Archetype.0 - Phoenix
The power of cyclical rebirth.
REPORT: Operation Wings of Paradox
BTP's Classified Phoenix Acquisition
CLASSIFIED - TOP SECRET
# Bureau of Transcendent Patterns
## Case File: [REDACTED]
### Operation Wings of Paradox: Phoenix Acquisition Report
#### Date: [REDACTED]
Preamble: This document serves as a preamble to the detailed report concerning Operation Wings of Paradox, executed by the BTP. It provides a classified overview of the operation and its implications.
WARNING: The information contained in this document is classified as ARCANE SECRET. Access to this document carries extraordinary responsibility.
On [REDACTED DATE], agents of the Bureau of Transcendent Patterns (BTP) successfully executed Operation Wings of Paradox, resulting in the capture and containment of a Prima Materia entity, colloquially known as a "Phoenix." in legends and tales. This report details the circumstances of the capture, preliminary findings, and potential implications for the advancement of mankind.
The subject designated PNX-0, was captured during a wildfire in the Amazon Rainforest, which occurred due to high temperatures and drought originating from climate change, following a coordinated effort involving special Agency agents and specialized containment equipment developed by ITA (Aeronautics Institute of Technology), located in São José dos Campos, Brazil. Initial observations indicate that PNX-0 possesses capabilities previously thought to be mythological, including spontaneous combustion and subsequent regeneration and rebirth.
The subject PNX-0, affectionately called “Flameheart” by the team was put in a highly technological glass container where our scientists accelerated time to record and analyze the implications of this creature's magicality - potentially offering unprecedented insights into cellular regeneration, energy production, and temporal mechanics. It was noted that the definitive lifespan of the subject was 777 years.
Soon after careful collection of data and the witnessing of a rebirth from a cosmic egg that defied all scientific understanding, a misunderstanding among the scientists ended with the team consenting to free the creature before her boyfriend came to rescue her, putting the entire team’s lives at risk. It was properly freed with an appreciation gift from the team: pearl necklaces handmade by the grandmother of one of the scientists.
This report will outline the operational details, current containment protocols, preliminary research findings, and recommended next steps. Given the sensitive nature of this operation and its potential impact on global affairs, all personnel are reminded of their obligation to maintain absolute heartfelt admiration for the one and only Flameheart.
[Continued on next page...]
Introduction
Hey reader! It's been some time, huh?
Well, to compensate for Agency's absence in your inbox, I decided to bring up a new editorial today.
Some time ago I discussed with
the idea of bringing up the subject of Archetypes to - We realized that it would be important to not only rescue some ancestral symbolism but also populate our library with new references that can help our readers embody a true storytelling arsenal of ideas.Coming from Greek, the word Archetype first entered into English usage in the 1540s. It derives from the combination of two Ancient Greek words:
arché-
Meaning: "beginning,” or “origin”
-typos
Meaning: “pattern," "model," or "type."
Together, as “archétypos”, they form the meaning: "the first mould” or as the popular version of the English word “Archetype” represents "a perfect example of something."
The concept of archetypes has been influential in various fields: Mythology, Religion, Literature and Narrative Theory, Psychology, Marketing and Branding, Cinema & TV, Anthropology and Art.
Such a concept, with roots in the meaning “mould” can even be found in the Christian cosmogony, the Genesis book of the Bible, where the creator is said to have shaped man from dust or clay:
Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.
Genesis 2:7
Also in Mesopotamian mythology:
Let me put blood together, and make bones too.
Let me set up primeval man: Man shall be his name.
Let me create a primeval man.
The work of the gods shall be imposed (on him), and so they shall be at leisure.
Enuma Elish, the Babylonian Creation Epic Tablet V
In Egyptian mythology:
Khnum the creator, he who created on his potter's wheel, the divine figures of gods and goddesses, he who created men and formed the gods.
Inscription at Temple of Esna
And Greek Mythology:
Prometheus shaped man out of mud, and Athena breathed life into the clay figure. Prometheus made man stand upright as the gods did and gave him fire.
"Works and Days" by Hesiod
Taking all of that into consideration, we can better understand the meaning behind archetypes and also their importance in different fields and the conceptualization of new ideas, even if the idea is… mankind itself!
But enough about the meaning behind the editorial's name, let's dive into the subject of the issue because out of the ashes, a phoenix will always rise.
The Origin of the Phoenix
And how it can empower your story.
Although vastly adopted and spread by the Greek culture, the first reference to a bird that represented the cycle of life, death and rebirth has its roots in ancient Egypt. Bennu was the true precursor of the Phoenix, it was a deity linked to the sun, creation, and rebirth. It was a self-created being said to have played a role in the creation of the world.
It is also said that it was inspired (or modelled) after a human-sized heron species thought to have gone extinct around 1500 BCE, whose remains were discovered in the United Arab Emirates in 1977, which could explain why it was depicted as a heron-like bird with a long, straight beak.
Although it shares much symbolism with the Phoenix, their physical depiction differs as the Phoenix is usually described more similarly to an Eagle or a Peacock with brilliant, colourful feathers: red, gold, or purple.
