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(Undo revision 790585 by Nick O'Demus (talk)None of those are phoenixes though. They're other myths from different cultures similar to it, but not to do with the actual mythic creature)
 
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{{Spoiler|HM|PAS|MA|HL}}
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{{Youmay|phoenixes in general|[[Fawkes]], or [[Credence Barebone's phoenix]], or [[Albus Dumbledore's great-great-grandfather's phoenix]]}}
 
{{Creature infobox
 
{{Creature infobox
|name=Phoenix
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|image = Phoenix.png
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|name = Phoenix
|image=[[File:ChamberFawkes.png|255px]]
 
 
|skin =
|bgcolor1=
 
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|eyes = Black<ref name="COS12"/>
|bgcolor2=
 
 
|hair =
|sentience=Sentient
 
 
|feathers = *Scarlet<ref name="COS12"/>
|skin=
 
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*Golden tail<ref name="COS12"/>
|eyes=Black
 
  +
|related = *[[Hoo-hoo]]<ref name="FB"/>
|hair=
 
  +
*[[Thunderbird]]<ref name="FB"/>
|feathers=*Scarlet
 
 
|native = *[[Egypt]]<ref name="FB"/>
*Golden tail
 
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*[[India]]<ref name="FB"/>
|related=
 
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*[[China]]<ref name="FB"/>
|native=*[[Egypt]]
 
 
|alias =
*India
 
 
|height =
*China
 
 
|length =
|alias=
 
 
|wingspan =
|height=
 
  +
|mortality = [[Immortality|Immortal]]<ref name="COS12">{{COS|B|12}}</ref>
|length=
 
  +
|distinction = *Reborn from ashes upon [[death]]<ref name="COS12"/>
|wingspan=
 
  +
*[[Superhuman strength|Immense strength]]<ref name="COS12"/>
|distinction=
 
  +
*[[Phoenix tears|Tears]] had [[Healing magic|healing powers]]<ref name="COS12"/>
|mortality=Rebirthing mortal
 
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*Capable of singing [[Phoenix Lament|soul-touching song]]<ref name="HBP29"/>
|affiliation=
 
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*Strictly herbivorous<ref name="FB"/>
|class=XXXX
 
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|affiliation = [[Dumbledore family]]<ref name="COS12"/><ref name="COG28">{{COG|S|28}}</ref><ref name="COG120"/>
|status=
 
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|class = [[Beast]]<br/>[[XXXX]]<ref name="FB"/>
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|status = Extant<ref name="FB"/>
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{Quote|Fascinating creatures, phoenixes. They can carry immensely heavy loads, their tears have healing powers, and they make highly faithful pets.|[[Albus Dumbledore]] on the nature of Phoenixes|Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets}}
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]].
 
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The '''phoenix''' was a large swan-sized scarlet [[magic]]al [[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 glowed faintly in darkness, while its golden tail [[Phoenix feather|feathers]] were hot to the touch.<ref name="FB">{{FB|R}}</ref> A phoenix was also one of the most independent and detached creatures in the world.
   
 
Phoenixes would usually nest on mountain peaks and were gentle herbivores, that were not known for fighting. As phoenixes approach their [[Burning Day]] they resembled a half-plucked turkey. Their eyes became dull, their feathers started to fall out, and it began to make gagging noises. Then the bird suddenly burst into [[Fire|flames]], only to rise from the ashes shortly after. In a number of days, they grew back to full size.<ref name="COS12"/><ref name="FB">{{FB|R}}</ref> Thanks to this ability, phoenixes lived to an immense age, perhaps even forever.<ref name="FB"/>
==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>
 
   
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Its [[Phoenix feather|feather]]s could be used as the [[Wand core|core]] of a [[wand]] and were designated by [[Garrick Ollivander]] as one of the "[[Supreme Cores]]", which was a distinction shared by only two other [[beast]]s.
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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It was a possible, rare corporeal form of the [[Patronus Charm]],<ref name="Patronus">{{see image|File:Dumbledores phoenix patronus.jpg}}</ref><ref name="GF28"/> such as [[Albus Dumbledore]]'s Patronus.<ref name="GF28"/>
==Abilities and traits==
 
