The Firebird

The Firebird appears in mythology and folklore in several forms. Common to all of them are the brightly glowing feathers that continue to glow, even when removed; so much so that they can light a large room or kindle a fire. In many stories, the Firebird is the subject of a quest, often for a tail-feather; it represents a hard journey, with a coveted prize at the end. Our Firebird is a fire-coloured falcon with glowing eyes.

The most famous version of the story is Sergei Diaghilev’s production for Ballet Russe, with a score by Igor Stravinsky. In this ballet, the Firebird is half-woman, half-bird; captured by Prince Ivan, she gives him a magic feather, which he uses to break the spell of Koschei the Immortal.  

And in my dreams I see myself on a wolf's back

Riding along a forest path

To do battle with a sorcerer-tsar

In that land where a princess sits under lock and key,

Pining behind massive walls.

There gardens surround a palace all of glass;

There Firebirds sing by night

And peck at golden fruit.