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The '''phoenix''' is a large swan-sized scarlet bird with red and gold plumage, along with a golden beak and talons, black eyes, and a tail as long as a peacock's. Its scarlet feathers glow faintly in darkness, while its golden tail feathers are hot to the touch. Phoenixes are known for nesting on mountain peaks. They are gentle herbivores and are not known for fighting. As phoenixes approach their [[Burning Day]] they resemble a half-plucked turkey. Also, their eyes become dull, their feathers start to fall out, and it begins to make gagging noises. Then the bird suddenly bursts into flames only to rise from the ashes shortly after. In a number of days, they grow back to full size.<ref name=CS>''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets]]''</ref><ref name=FB>''[[Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (real)]]''</ref> Hence, phoenixes are practically [[Immortality|immortal]].
 +
The '''phoenix''' is a large swan-sized scarlet bird with red and gold plumage, along with a golden beak and talons, black eyes, and a tail as long as a peacock's. Its scarlet feathers glow faintly in darkness, while its golden tail feathers are hot to the touch.
  +
  +
Phoenixes will usually nest on mountain peaks and are gentle herbivores that are not known for fighting. As phoenixes approach their [[Burning Day]] they resemble a half-plucked turkey. Also, their eyes become dull, their feathers start to fall out, and it begins to make gagging noises. Then the bird suddenly bursts into flames only to rise from the ashes shortly after. In a number of days, they grow back to full size.<ref name="CS">''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets]]''</ref><ref name="FB">''[[Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (real)]]''</ref> Thanks to this ability, phoenixes live to an immense age.
   
 
==Domesticated phoenixes ==
  
==Domesticated phoenixes ==
  +
{{Quote|...they make highly ''faithful'' pets.|Dumbledore describing phoenixes to Harry.|Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets}}
−
Phoenixes are very difficult to domesticate, as [[Newton Scamander]] says in his book ''[[Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them]]'': "The phoenix gains a XXXX rating not because it is aggressive, but because very few wizards have ever succeeded in domesticating it."<ref name=FB/> There are two known domesticated phoenixes, one [[Albus Dumbledore]]'s pet phoenix [[Fawkes]]<ref name=CS/>, and the other [[Sparky]] the team mascot for the New Zealand [[Quidditch]] team the [[Moutohora Macaws]].<ref name=Q>''[[Quidditch Through the Ages (real)]]''</ref>
 +
Phoenixes are very difficult to domesticate, as [[Newton Scamander]] says in his book ''[[Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them]]'': "The phoenix gains a XXXX rating not because it is aggressive, but because very few wizards have ever succeeded in domesticating it."<ref name="FB" /> There are two known domesticated phoenixes, one [[Albus Dumbledore]]'s pet phoenix [[Fawkes]]<ref name="CS" />, and the other [[Sparky]] the team mascot for the New Zealand [[Quidditch]] team the [[Moutohora Macaws]].<ref name="Q">''[[Quidditch Through the Ages (real)]]''</ref>
   
 
Phoenixes that have been domesticated are extremely loyal to their owners, and would depart to find their own paths if their owners die, rather than finding a new master.
  
Phoenixes that have been domesticated are extremely loyal to their owners, and would depart to find their own paths if their owners die, rather than finding a new master.
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{{Quote|Fascinating creatures, phoenixes. They can carry immensely heavy loads. Their tears have healing powers.|Professor [[Albus Dumbledore]]|Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (film)}}
  
{{Quote|Fascinating creatures, phoenixes. They can carry immensely heavy loads. Their tears have healing powers.|Professor [[Albus Dumbledore]]|Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (film)}}
   
−
[[File:Phoenix_fighting.jpg|thumb|left|Fawkes the phoenix blinding the [[Serpent of Slytherin]] while immune to the deadly gaze.]]
 +
[[File:Tumblr n4b06pMvhJ1qdsqclo8 250.gif|frame|left|Fawkes the phoenix caring a immensely heavy load]]
⚫
The most startling of the phoenix's abilities is its ability to regenerate itself. It periodically bursts into flames when its body becomes old, and rises from the ashes as a newborn chick. This event is called ''[[Burning Day|burning day]]'', and gives these birds a great life span (if not forever), to the point of virtual [[immortality]], as well as the ability to take the full force of a [[Killing Curse]] and still be reborn.<ref name=OP>''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]''</ref> Phoenixes are immune to the gaze of a [[basilisk]], which would normally kill anyone who has direct eye to eye contact, or [[Petrification|petrify]] through indirect eye contact.<ref name=CS/>
  