{{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)}}
 
   
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Four forty-foot tall gilded statues of phoenixes were located in the lobby of the [[Magical Congress of the United States of America]].<ref name="FBF">{{FB|F}}</ref><ref name="Golden Phoenixes">[https://web.archive.org/web/20191002072259/https://www.pottermore.com/news/fantastic-beasts-stuart-craig-interview-macusa-salem-memorial "Step inside MACUSA with production designer Stuart Craig" at Pottermore.com] (Archived)</ref>
[[File:Phoenix_fighting.jpg|thumb|left|Fawkes the phoenix blinding the [[Serpent of Slytherin]] while immune to the deadly gaze.]]
 
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/>
 
   
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==Description==
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/>
 
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===Physical description===
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[[File:Fawkes WB F2 FawkesIllustration V2 Illust 100615 Land.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Appearance of the phoenix]]
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Phoenixes had crimson feathers on their body and a golden tail as long as a peacock's. Their claws and beak were gleaming gold and their eyes were black. Their scarlet body feathers glowed faintly in darkness, while their golden tail feathers were hot to the touch.<ref name="FB"/> It was unknown if they were actually capable of burning someone as neither [[Harry Potter]] — when [[Fawkes]] carried him from the [[Chamber of Secrets]] — nor [[Albus Dumbledore]] — when he escaped the [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry]] officials with Fawkes's help — were burned by his tail feathers;<ref name="CS17"/><ref name="OP36"/> however, it was possible that Fawkes could control the temperature of his tail feathers and simply chose not to burn them.
   
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The [[Phoenix egg|egg]] of the Phoenix was glossy green or blue in colour. They did not need to be incubated in order to hatch; however, it sometimes took several years for one to hatch.<ref name="chamberillustrated">{{COS}} fully illustrated edition {{See image|File:Phoenix-artwork-from-Harry-Potter-and-the-Chamber-of-Secrets-Jim-Kay.jpg}}</ref>
==Materials made from phoenix feathers==
 
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{{Clr}}
[[File:Voldy_wand.JPG|thumb|Riddle's wand contains a phoenix feather for its 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==
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===Abilities and traits===
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{{Quote|A gentle creature, the phoenix lives to an immense age because it can regenerate each time it bursts into flames. Phoenix song is magical and its tears have healing properties.|[[Chocolate Frog Card]]|Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (video game)}}
'''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.
 
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[[File:Fawkes rebirth.gif|250px|thumb|[[Fawkes]], a phoenix, bursting into flames]]
 
The most startling of the phoenix's abilities was its ability to regenerate itself. It periodically burst into flames when its body became old, and rises from the ashes as a newborn chick.<ref name="COS12"/> This event is called ''[[Burning Day]]'', and gives these birds a great life span,<ref name="COS12"/> as well as the ability to take the full force of a [[Killing Curse]] and still be reborn.<ref name="OP36">{{OOTP|B|36}}</ref> Phoenixes were immune to the gaze of a [[basilisk]], which would normally kill anyone who had direct eye to eye contact with it, or [[Petrification|petrify]] anyone through indirect eye contact, such as seeing a glimpse of the massive serpent or its reflection.<ref name="CS17"/> With these abilities, phoenixes may have been one of the only species to have true immortality.
   
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Phoenixes were capable of more with their flames than just renewing their lifecycle. The phoenix could also disappear and reappear elsewhere at will in a bursts of flames, leaving behind a single golden tail feather. The Phoenix in question could also take whoever was holding them along. An ability very similar to [[Apparition]].<ref name="OP22">{{OOTP|B|22}}</ref><ref name="OOTP27">{{OOTP|B|27}}</ref>
==Known phoenixes==
 
===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.
 
