In the mythology of different countries, images of birds occupy a large place. Often, mythical birds resist evil destructive forces, but there are some among them that themselves bring death. The cosmological significance of birds lies in the fact that they live at the top of the World Tree, being the visible embodiment of the union of the Earth and Heaven. Today, images of mythical birds can be found in ancient riddles, fairy tales and conspiracies.
Instructions
Step 1
At the head of the bird kingdom is the Stratim bird. She lives on the Ocean-Sea and keeps the whole world under her right wing. When the Stratim bird starts up (and this happens in the second hour after midnight), all the cocks on the ground will sing. Therefore, it is believed that Stratim is the mother of all birds. In addition, the Stratim-bird is the light bird of the wind god Stribog, and therefore commands all the winds. This amazing bird was depicted with a small head on a thin neck, a hooked beak, a long narrow body and a wing raised upward.
Step 2
In Slavic mythology, there are three maiden birds at once. These are Alkonost, Gamayun and Sirin. Alkonost is a wonderful bird with the face of a beautiful maiden. Her image goes back to the ancient Greek myth of Alcyone, who threw herself into the sea after her drowned husband and was turned by the gods into a kingfisher. According to legend, Alkonost lays eggs at the edge of the sea, and then plunges them into the depths of the sea, calming the sea for 7 days. Then the bird picks up the eggs and incubates the chicks on the shore. The singing of Alkonost is distinguished by such wondrous beauty that, having heard him, a person can forget about everything in the world. It is believed that in the morning on Apple Spas, the Sirin bird arrives in the apple orchard, crying and sad. In the afternoon, she is replaced by the Alkonost bird, which laughs and rejoices.
Step 3
The predecessors of the Russian bird Sirin were the ancient Greek Sirens, which charmed sailors with their magical singing and brought death to ships. In Slavic mythology, Sirin is described as a bird of paradise, which sometimes appears on earth and sings prophetic songs, prophesying about the coming paradise bliss. However, listening to the singing of Sirin is not safe: listening to it, you can lose your mind. Therefore, in some legends, Sirin is considered a dark bird, the messenger of the underworld.
Step 4
Gamayun is a prophetic bird, messenger of the gods. She sings divine hymns and predicts the future for those who know how to hear secret prophecies. The flight of this bird brings a deadly storm. Bird Gamayun knows everything about the origin of heaven and earth, gods and people, animals and birds.
Step 5
Ancient legends and traditions of many countries tell about the mythical Vulture-bird. Her head and wings are eagle's, and her body and legs are lion's. The feathers of the Vulture-bird are sharp, like arrows, the beak and claws seem to be made of iron. This bird is as large as a huge mountain. The Osprey bird is considered deadly. Its claws contain poison, which the ruthless predator releases into its prey.
Step 6
The fabulous and mythical Firebird is the embodiment of heavenly fire, sun, thunder and lightning. She feeds on golden apples, which give youth, beauty and immortality. As the Firebird sings, pearls scatter from its beak. This magical chant heals the sick and gives sight to the blind. Every fall, the Firebird dies and is reborn in the spring.
Step 7
A distant relative of the Firebird can be considered the famous Phoenix bird, whose image is found in the mythology of different countries. In appearance, the Phoenix resembles an eagle, but differs in bright red or golden-red plumage. Phoenix has the ability to burn and be reborn from the ashes, and therefore symbolizes eternal renewal.