In addition to that evolution in physical traits, the rebirth capacity of both these mythological creatures differs in context. The Bennu’s rebirth is connected to the natural and cosmic order, particularly the sun’s daily rising; whereas the phoenix’s rebirth is more metaphorical and individual, representing the personal or spiritual renewal that comes from trials, destruction, and transformation.
The phoenix is said to voluntarily build a nest of fragrant spices and woods, where it ignites itself and is consumed by the flames. This act of self-immolation symbolizes the end of one life cycle. However, from its ashes, a new phoenix arises, renewed and reborn, stronger and more vibrant than before.
The enduring presence of the Phoenix archetype across centuries can be attributed mostly to the universality behind its attributes, which not only adds a profound tone of epicness to stories but also has many different utilities when used metaphorically.
Semiotics
Symbolism of Renewal: The cycle of birth and death is one present in the ever-present journey of life. Whether in real nature or as change and transformation, we can all sympathize with the idea of endings and fresh starts.
Immortality: The capacity to rise from the ashes after being consumed by flames points to a very important meaning of purification and transformation, underscoring the idea that destruction is necessary for renewal. The flames don't signify an end, but rather a transition—an essential phase of the Phoenix’s immortal existence.
Resilience & Transformation: By understanding the need to forego a self-destruction process every 500-1000 years, the Phoenix teaches an important lesson about the ability to overcome adversity and emerge stronger by doing so. Change for the Phoenix is a necessary step towards its evolution.
Absence and Mystery: By removing itself from existence, the Phoenix understands the importance of isolation and distance to synthesize its transformation. Due to that aspect of its rarity, it is often regarded with awe, reverence, and fascination by other beings.
Hope: The magic behind what the Phoenix represents offers a message of endurance and the possibility of a fresh start.
Narrative Tools
Character Arc: By making a hero undergo a phoenix-like transformation through a death and rebirth context, you can build upon the transformation that comes after until a climax is achieved through their evolution. This tends to happen halfway through the Hero's Journey.
Example: A character loses everything and hits rock bottom, but finds in the darkness of the abyss the one reason it needs to rise from the ashes and rebuild their life.Plot Structure: A stage of destruction and renewal is fundamental for the structure of a story, it can give the audience the ideal context to sympathize with whatever is going through the adversity.
Example: A magical city gets attacked by a hostile force, making those who survived flee to gain strength and rally allies so that they can save it.Symbolic Object: Introducing a phoenix-life object to a story can represent hope or renewal by depicting the power of imperishability and resilience.
Example: A whole library burns down but one book survives untouched by the damage of the fire, becoming a symbol of true knowledge.Mythical Appearance: Have an actual Phoenix as a character or plot element; use elements of the Phoenix like the ashes or glowing feathers to depict the existence of magic in a story.
Example: In a fantasy world, a Phoenix can be a wise and powerful ally or a sought-after magical resource that is key to the success of an adventure.
Flameheart’s Elegy
Mythopoesis
Oh powerful flame
That heart our mundane shame
With true arcane sanity
Built upon the burning of lungs
Of atmosphere owned by the young
Who shall rise from our ashes
With nothing but songs
Of a present destroyed by ignorance
Void of heartfelt substance
Fueled by a profit stance
Of maniacs in pre-agreed
Green fabricated malady
In combined greedy dance
And rhythmic atrocities.
Listen O bird that defies
Any clause of space and time
For a warcry made in sweet try
Of recovering such feathers in time
For your magic to warm not just mine
But all hearts one more time
So that a last spark can ignite
The right organ, not our time
In this planet in demise
Lacking one last try
Of seeing you one last
Much needed time.
Dear Flameheart's smite
Set ablaze all smiles
Cause from one tiny lit candle
All others can be lit
And with your wings
The whole world can fly
Towards a new sky
Of mythological shrines
Made for you, sweet chime
Of pure feathered
Magic, blissful,
Shine.
Pandora’s Box
A Fresh Digest on my latest discoveries and some other things.
In the Lenses of Thi
Chords 🎶
It only felt right to feature this song by Imagine Dragons on this issue, not just because we were talking about a magic bird, but especially because their performance at Rock in Rio 2024 was truly unforgettable!
Movies 🎥
This week I had the opportunity to watch the last movie from Studio Ghibli - The Boy and the Heron, strangely, before watching it I had no idea that the Phoenix archetype had its origin in the Egyptian Bennu, which looked very alike a heron.
It explores themes of family, grief, personal growth, and the connection between the natural and spiritual worlds. It is also a very deep personal story of the director himself, the legendary Hayao Miyazaki.
About the Author
Thiago Patriota
Made in 1996. Born & Raised Brazillian. Bachelor’s Degree in Advertising and Communication. Adept to autodidactism. Curious Soul. Published Author. Founder of Sentient. Co-founder of Agency Brasil. Founder of Astro Bank Brasil
That’s me in a nutshell, but you can learn more about Agency on the About page!