I thought I’d take a moment to explain why I choose a Phoenix as the logo for Transformers.
The legend of the Phoenix can be found in many ancient civilizations, including early Christianity, for two reasons.
First, because of its symbolism of life, death, and rebirth.
And secondly, because it is a story of transformation from one form into another.
For those of you that may not be familiar with the myth, the Phoenix was a majestic bird-like creature that lived in Paradise and was blessed with a lifespan of 1000 years.
At the end of 1000 years the Phoenix flew from Paradise into the mortal world so that it could be reborn. Once the Phoenix reached Phoenicia, it built a nest of the herbs and spices it had gathered and waited for the sun to rise.
The next morning a spark to fell from the sky and ignited the nest, and the Phoenix in flames. All that was left from the fire was a tiny worm. After three days, the worm was transformed into a new, majestic and AWESOME Phoenix to live another 1000 years.
Now, I could have used a butterfly as a symbol of transformation, and I’ll admit that butterflies are beautiful, but they’re not as cool as the myth of the Phoenix.