   
  ⚫
The most startling of the phoenix's abilities is its ability to regenerate itself. It periodically bursts into flames when its body becomes old, and rises from the ashes as a newborn chick. This event is called ''[[Burning Day]]'', and gives these birds a great life span, as well as the ability to take the full force of a [[Killing Curse]] and still be reborn.<ref name="OP">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]''</ref> Phoenixes are immune to the gaze of a [[basilisk]], which would normally kill anyone who has direct eye to eye contact, or [[Petrification|petrify]] through indirect eye contact.<ref name="CS" />
⚫
The phoenix can also disappear and reappear at will in bursts of flames and take whoever is holding them along, similar to [[Apparition]], and boasts magical tears and song. As stated by Dumbledore, they are extremely loyal creatures, and are capable of arriving to the aid of beings who share a similar devotion, which was how Fawkes arrive to assist Harry in killing the Basilisk down at the Chamber of Secrets. Their tears have potent healing capabilities. For instance, [[phoenix tears]] are the only known antidote of [[basilisk venom]]. Their tears are also able to bring a person back even from the brink of death, while the [[Phoenix Lament|phoenix song]] will increase the courage of the good and strike fear into the hearts of the evil.<ref name=FB/> Phoenixes are capable of lifting a great weight with their tails, such as being able to effortlessly fly up a distance with four people holding on to its tail.<ref name=CS/> They can also leave messages by bursting into flame to reappear elsewhere, leaving behind a single golden tail feather.<ref name=OP/>
  
  +
  ⚫
The phoenix can also disappear and reappear at will in bursts of flames and take whoever is holding them along, similar to [[Apparition]] (though like [[house-elf magic]], they cannot be restricted like wizards are), and boasts magical tears and song. As stated by Dumbledore, they are extremely loyal creatures, and are capable of arriving to the aid of beings who share a similar devotion, which was how Fawkes arrive to assist Harry in killing the Basilisk down at the Chamber of Secrets. Their tears have potent healing capabilities. For instance, [[phoenix tears]] are the only known antidote of [[basilisk venom]]. Their tears are also able to bring a person back even from the brink of death, while the [[Phoenix Lament|phoenix song]] will increase the courage of the good and strike fear into the hearts of the evil.<ref name="FB" /> Phoenixes are capable of lifting a great weight with their tails, such as being able to effortlessly fly up a distance with four people holding on to its tail.<ref name="CS" /> They can also leave messages by bursting into flame to reappear elsewhere, leaving behind a single golden tail feather.<ref name="OP" />
   
 
==Materials made from phoenix feathers==
  
==Materials made from phoenix feathers==
−
[[File:Voldy_wand.JPG|thumb|Riddle's wand contains a phoenix feather for its core.]]
 +
[[File:250px-Harrypotterwand.jpg|thumb|225px|right|Harry Potter's wand, Phoenix feather core]]
  +
⚫
[[Phoenix feather]]s are a powerful magical substance, and as such are an accepted [[wand]] core. Fawkes gave two feathers, which ended up in the wands of [[Harry Potter]] and [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]],<ref name=PS>''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone]]''</ref> which is said to be the reason why they locked in [[Priori Incantatem]] when the two [[wizards]] attempted to engage in a magical battle in the [[Little Hangleton]] [[Little Hangleton graveyard|graveyard]].<ref name=GF>''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]''</ref> Due to phoenixes being very difficult to tame, the wands with such feathers are the pickiest of owners, and usually act on their own accord, due to having the most initiative of all core types. Phoenix feathers are sometimes used as writing quills.
  
  +
[[File:Hogwarts_wand.jpg|thumb|225px|Tom Riddles's wand, Phoenix feather core]]
  +
  ⚫
[[Phoenix feather]]s are a powerful magical substance, and as such are an accepted [[wand]] core. Fawkes gave two feathers, which ended up in the wands of [[Harry Potter]] and [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]],<ref name="PS">''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone]]''</ref> which is said to be the reason why they locked in [[Priori Incantatem]] when the two [[wizards]] attempted to engage in a magical battle in the [[Little Hangleton]] [[Little Hangleton graveyard|graveyard]].<ref name="GF">''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]''</ref> Due to phoenixes being very difficult to tame, the wands with such feathers are the pickiest of owners, and usually act on their own accord, due to having the most initiative of all core types. Phoenix feathers are sometimes used as writing quills.
   
 
==Albus Dumbledore and the phoenix==
  
==Albus Dumbledore and the phoenix==
−
'''Albus Dumbledore''' has many connections to the phoenix, starting with his companion [[Fawkes]] and illustrated by his phoenix [[Patronus Charm|Patronus]].<ref name=GF/> He named his anti-[[Tom Riddle|Voldemort]] organisation the [[Order of the Phoenix]],<ref>''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]''</ref> after Fawkes.  Phoenixes are very loyal companions, but to domesticate one is very rare.
 +
'''Albus Dumbledore''' has many connections to the phoenix, starting with his companion [[Fawkes]] and illustrated by his phoenix [[Patronus Charm|Patronus]].<ref name="GF" /> He named his anti-[[Tom Riddle|Voldemort]] organisation the [[Order of the Phoenix]],<ref>''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]''</ref> after Fawkes.
   
