“Firebird”, a folklore treasure.

No, we’re not talking about a Pontiac Firebird, this Firebird is Annie’s newest 16”x20” canvas painting.

The Firebird is prominent in Slavic folklore as well as Native American folklore and the mythology and folklore of many other countries and regions. Annie has had a fascination with mythology and folklore since her study of art in college. It is strongly present in her “Folk Art Fusion” style of painting and has been featured in her artwork in such paintings as “Phoenix Rising”, “Whispered Warnings of Yggdrasil”, “Kokopelli” and “Wings of Thunder, Lightning Eyes”.

The Firebird can be linked to the Phoenix in that in Slavic folklore, it is a magical and prophetic glowing, burning bird that is both a blessing and a harbinger or doom to its captor. The Phoenix is a mythological immortal bird, originating in Greek and Egyptian traditions, known for its cycle of death and rebirth from its own ashes, a symbol of immortality, resurrection, and renewal. 

There is no single Native American fire bird; but the term can refer to the sacred Thunderbird, which controls weather and is associated with power, or to the Firebird of the Puget Sound tribes from the story of bringing fire to humans, or even to the firehawks that spread wildfires. While not a single entity, the concept of a fiery messenger, or weather-controlling bird is a recurring theme in Indigenous American folklore. Seen as protection against evil spirits and an overall symbol of power and strength, the thunderbird is considered one of the most powerful spirits in many Native American cultures. This is only Annie’s latest mythological painting, it will certainly not

be her last.