Phoenixes are a species of magnificent, powerful, mystical fire-bird-like creatures of pure flame that are larger than a Pelagornis, with red and gold plumage, along with a golden beak and talons, black eyes, a saffron chest, its head crested with scarlet, and its long purple tail is as long as a peacock's.
History[]
Origins[]
Phoenixes are originally from Egyptian mythology, but have spread into popular culture. They are very rare in existence, so rare that, much like dragons, they are believed to by mythical even by veteran hunters. Some say that Phoenixes have existed for as long as dragons.
Appearance[]
In their true form, their scarlet feathers glow faintly in darkness, while its golden tail feathers are hot to the touch. In human form, they are powerful beings who appear Human.
Characteristics[]
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, combust upon death; only to rise from the ashes shortly after. In a number of days, they grow back to full size. Thanks to this ability, phoenixes live to an immense age.
It has been an enduring mythological symbol for millennia and across vastly different cultures. Despite such varieties of societies and times, the phoenix was consistently characterized as a bird being with brightly colored plumage. After a long life, it dies in a fire of its own making only to rise again from the ashes. From religious and naturalistic symbolism in ancient Egypt, to a secular symbol for armies, communities, and even societies, as well as an often-used literary symbol, this mythical human's representation of death and rebirth seems to resonate with humankind's aspirations.
They are held in high regard for many agricultural tribes. They are very large; up to the size of a house if they live for a long amount of time. Phoenixes are a symbol of "Rebirth" or "Starting Anew". This is likely because every 500 to 1000 years they are thought to burst into flames and are then reborn from their ashes as a chick. Some can also voluntarily turn into flames, while other can create flames while remaining in bird form. Their tears can heal wounds up to a point. Many are known to be noble creatures who have served heroes and warriors by their side. The idea of a firebird or Phoenix spans a remarkable number of cultures. They are typically depicted as red or orange(as in feathers, below flames) and capable of reaching huge sizes.
Shortly after their creation, a Phoenix was seen roosting in the Western Wild.
Powers and Abilities[]
“ | Fascinating creatures, Phoenixes. They can carry immensely heavy loads; they can fly faster than you can see; their tears have incredible healing powers; and they can resurrect from the ashes they die in. | „ |
— Oracle, about Phoenixes |
As some of the oldest supernatural creatures in existence, Phoenixes are also amongst the most powerful. They are quite powerful and almost impossible to kill. They have the power to burn anyone into ash with a simple touch of its hand.
- Healing Tears: Phoenixes are also able to heal even the most serious of injuries simply by crying on them. Their tears have potent healing capabilities.
- Resurrection: Their tears are also able to bring a person back even from the brink of death.
- Immortality: Whether in their natural or human form, Phoenixes are immortal, meaning they do not age at all and are immune to death by natural causes and aging. Based on Elias's comments, it seems before the Winchester, there was no known way to kill a Phoenix, although the fact it was known that they combust upon death, implies there are other ways to kill them.
- Invulnerability: Phoenixes are near completely invulnerable and can take repeated shots in the chest with no reaction. However, significant force, such as being hanged, can knock them out for a while.
- Regeneration: The most startling of the Phoenix's abilities is their ability to regenerate themselves. They can heal/regenerate from any and all non fatal injuries, unless shot by the Winchester.
- Self-Resurrection: Phoenixes have the ability to resurrect from the dead. The body will spontaneously self-combust only for the phoenix to be reborn from the ashes, fully restored. It is unknown whether or not if there is a limited number of times a phoenix can resurrect before they perish permanently. Furthermore, there does not seem to be a set amount of time that it takes for a phoenix to resurrect. However, upon their first death, it takes around a day to resurrect. Following that, further resurrections become faster.
- Flight: In natural or human form, Phoenixes are able to fly using their immense wings. In human form, Phoenixes can produce wings of fire from their backs that enable them to fly.
- Levitation: In human form, Phoenixes seemingly possess some form of levitation, allowing them to float a few feet up off the ground.
- Shapeshifting: Phoenixes can take human form to conceal their true form, which is that of a giant bird-like creature the size of a small plane.
- Supernatural Speed: Phoenixes are amazingly fast, able to "move faster than the human eye can see."
- Supernatural Strength: Due to their giant size, Phoenixes are incredibly strong, more so than humans, hunters, slayers, other shapeshifters, most monsters, and most demons. They are capable of effortlessly lifting an immensely great weight, such as being able to fly up a long distance with a handful of people holding on to its tail. Even in human form, they possess this strength. One Phoenix was strong enough to break out of its coffin, even after it had been nailed down and buried. According to Rayne, that same Phoenix could have ripped off the door of a jail cell easily if it hadn't been made of iron.
- Pyrokinesis: Phoenixes can conjure and manipulate fire.
- Incineration Touch: In human form, Phoenixes can incinerate anyone or anything with a single touch. Their ability is so strong, they can reduce a whole man to ashes in seconds. This ability is similar to an angel's smiting.
- Teleportation: Phoenixes can teleport at will, disappearing and reappearing at will in bursts of flames and take whoever is holding them along. When teleporting, they disappear and reappear in a flash of fire. They can also take people with them when they teleport.
Weaknesses[]
Immortal, powerful, and self-resurrecting, Phoenixes are almost impossible to kill. However, they are vulnerable to iron, like many other supernatural creatures.
Injuring[]
- Iron: A Phoenix can't touch Iron, as like many creatures, it burns their flesh. They also can not escape iron chains.
Killing[]
- The Winchester: Phoenixes are able to be killed by being shot with the Winchester, which Annabelle Barnes did in 1861.
- Angel Blade: An angelic blade can kill a Phoenix.
- Death's Scythe: Can kill anything.
Trivia[]
- The sound effects of the Phoenix are that of typical bird sounds, such as eagle, hawk, and vulture.