Greek mythology, there is a figure named Phoenix who was the son of Amyntor, the king of Thessalian Hellas. To satisfy his mother's wishes, Phoenix seduced his father's concubine, which led to a violent quarrel. As a result, Amyntor cursed him with childlessness. Phoenix then fled to Peleus, who was the king of the Myrmidons in Thessaly, and Peleus made him responsible for the upbringing of his son Achilles³. This Phoenix is separate from the mythical bird that is associated with fire and rebirth.

Source: Conversation with Bing, 4/1/2024

(1) Phoenix | Mythology, Firebird, Rebirth | Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Phoenix-Greek-mythology.

(2) Phoenix - Description, History and Stories | Mythology.net. https://mythology.net/mythical-creatures/phoenix/.

(3) The Phoenix Fire Bird of Greek Myth: The Complete Guide - Mythology Source. https://mythologysource.com/phoenix-fire-bird/.

(4) Inspiring Phoenix Names for Your Firebird (Reborn From the Ashes). https://petsomebuzz.com/phoenix-names/.

The name "Phoenix" for the mythological bird and the personal name "Phoenix" in Greek mythology do share a connection through their etymology. Both are derived from the Greek word "φοῖνιξ" (phoinix), which means "dark red." This term is associated with the bird's legendary ability to be reborn from its ashes, symbolizing renewal and immortality, and it also reflects the reddish-purple color of the mythical Phoenix bird¹²³.

The personal name "Phoenix" in Greek mythology, such as the tutor of Achilles, would have shared this etymological root, emphasizing the connection between the name and the concepts of rebirth and immortality inherent in the mythological creature's story². While the stories of the bird and the mythological figure named Phoenix are distinct, their names converge in this shared etymological origin..

Source: Conversation with Bing, 4/1/2024

(1) Meaning, origin and history of the name Phoenix. https://www.behindthename.com/name/phoenix

(2) Phoenix (given name) - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenix_%28given_name%29

(3) Phoenix: Name Meaning, Popularity and Info on BabyNames.com. https://babynames.com/name/phoenix

(4) Phoenix Name Meaning, Origin, History, And Popularity - MomJunction. https://www.momjunction.com/baby-names/phoenix/

(5) Phoenix - Baby Name Meaning, Origin and Popularity - TheBump.com. https://www.thebump.com/b/phoenix-baby-name

(6) en.wikipedia.org. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenix_(mythology)

1 Apr 2024 08:21 EDT