   
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Additionally, their tears had potent healing capabilities. For instance, [[phoenix tears]] were the only known antidote to [[basilisk venom]].<ref name="CS17"/> Their tears were also able to bring a person back even from the brink of death,<ref name="CS17"/> similar to [[Unicorn blood]], but without the cursed life. Aside from their tears, the [[Phoenix pellet|pellets]] that Phoenixes coughed up had [[Healing magic|healing properties]] of their own, which they were prized for. Additionally, the pellets contained rare gemstones known as [[Phoenix flint]]s, which were said to have the power to protect the wearer from the cold at high altitudes.<ref name="PM">[https://www.pottermore.com/news/exclusive-first-look-inside-jim-kay-illustrated-chamber-of-secrets News: "Exclusive first look inside ‘Chamber of Secrets' Illustrated Edition"] at {{PM}}</ref>
===Sparky===
 
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{{Main|Sparky}}
 
 
[[File:Fawkes flight GIF.gif|240px|thumb|left|Fawkes the phoenix carrying an immensely heavy load]]
'''Sparky''' is the phoenix mascot of the New Zealand [[Quidditch]] team [[Moutohora Macaws]].
 
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Phoenixes were 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="CS17">{{COS|B|17}}</ref>
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[[Phoenix Lament|Phoenix song]] had a deep emotional impact on those who heard it, magical in nature, it touched a listener's very [[soul]] and was able to provide support and comfort.<ref name="CS17"/><ref name="GF36"/><ref name="HBP29"/> Furthermore, the phoenix song would increase the courage of those who were good and struck fear into the hearts of those who served evil.<ref name="FB"/> Its most powerful performances were known to be when the phoenix suffered emotional instability or distress, such as the [[death]] of its master.<ref name="HBP29">{{HBP|B|29}}</ref>
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As stated by Dumbledore, they were extremely loyal creatures, and were capable of arriving to the aid of beings who share a similar devotion.<ref name="COS12"/> This was how Fawkes arrived to assist Harry in slaying the Basilisk in the [[Chamber of Secrets]] during his second year at [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry|Hogwarts]].<ref name="CS17"/>
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==Phoenixes and fire==
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Fire appeared to have an unknown but profound effect on phoenixes, as [[Gellert Grindelwald]] was effortlessly capable of instantly turning a baby phoenix into a full adult by [[Conjuration|conjuring]] fire from his hand and setting the baby bird ablaze, from which it emerged as a full adult after being briefly covered by the flames, although by all fairness, Grindelwald was an immensely powerful wizard who was extremely skilled in [[Wandless magic]] and fairly apt at handling magical creatures.<ref name="COG120">{{COG|S|120}}</ref> Nevertheless, considering a phoenix's fire-related powers, it was likely that fire could be used to strengthen them. Phoenixes also burst into flame when they [[Apparition|disapparate]] and on [[Burning Day]], before they emerge from their ashes as a newborn.
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==Domesticated phoenixes==
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[[File:PhoenixFB.jpg|200px|thumb|A wild phoenix]]
 
Phoenixes were very difficult to domesticate, as [[Newton Scamander]] said in his book {{FB}}: "''The phoenix gains an XXXX rating not because it is aggressive, but because very few wizards have ever succeeded in domesticating it.''"<ref name="FB"/> There were two known domesticated phoenixes; one was [[Albus Dumbledore]]'s pet phoenix [[Fawkes]],<ref name="COS12"/> and the other was [[Sparky]], the team mascot for the [[New Zealand]] [[Quidditch]] [[Quidditch team|team]], the [[Moutohora Macaws]].<ref name="QTA8">{{QTA|B|8}}</ref>
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Phoenixes that had been domesticated were extremely loyal to their owners, and would depart to find their own paths if their owners died, rather than finding a new master.<ref name="HBP29"/><ref name="accio">[http://www.accio-quote.org/articles/2005/0705-edinburgh-ITVcubreporters.htm Edinburgh "cub reporter" press conference, ITV, 16 July 2005]</ref>
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===[[Albus Dumbledore's great-great-grandfather's phoenix]]===
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It was said that [[Albus Dumbledore's great-great-grandfather]] owned a phoenix, but once he passed, the phoenix took flight and was never seen again.<ref name="COG28">{{COG|S|28}}</ref>
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===[[Unidentified 19th-century Hogwarts student's phoenix]]===
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[[File:Phoenix HL.png|200px|thumb|left|The phoenix in Poidsear Coast]]
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It was rescued by a [[Unidentified 19th-century Hogwarts student|student]] in [[1890s|1891]] from a cave in [[Poidsear Coast]]. They took the phoenix back to the [[Room of Requirement|room of requirement]] for its safety whilst [[Poacher Pack|poachers]] were roaming [[Scotland|the countryside around Hogwarts]] searching for rare magical creatures. The student promised they would release the Phoenix at a later date when it was safer for them.<ref name="HL-PR">{{HL|Phoenix Rising}}</ref>
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===[[Aurelius Dumbledore's phoenix]]===
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[[File:Phoenix in Nurmengard.gif|250px|thumb|Phoenix in Nurmengard]]
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After the [[Gellert Grindelwald's Paris rally|battle in the Lestrange Mausoleum]] and recruiting [[Credence Barebone]] to his forces, [[Gellert Grindelwald]] revealed in [[Nurmengard Castle|Nurmengard]] to Credence that the baby bird he had been caring for in [[Paris]] was actually a phoenix.<ref name="COG120" /> According to legend, a phoenix would appear to anyone of the Dumbledore family in dire need.<ref name="COG28" /> Grindelwald then presented him with a wand, as well as his birth name: Aurelius Dumbledore.<ref name="COG120" />
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===[[Fawkes]]===
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[[File:Fawkes blinding Basilisk.gif|250px|thumb|left|Fawkes blinding the Basilisk]]
 
