Crafted Things in the Old English <i>Phoenix</i>

Abstract Crafted things abound in The Phoenix , from the ornamented trees phoenix’s paradise, to gem-like bird itself: world of poem, beauty is synonymous with skilful design material things. In spite this emphasis on construction and creation, poem also foreshadows necessary destruction all ornaments world. This paper reconsiders crafted including not only famous description phoenix itself, but nest, mysterious ball it fashions out its own bones ashes, reading these alongside analogues both Old Middle English literature. new reveals that are central poem’s message about certainty resurrection cessation cycles creation destruction. Although, end, must eventually be exchanged for lasting home gleaming heaven, treasures have an enduring vibrancy which remains even face destroying Judgement Day fires.