This article was first published on 23rd January 2020 titled Top Five Mythical Birds in Legend and Folklore by zteve t evans on #FolkloreThursday.com
Five Fabled Birds
The alkonost, the sirin, the caladrius, the roc and the phoenix are all five mythical birds from legend and folklore. Each were attributed their own magical qualities and roles by various human societies in history and presented here is a brief description of these five fabled creatures.
The Alkonost
In Russian legends, the alkonost was a creature with the head of a woman and the body of a bird. It could sing the most enchanting melodies. Those who heard its song let go of everything they had ever known, desiring nothing more as long as they lived.
Before Christian influence, the alkonost was believed to live on the magical island of Buyan. Similar to a bird of paradise in appearance, it was considered to be a wind spirit, able to summon up storms. The alkonost lays her eggs on the gently sloping seashore and moves them into the sea to hatch. Their hatching causes the sea to become rough while a thunderstorm manifests and they are considered to be wind spirits.In Christian times, the home of the alkonost became the Garden of Eden, while she became God’s messenger to the saints, singing them wonderful songs to inspire and encourage them.
Under the influence! 
We could use that Caladrius right about now!! Hope you’re staying safe and well
Yes, it would be very busy indeed! So far, so good with me and I hope you are keeping safe and well!
So far so good! 🙂 Just trying to keep busy indoors 🙂
I’d heard of the phoenix and the roc before, but the other three are new to me. The various transformations of the sirin’s symbolism are especially fascinating. It really seems to embrace paradox: dark and holy, temptress and bringer of peace.
Thanks for your interesting insights. Always greatly appreciated!
Hi
I so look forward to each and every post from you. We the human race have lost our ability to suspend belief and move amid a world full of wonder.
Thank you so much for keeping the myths, legends of yore alive
Best
Indra Laxminarayan Bangalore, India
On Thu, Apr 16, 2020 at 8:01 PM Under the influence! wrote:
> ztevetevans posted: ” Alkonost by Ivan Bilibin – Public Domain from > Wikimedia Commons This article was first published on 23rd January 2020 > titled Top Five Mythical Birds in Legend and Folklore by zteve t evans on > #FolkloreThursday.com Five Fabled Birds The alkono” >
Thanks, greatly appreciated!
Thanks for sharing this! I wonder if the there’s an etymological connection between the Caladrius and the calandra lark. Perhaps the bird of fable has actually some real basis, though their abilities are vastly different as the caladra lark isn’t famous for its healing but its singing skills.
I don’t know but that is a really interesting idea! Thanks for sharing it and thanks for reading and commenting!