Fawkes was a phoenix who was owned by [[Albus Dumbledore]]. Fawkes lived with Dumbledore at [[Hogwarts Castle]] for a large part of his life.<ref name="COS12" /> He was instrumental in helping [[Harry Potter]] defeat the [[Serpent of Slytherin]], bringing Harry the [[Sword of Gryffindor]], blinding the [[basilisk]], and saving Harry from its venom with his tears.<ref name="CS17" />
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Fawkes was also used as a communication between his master and the [[Order of the Phoenix]].<ref name="OP22" /> Fawkes assisted Dumbledore in fighting [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]] and protected the headmaster from a [[Killing Curse]].<ref name="OP36" /> After Albus Dumbledore's death, Fawkes performed a mournful song that seemed to feel like it is inside the listener, and was dubbed by wizards as the "Phoenix Lament". After the song was completed, Fawkes departed Hogwarts as a free phoenix, and was never heard from again.<ref name="HBP29">{{HBP|B|29}}</ref>
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===[[Sparky]]===
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Sparky was the phoenix mascot of the [[New Zealand]] [[Quidditch]] [[Quidditch team|team]] the [[Moutohora Macaws]]. Apart from [[Fawkes]], Sparky was then the only known domesticated phoenix.<ref name="QTA8" />
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==Phoenix feathers==
 
[[Phoenix feather]]s were a powerful magical substance and, as such, were an accepted [[wand core]].<ref name="PS5" /><ref name="wand core" /> Fawkes gave two feathers, which ended up in the wands of [[Harry Potter]] and [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]],<ref name="PS5">{{PS|B|5}}</ref> which was said to be the reason why they locked in [[Reverse Spell|''Priori Incantatem'']] when the two wizards attempted to [[Duel in Little Hangleton|duel]] each other in the [[Little Hangleton]] [[Little Hangleton graveyard|graveyard]].<ref name="GF36">{{GOF|B|36}}</ref> Due to phoenixes having been very difficult to tame and were one of the most detached creatures in the world, the wands with such feathers were the pickiest of owners. The wands containing this core sometimes acted on their own accord, due to having the most initiative of all core types. Phoenix feathers were sometimes used as [[Quill|writing quills]].<ref name="wand core">{{WW|wand-cores}}</ref>
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==Albus Dumbledore and the phoenix==
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[[Albus Dumbledore]] had many connections to the phoenix, starting with his phoenix companion [[Fawkes]], along with his phoenix [[Patronus Charm|Patronus]].<ref name="GF28">{{GOF|B|28}}</ref> He named his anti-[[Tom Riddle|Voldemort]] organisation the [[Order of the Phoenix]] after Fawkes.<ref name="OOTP4">{{OOTP|B|4}}</ref> The old wizard was also shown to have an unusual affinity for incendiary magic; he could conjure flames [[Flame-Freezing Charm|which did not burn]],<ref name="HBP17">{{HBP|B|17}}</ref> summon a [[Fire rope|lasso of fire]] with which to subdue foes,<ref name="OP36" /> and even produce [[Gubraithian Fire|Gubraithian]] or ever-burning fire,<ref name="OP20">{{OOTP|B|20}}</ref> a highly advanced and rare ability. Indeed, one of the last and greatest spells Albus ever performed was the [[Firestorm]], which he used to fend off the [[Inferius|Inferi]].<ref name="HBP26">{{HBP|B|26}}</ref> Finally, Albus had sought [[immortality]] in his youth. But once he matured, and in much the same way that a phoenix keeps living on after its death, Dumbledore would come to adopt the great personal belief that death was nothing more than "''the next great adventure''".<ref name="PS17">{{PS|B|17}}</ref>
   
