It’s #fourgodsfriday and this week I’ll be talking about the Fenghuang (凤凰). I took this photo about 6 years ago at Phoenix Mountain in Hong Kong. In Chinese mythology, the term Phoenix and Fenghuang are used interchangeably to describe the same being, but this can be confusing as the Greek Phoenix and the Fenghuang only share similarities in being firebirds. The Fenghuang is an immortal bird that acts as a messenger and upholder of justice, but also serves as a god of music and the arts since it is said to have the most beautiful voice out of all creatures. Throughout history, the Fenghuang is also paired with the Dragon to be a symbol and representation of the Empress. Like Fengge in TFG, the Fenghuang is also sometimes shown as arrogant and proud like peacocks, but only when it is fulfilling virtue and reigning as “the king of birds.” While known for being gentle, they have been shown being fierce hunters of serpents and omens of the ending or reinstatement of the Mandate of Heaven. For more info on the Fenghuang of the TFG world, you can visit my blog. #thefourgods #fenghuang #chinesemythology #hongkong #writerlife