 
==Known phoenixes==
  
==Known phoenixes==
 
===Fawkes===
  
===Fawkes===
 
{{Main|Fawkes}}
  
{{Main|Fawkes}}
  +
−
[[File:Phoenix2.jpg|thumb|left|Fawkes the phoenix with [[Harry Potter]].]]
  
−
'''Fawkes''' was a phoenix who was owned by [[Albus Dumbledore]]. Fawkes lived with Dumbledore at [[Hogwarts Castle]] for a large part of his life. He was instrumental in helping [[Harry Potter]] defeat the [[Serpent of Slytherin]], bringing the [[Sword of Gryffindor]], blinding the [[basilisk]] and saving Harry from the venom. He was also used as a communication between his master and the [[Order of the Phoenix]]. [[Fawkes]] assisted Dumbledore fighting [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]]. After Albus Dumbledore's death, Fawkes performed a phoenix lament, which is a mournful song designed to feel like it is inside the listener. After the lament was completed, Fawkes departed Hogwarts as a free phoenix, and was never heard from again.
 +
[[File:Tumblr_mzsc4zcGU81s9rujjo6_250.gif|thumb|left|235px|Fawkes the phoenix with [[Harry Potter]].]]'''Fawkes''' was a phoenix who was owned by [[Albus Dumbledore]]. Fawkes lived with Dumbledore at [[Hogwarts Castle]] for a large part of his life. He was instrumental in helping [[Harry Potter]] defeat the [[Serpent of Slytherin]], bringing the [[Sword of Gryffindor]], blinding the [[basilisk]] and saving Harry from the venom.
  +
  +
He was also used as a communication between his master and the [[Order of the Phoenix]]. [[Fawkes]] assisted Dumbledore fighting [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]]. After Albus Dumbledore's death, Fawkes performed a phoenix lament, which is a mournful song designed to feel like it is inside the listener. After the lament was completed, Fawkes departed Hogwarts as a free phoenix, and was never heard from again.
   
 
===Sparky===
  
===Sparky===
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==Behind the scenes==
  
==Behind the scenes==
  ⚫
*Besides representing its element of [[fire]], sometimes a phoenix can also represent [[death]], and the element of wind. According to legend, they are always female. However, Fawkes is male.
−
*The phoenix is also known as a mystical or mythical creature in other parts of world. In Japan, people knew them as Suzaku (meaning "Vermillion Bird"). In Asian myth, a phoenix is similar to a peacock, with a similar long, and beautiful tail.
  
⚫
*Besides representing its element of [[fire]], sometimes a phoenix can also represent [[death]], and the element of wind. According to legend, they are always female.
  
 
*The phoenix is ''[[Harry Potter (book series)|Harry Potter]]'' author [[J. K. Rowling]]'s favourite magical creature.<ref name="wbd">[http://www.accio-quote.org/articles/2004/0304-wbd.htm World Book Day Interview, available via Accio Quote!]</ref>
  
*The phoenix is ''[[Harry Potter (book series)|Harry Potter]]'' author [[J. K. Rowling]]'s favourite magical creature.<ref name="wbd">[http://www.accio-quote.org/articles/2004/0304-wbd.htm World Book Day Interview, available via Accio Quote!]</ref>
 
*The phoenix is the only life-form in existence that defies the otherwise absolute rule of nothing can truly bring back the dead.
  
*The phoenix is the only life-form in existence that defies the otherwise absolute rule of nothing can truly bring back the dead.
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[[Category:Creatures affiliated with fire]]
  
[[Category:Creatures affiliated with fire]]
 
[[Category:Passwords]]
  
[[Category:Passwords]]
  +
[[Category:Immortality]]
  +
[[Category:Immortals]]
  +
[[Category:Beasts]]
  +
[[Category:Birds]]

Revision as of 23:39, 10 July 2014

The phoenix is a large swan-sized scarlet bird with red and gold plumage, along with a golden beak and talons, black eyes, and a tail as long as a peacock's. Its scarlet feathers glow faintly in darkness, while its golden tail feathers are hot to the touch.

Phoenixes will usually nest on mountain peaks and are gentle herbivores that are not known for fighting. As phoenixes approach their Burning Day they resemble a half-plucked turkey. Also, their eyes become dull, their feathers start to fall out, and it begins to make gagging noises. Then the bird suddenly bursts into flames only to rise from the ashes shortly after. In a number of days, they grow back to full size.[1][2] Thanks to this ability, phoenixes live to an immense age.