 
==Behind the scenes==
 
==Behind the scenes==
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*The {{W|phoenix}} is a [[creature]] from Greek mythology. The given native range for the phoenix in Egypt, India, and China may be in reference to the Egyptian {{W|Bennu}}, the Hindu {{W|Garuda}} and the Chinese {{W|fenghuang}}, all mythological birds from other cultures sometimes compared to the phoenix (though it should be noted that the [[hoo-hoo]], which is also based on the fenghuang, apparently exists as an independent creature in the wizarding world).
*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 (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>
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*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.
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*The phoenix is the only life form in existence that defies the otherwise absolute rule that nothing can truly bring back the dead, although it is debatable if phoenixes ''actually'' die.
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*It is interesting to note that the appearances of phoenixes, specifically Fawkes, portrayed in the films and novels look quite different; the phoenix is depicted and having a longer neck and vaguely resembling a hoatzin in the novels and in illustrations on {{PM}}, while in the films, it resembles a large bird of prey such as an [[eagle]] or a [[hawk]].
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**In [[Harry Potter Film Wizardry]] {{C|Updated edition 2018}}, Concept artist Adam Brockband stated that he was inspired by depictions of classical mythology together with observation of real birds. For the glorious [[Fawkes]] at the end of {{COS|F}}, he referred to the {{Wplink|sea-eagle}}. In the version in Dumbledore's office prior to its [[Burning Day]], Mr. Brockband chose a more vulture-like model.<ref>{{HPFW}} {{C|updated German edition 2018, page 71}}</ref>
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*Although {{FB}} states that phoenixes are hard to domesticate, domestication happens to a population due to selective breeding, not to individual animals, which can be tamed.
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*On the {{PM}} [[Patronus quiz]], the phoenix is not an available [[Patronus Charm|Patronus]] form, despite other rare magical creature forms existing on the quiz.
   
 
==Appearances==
 
==Appearances==
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{{Imagecat|Images of phoenixes}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone]]'' {{1st mention}}
 
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*{{PS}} {{1st mention}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (film)]] ''{{Mention}}
 
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*{{PS|F}} {{Mention}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets]]'' {{1st}}
 
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*{{PS|G}} {{Mention}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (film)]]''
 
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*{{COS}} {{1st}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (video game)]]''
 
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*{{COS|F}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]''
 
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*{{COS|G}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (film)]]''
 
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*{{POA|G}} {{FWC}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]''
 
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*{{GOF}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (film)]]''
 
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*{{GOF|F}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (video game)]]'' {{Comment|Mentioned in organisation name}}
 
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*{{OOTP}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]''
 
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*{{OOTP|F}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (film)]]''
 
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*{{OOTP|G}} {{Mention}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (video game)]]''
 
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*{{HBP}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' {{Flashback}} {{Comment|Mentioned}}
 
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*{{HBP|F}}
*''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (video game)]]'' {{Mention}}
 
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*{{HBP|G}}
*''[[Quidditch Through the Ages (real)]]''
 
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*{{DH}} {{C|Seen as magical ornaments}} {{Flashback}}
*''[[Harry Potter: A Pop-Up Book]]''
 
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*{{DH|G1}} {{Mention}}
*''[[LEGO Harry Potter: Characters of the Magical World]]''
 
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*{{FB|S}} {{Mention}}
*''[[LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4]]''
 
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*{{FB|F}} {{Statue}}
*''[[LEGO Creator: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets]]''
 
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*{{COG|S}}
*''[[LEGO Harry Potter|Harry Potter LEGO Sets]]''
 
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[[Category:Phoenixes|Phoenixes]]

Latest revision as of 09:09, 14 March 2024

"Fascinating creatures, phoenixes. They can carry immensely heavy loads, their tears have healing powers, and they make highly faithful pets."
Albus Dumbledore on the nature of Phoenixes[src]

The phoenix was a large swan-sized scarlet magical 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 glowed faintly in darkness, while its golden tail feathers were hot to the touch.[2] A phoenix was also one of the most independent and detached creatures in the world.

