The Classical Phoenix

In Greek and Roman legends, the Phoenix is the symbol of immortality and resurrection.
It is associated with the Sun god Phoebus (Apollo). Its name "Phoenix" is the Greek word for "red",
which links this magical bird to fire and the sun. It is said to resemble an eagle or a peacock.

The Greek believed that the Phoenix lived in Arabia, in a cool well. At dawn, each morning, it sung
a beautiful song, so beautiful that the Sun god would stop his chariot to listen. The Phoenix is a unique
bird, there may only exist one at a time, which makes it a solitary bird. It does not reproduce, which
adds to its loneliness, as only its death will bring on another of its race. When it feels its end approaching (between 500 and 1461 years, depending on the legend), it builds a nest with the finest aromatic woods,
sets it on fire, and is consumed by his own flames. From the pile of ashes, a new Phoenix arises, young
and powerful. It then embalms the ashes of its predecessor in an egg of myrrh, and flies to the city
of the Sun, Heliopolis, where he deposits the egg on the altar of the Sun god.

The following is a text by a Roman author, Claudian, which tells the story of the Phoenix.
This poetic version is translated by Henry Vaughan.

THE PHOENIX

He knows his time is out! and doth provide
New principles of life; herbs he brings dried
From the hot hills, and with rich spices frames
A Pile shall burn, and Hatch him with his flames.

On this the weakling sits; salutes the Sun
With pleasant noise, and prays and begs for some
Of his own fire, that quickly may restore
The youth and vigor, which he had before.
Whom soon as Phoebus * spies, stopping his rays

He makes a stand, and thus allays his pains......
He shakes his locks, and from his golden head,
Shoots on bright beam, which smites with vital fire

The willing bird; to burn is his desire.
That he may live again; he's proud in death,
And goes in haste to gain a better breath.
The spice heap fired with celestial rays
Doth burn the aged Phoenix, when straight stays
The Chariot of the amazed Moon; the pole
Resists the wheeling, swift Orbs, and the whole
Fabric of Nature at a stand remains.
Till the old bird anew, young begins again.

* Phoebus another name for Apollo, but is also a poetic word to describe the sun.