Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
XXXVI: Modern Monsters—The Phoenix—Basilisk—Unicorn—Salamander explained
This chapter explores mythical creatures that persisted in popular belief after the decline of pagan mythology, focusing on the Phoenix, Basilisk, Unicorn, and Salamander.
What happens
This chapter explores mythical creatures that persisted in popular belief after the decline of pagan mythology, focusing on the Phoenix, Basilisk, Unicorn, and Salamander. It draws from classical poets like Ovid, historians like Tacitus, and later naturalists to describe their origins, characteristics, and cultural significance, including references in literature by Dryden, Milton, Shakespeare, and Cellini.
Themes in this chapter
Mortality and Immortality
The Phoenix's cycle of death and rebirth from its own ashes embodies the theme of immortality through self-renewal.
Cultural Transmission and Education
The chapter transmits classical and medieval lore about mythical beasts, showing how stories are preserved and adapted across cultures and eras.
Characters to notice
- Ovid
Ovid is cited as the primary source for the story of the Phoenix, describing its self-reproduction and journey to Heliopolis.
- Phoebus Apollo
The Phoenix deposits its nest in the temple of the Sun, associated with Apollo, and the basilisk's carcass was hung in the temple of Apollo.
- Diana
The basilisk's carcass was also hung in the temple of Diana, preventing swallows from entering.
- Venus
The Unicorn is said to be tamed only by a virgin, a theme linked to Venus and chastity.
Key passages
“Most beings spring from other individuals; but there is a certain kind which reproduces itself. The Assyrians call it the Phoenix.”
While most creatures are born from others, the Phoenix is unique in that it regenerates itself, as named by the Assyrians.
Ovid's description of the Phoenix's self-reproduction, highlighting its singular nature.
“The first care of the young bird as soon as fledged, and able to trust to his wings, is to perform the obsequies of his father.”
Once the young Phoenix can fly, its first duty is to bury its father.
Tacitus details the filial piety of the Phoenix in carrying its parent's body to the Sun's altar.
“Would they were basilisk's, to strike thee dead!”
I wish my eyes were like a basilisk's, so they could kill you with a glance.
Lady Anne in Shakespeare's Richard III uses the basilisk's deadly gaze as a curse against Richard.