Phoenixes would usually nest on mountain peaks and were gentle herbivores, that were not known for fighting. As phoenixes approach their Burning Day they resembled a half-plucked turkey. Their eyes became dull, their feathers started to fall out, and it began to make gagging noises. Then the bird suddenly burst into flames, only to rise from the ashes shortly after. In a number of days, they grew back to full size.[1][2] Thanks to this ability, phoenixes lived to an immense age, perhaps even forever.[2]

Its feathers could be used as the core of a wand and were designated by Garrick Ollivander as one of the "Supreme Cores", which was a distinction shared by only two other beasts.

It was a possible, rare corporeal form of the Patronus Charm,[6][7] such as Albus Dumbledore's Patronus.[7]

Four forty-foot tall gilded statues of phoenixes were located in the lobby of the Magical Congress of the United States of America.[8][9]

Description

Physical description

Fawkes WB F2 FawkesIllustration V2 Illust 100615 Land

Appearance of the phoenix

Phoenixes had crimson feathers on their body and a golden tail as long as a peacock's. Their claws and beak were gleaming gold and their eyes were black. Their scarlet body feathers glowed faintly in darkness, while their golden tail feathers were hot to the touch.[2] It was unknown if they were actually capable of burning someone as neither Harry Potter — when Fawkes carried him from the Chamber of Secrets — nor Albus Dumbledore — when he escaped the Ministry officials with Fawkes's help — were burned by his tail feathers;[10][11] however, it was possible that Fawkes could control the temperature of his tail feathers and simply chose not to burn them.

The egg of the Phoenix was glossy green or blue in colour. They did not need to be incubated in order to hatch; however, it sometimes took several years for one to hatch.[12]

Abilities and traits

"A gentle creature, the phoenix lives to an immense age because it can regenerate each time it bursts into flames. Phoenix song is magical and its tears have healing properties."
Chocolate Frog Card[src]
Fawkes rebirth

Fawkes, a phoenix, bursting into flames

The most startling of the phoenix's abilities was its ability to regenerate itself. It periodically burst into flames when its body became old, and rises from the ashes as a newborn chick.[1] This event is called Burning Day, and gives these birds a great life span,[1] as well as the ability to take the full force of a Killing Curse and still be reborn.[11] Phoenixes were immune to the gaze of a basilisk, which would normally kill anyone who had direct eye to eye contact with it, or petrify anyone through indirect eye contact, such as seeing a glimpse of the massive serpent or its reflection.[10] With these abilities, phoenixes may have been one of the only species to have true immortality.

Phoenixes were capable of more with their flames than just renewing their lifecycle. The phoenix could also disappear and reappear elsewhere at will in a bursts of flames, leaving behind a single golden tail feather. The Phoenix in question could also take whoever was holding them along. An ability very similar to Apparition.[13][14]

Additionally, their tears had potent healing capabilities. For instance, phoenix tears were the only known antidote to basilisk venom.[10] Their tears were also able to bring a person back even from the brink of death,[10] similar to Unicorn blood, but without the cursed life. Aside from their tears, the pellets that Phoenixes coughed up had healing properties of their own, which they were prized for. Additionally, the pellets contained rare gemstones known as Phoenix flints, which were said to have the power to protect the wearer from the cold at high altitudes.[15]

Fawkes flight GIF

Fawkes the phoenix carrying an immensely heavy load

Phoenixes were 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.[10]

Phoenix song had a deep emotional impact on those who heard it, magical in nature, it touched a listener's very soul and was able to provide support and comfort.[10][16][3] Furthermore, the phoenix song would increase the courage of those who were good and struck fear into the hearts of those who served evil.[2] Its most powerful performances were known to be when the phoenix suffered emotional instability or distress, such as the death of its master.[3]

