The phoenix has represented rebirth, immortality, and renewal for many years in mythology. This bird has a 500-1000 year life cycle which ends when the bird is ill or at the end of its life. At this time, it will build a nest of twigs that ignites and transforms both the bird and the nest to ashes. From these ashes, a new young healthy phoenix or a phoenix egg is formed and evolves into a healthy phoenix to live life anew again.