Domesticated phoenixes

"...they make highly faithful pets."
— Dumbledore describing phoenixes to Harry.[src]

Phoenixes are very difficult to domesticate, as Newton Scamander says in his book Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: "The phoenix gains a XXXX rating not because it is aggressive, but because very few wizards have ever succeeded in domesticating it."[2] There are two known domesticated phoenixes, one Albus Dumbledore's pet phoenix Fawkes[1], and the other Sparky the team mascot for the New Zealand Quidditch team the Moutohora Macaws.[3]

Phoenixes that have been domesticated are extremely loyal to their owners, and would depart to find their own paths if their owners die, rather than finding a new master.

Abilities and traits

"Fascinating creatures, phoenixes. They can carry immensely heavy loads. Their tears have healing powers."
— Professor Albus Dumbledore[src]
File:Tumblr n4b06pMvhJ1qdsqclo8 250.gif

Fawkes the phoenix caring a immensely heavy load

The most startling of the phoenix's abilities is its ability to regenerate itself. It periodically bursts into flames when its body becomes old, and rises from the ashes as a newborn chick. This event is called Burning Day, and gives these birds a great life span, as well as the ability to take the full force of a Killing Curse and still be reborn.[4] Phoenixes are immune to the gaze of a basilisk, which would normally kill anyone who has direct eye to eye contact, or petrify through indirect eye contact.[1]

The phoenix can also disappear and reappear at will in bursts of flames and take whoever is holding them along, similar to Apparition (though like house-elf magic, they cannot be restricted like wizards are), and boasts magical tears and song. As stated by Dumbledore, they are extremely loyal creatures, and are capable of arriving to the aid of beings who share a similar devotion, which was how Fawkes arrive to assist Harry in killing the Basilisk down at the Chamber of Secrets. Their tears have potent healing capabilities. For instance, phoenix tears are the only known antidote of basilisk venom. Their tears are also able to bring a person back even from the brink of death, while the phoenix song will increase the courage of the good and strike fear into the hearts of the evil.[2] Phoenixes are capable of lifting a great weight with their tails, such as being able to effortlessly fly up a distance with four people holding on to its tail.[1] They can also leave messages by bursting into flame to reappear elsewhere, leaving behind a single golden tail feather.[4]

Materials made from phoenix feathers

250px-Harrypotterwand

Harry Potter's wand, Phoenix feather core

Hogwarts wand

Tom Riddles's wand, Phoenix feather core

Phoenix feathers are a powerful magical substance, and as such are an accepted wand core. Fawkes gave two feathers, which ended up in the wands of Harry Potter and Lord Voldemort,[5] which is said to be the reason why they locked in Priori Incantatem when the two wizards attempted to engage in a magical battle in the Little Hangleton graveyard.[6] Due to phoenixes being very difficult to tame, the wands with such feathers are the pickiest of owners, and usually act on their own accord, due to having the most initiative of all core types. Phoenix feathers are sometimes used as writing quills.

Albus Dumbledore and the phoenix

Albus Dumbledore has many connections to the phoenix, starting with his companion Fawkes and illustrated by his phoenix Patronus.[6] He named his anti-Voldemort organisation the Order of the Phoenix,[7] after Fawkes.

Known phoenixes

Fawkes

Main article: Fawkes
Tumblr mzsc4zcGU81s9rujjo6 250

Fawkes the phoenix with Harry Potter.

Fawkes was a phoenix who was owned by Albus Dumbledore. Fawkes lived with Dumbledore at Hogwarts Castle for a large part of his life. He was instrumental in helping Harry Potter defeat the Serpent of Slytherin, bringing the Sword of Gryffindor, blinding the basilisk and saving Harry from the venom.

He was also used as a communication between his master and the Order of the Phoenix. Fawkes assisted Dumbledore fighting Lord Voldemort. After Albus Dumbledore's death, Fawkes performed a phoenix lament, which is a mournful song designed to feel like it is inside the listener. After the lament was completed, Fawkes departed Hogwarts as a free phoenix, and was never heard from again.

Sparky

Main article: Sparky

Sparky is the phoenix mascot of the New Zealand Quidditch team Moutohora Macaws.

Behind the scenes

  • Besides representing its element of fire, sometimes a phoenix can also represent death, and the element of wind. According to legend, they are always female. However, Fawkes is male.
  • The phoenix is Harry Potter author J. K. Rowling's favourite magical creature.[8]
  • The phoenix is the only life-form in existence that defies the otherwise absolute rule of nothing can truly bring back the dead.

Appearances

Notes and references

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (real)
  3. ↑ Quidditch Through the Ages (real)
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
  5. ↑ Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
  7. ↑ Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
  8. ↑ World Book Day Interview, available via Accio Quote!
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