As stated by Dumbledore, they were extremely loyal creatures, and were capable of arriving to the aid of beings who share a similar devotion.[1] This was how Fawkes arrived to assist Harry in slaying the Basilisk in the Chamber of Secrets during his second year at Hogwarts.[10]

Phoenixes and fire

Fire appeared to have an unknown but profound effect on phoenixes, as Gellert Grindelwald was effortlessly capable of instantly turning a baby phoenix into a full adult by conjuring fire from his hand and setting the baby bird ablaze, from which it emerged as a full adult after being briefly covered by the flames, although by all fairness, Grindelwald was an immensely powerful wizard who was extremely skilled in Wandless magic and fairly apt at handling magical creatures.[5] Nevertheless, considering a phoenix's fire-related powers, it was likely that fire could be used to strengthen them. Phoenixes also burst into flame when they disapparate and on Burning Day, before they emerge from their ashes as a newborn.

Domesticated phoenixes

PhoenixFB

A wild phoenix

Phoenixes were very difficult to domesticate, as Newton Scamander said in his book Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: "The phoenix gains an XXXX rating not because it is aggressive, but because very few wizards have ever succeeded in domesticating it."[2] There were two known domesticated phoenixes; one was Albus Dumbledore's pet phoenix Fawkes,[1] and the other was Sparky, the team mascot for the New Zealand Quidditch team, the Moutohora Macaws.[17]

Phoenixes that had been domesticated were extremely loyal to their owners, and would depart to find their own paths if their owners died, rather than finding a new master.[3][18]

Albus Dumbledore's great-great-grandfather's phoenix

It was said that Albus Dumbledore's great-great-grandfather owned a phoenix, but once he passed, the phoenix took flight and was never seen again.[4]

Unidentified 19th-century Hogwarts student's phoenix

Phoenix HL

The phoenix in Poidsear Coast

It was rescued by a student in 1891 from a cave in Poidsear Coast. They took the phoenix back to the room of requirement for its safety whilst poachers were roaming the countryside around Hogwarts searching for rare magical creatures. The student promised they would release the Phoenix at a later date when it was safer for them.[19]

Aurelius Dumbledore's phoenix

Phoenix in Nurmengard

Phoenix in Nurmengard

After the battle in the Lestrange Mausoleum and recruiting Credence Barebone to his forces, Gellert Grindelwald revealed in Nurmengard to Credence that the baby bird he had been caring for in Paris was actually a phoenix.[5] According to legend, a phoenix would appear to anyone of the Dumbledore family in dire need.[4] Grindelwald then presented him with a wand, as well as his birth name: Aurelius Dumbledore.[5]

Fawkes

Fawkes blinding Basilisk

Fawkes blinding the Basilisk

Fawkes was a phoenix who was owned by Albus Dumbledore. Fawkes lived with Dumbledore at Hogwarts Castle for a large part of his life.[1] He was instrumental in helping Harry Potter defeat the Serpent of Slytherin, bringing Harry the Sword of Gryffindor, blinding the basilisk, and saving Harry from its venom with his tears.[10]

Fawkes was also used as a communication between his master and the Order of the Phoenix.[13] Fawkes assisted Dumbledore in fighting Lord Voldemort and protected the headmaster from a Killing Curse.[11] After Albus Dumbledore's death, Fawkes performed a mournful song that seemed to feel like it is inside the listener, and was dubbed by wizards as the "Phoenix Lament". After the song was completed, Fawkes departed Hogwarts as a free phoenix, and was never heard from again.[3]

Sparky

Sparky was the phoenix mascot of the New Zealand Quidditch team the Moutohora Macaws. Apart from Fawkes, Sparky was then the only known domesticated phoenix.[17]

