Phoenix

A phoenix is a mythical bird originating from the Levant and Persian regions. The Phoenician peoples of modern Israel and Syria were in fact named after the phoenix. It was their sacred creature and the symbol of strength. The Phoenicians set up colonies all across the Mediterranean basin, and with this the legend of the Phoenix spread. One of the most well-known colonies is Carthage, or Karthadistam. They even created their own empire before being vanquished by the Romans. The legend of the phoenix spread fast and far. Many local tribes adopted the phoenix into their own beliefs, and when they united or became powerful they spread the myth further. One such example is the Russians. They are descended from Vikings, Cossacks, Germanic peoples, and local tribes. However, many Russian myths now involve fire-birds or phoenixes. There is even a city in the USA named Phoenix.
The phoenix is a large bird, usually the size of an eagle. It has golden feathers and is surrounded by harmless fire, unless the phoenix desires it to be used as a tool. Their feathers are highly valued, often being sold for much more than diamonds. The phoenix is not immortal, nor invincible. Every five hundred years they combust and turn into ashes. After a few days they re-emerge as a new-born chick. There is only ever one or two phoenixes alive in the world at one time, and they do not have a gender.
The phoenix is a peaceful bird, preferring solidarity to company. They hide out in large forests where no one may find them. However, if a phoenix is found in captivity it will usually reside in a great king's palace. They are very loyal unless mistreated, and if set free will often wander back to its last home. In captivity they do however need a large space to be able to fly, and a place in the roof where they may roost or hide when tired or scared.
A phoenix will also be able to tell where it is anywhere. If you lived in Russia and placed the phoenix in the USA without letting it see where it was going, it would be back within a few days. This ability is very valuable to tribes attempting to further their borders and needing to get home, or explorers finding their way back from foreign lands. They are also valuable if you have crossed an ocean such as the Atlantic and need to return home. All in all the phoenix is highly intelligent and a most prized possession.
For more information visit:

• http://www.mythicalcreaturesguide.com/page/Phoenix
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenix_%28mythology%29