The phoenix was a mythical sacred firebird that can be found in the mythologies of the Persians, Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, Chinese, and Phoenicians. A phoenix was a fire spirit with a colorful plumage and a tail of gold and scarlet (or purple, blue, and green according to some legends). Only one phoenix existed at any time. It had a 500 to 1000 year lifecycle, near the end of which it would build itself a nest of twigs, set it on fire, and be consumed in the flames. From the ashes a new, young phoenix or phoenix egg arose, reborn anew to live again. The new phoenix was destined to live as long as its old self. Taken from "William Shakespeare's King Henry VI, part 3, act 1, scene 4; My ashes, as the phoenix, may bring forth a bird." No artist credited, published before 1811.