Phoenix feathers

Phoenix feathers were a powerful magical substance and, as such, were an accepted wand core.[20][21] Fawkes gave two feathers, which ended up in the wands of Harry Potter and Lord Voldemort,[20] which was said to be the reason why they locked in Priori Incantatem when the two wizards attempted to duel each other in the Little Hangleton graveyard.[16] Due to phoenixes having been very difficult to tame and were one of the most detached creatures in the world, the wands with such feathers were the pickiest of owners. The wands containing this core sometimes acted on their own accord, due to having the most initiative of all core types. Phoenix feathers were sometimes used as writing quills.[21]

Albus Dumbledore and the phoenix

Albus Dumbledore had many connections to the phoenix, starting with his phoenix companion Fawkes, along with his phoenix Patronus.[7] He named his anti-Voldemort organisation the Order of the Phoenix after Fawkes.[22] The old wizard was also shown to have an unusual affinity for incendiary magic; he could conjure flames which did not burn,[23] summon a lasso of fire with which to subdue foes,[11] and even produce Gubraithian or ever-burning fire,[24] a highly advanced and rare ability. Indeed, one of the last and greatest spells Albus ever performed was the Firestorm, which he used to fend off the Inferi.[25] Finally, Albus had sought immortality in his youth. But once he matured, and in much the same way that a phoenix keeps living on after its death, Dumbledore would come to adopt the great personal belief that death was nothing more than "the next great adventure".[26]

Behind the scenes

  • The phoenix is a creature from Greek mythology. The given native range for the phoenix in Egypt, India, and China may be in reference to the Egyptian Bennu, the Hindu Garuda and the Chinese fenghuang, all mythological birds from other cultures sometimes compared to the phoenix (though it should be noted that the hoo-hoo, which is also based on the fenghuang, apparently exists as an independent creature in the wizarding world).
  • The phoenix is Harry Potter author J. K. Rowling's favourite magical creature.[27]
  • The phoenix is the only life form in existence that defies the otherwise absolute rule that nothing can truly bring back the dead, although it is debatable if phoenixes actually die.
  • It is interesting to note that the appearances of phoenixes, specifically Fawkes, portrayed in the films and novels look quite different; the phoenix is depicted and having a longer neck and vaguely resembling a hoatzin in the novels and in illustrations on Pottermore, while in the films, it resembles a large bird of prey such as an eagle or a hawk.
  • Although Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them states that phoenixes are hard to domesticate, domestication happens to a population due to selective breeding, not to individual animals, which can be tamed.
  • On the Pottermore Patronus quiz, the phoenix is not an available Patronus form, despite other rare magical creature forms existing on the quiz.

Appearances

Wiki
The Harry Potter Wiki has 70 images related to Phoenix.

Notes and references

  1. 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 12 (The Polyjuice Potion)
  2. 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 29 (The Phoenix Lament)
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald - The Original Screenplay, Scene 28
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald - The Original Screenplay, Scene 120
  6. (see this image)
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chapter 28 (The Madness of Mr Crouch)
  8. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (film)
  9. "Step inside MACUSA with production designer Stuart Craig" at Pottermore.com (Archived)
  10. 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 10.6 10.7 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 17 (The Heir of Slytherin)
  11. 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 36 (The Only One He Ever Feared)
  12. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets fully illustrated edition (see this image)
  13. 13.0 13.1 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 22 (St Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries)
  14. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 27 (The Centaur and the Sneak)
  15. News: "Exclusive first look inside ‘Chamber of Secrets' Illustrated Edition" at Pottermore
  16. 16.0 16.1 Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chapter 36 (The Parting of the Ways)
  17. 17.0 17.1 Quidditch Through the Ages, Chapter 8 (The Spread of Quidditch Worldwide)
  18. Edinburgh "cub reporter" press conference, ITV, 16 July 2005
  19. Hogwarts Legacy, Side Quest "Phoenix Rising"
  20. 20.0 20.1 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Chapter 5 (Diagon Alley)
  21. 21.0 21.1 Writing by J. K. Rowling: "Wand Cores" at Wizarding World
  22. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 4 (Number Twelve Grimmauld Place)
  23. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 17 (A Sluggish Memory)
  24. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 20 (Hagrid's Tale)
  25. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 26 (The Cave)
  26. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Chapter 17 (The Man with Two Faces)
  27. World Book Day Interview, available via Accio Quote!
  28. Harry Potter Film Wizardry (updated German edition 2018, page 71)
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