Fawkes the phoenix is a powerful magical animal and Dumbledore’s pet in the Harry Potter novels. Fawkes is loyal, has healing tears, and can protect its owner. Fawkes’ name alludes to its fiery nature and its role in the final book. Fawkes and Harry have a unique relationship, and Fawkes often appears to help Harry. Fawkes represents rebirth and renewal and is likely to have an important role in the final battle.
Fawkes the phoenix is an integral character in the Harry Potter novels, as well as being Dumbledore’s pet. At the end of the sixth book, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Dumbledore dies and Fawkes also appears to leave Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Many readers have speculated whether or not the phoenix will return and what impact it will have on the final book in the Harry Potter series.
In the Harry Potter novels, phoenixes are particularly powerful magical animals the size of swans with fiery feathers. JK Rowling has kept the traditional mythology about the phoenix, which burns to death when its body begins to give way and then rises from the ashes. However, she has added some qualities of her own. According to Rowling, phoenixes are intensely loyal creatures and their tears possess healing qualities. Phoenixes can also provide strength through their song, appear and disappear at will in a burst of flame, and can protect their owners by taking magical blows intended for them.
Fawkes’ name is a clever play on British history; Guy Fawkes attempted to blow up the British Parliament on November 5, 1605, together with other Catholic extremists. The plot was thwarted, but is commemorated in Britain every year with Bonfire or Burning night, a celebration that involves setting off loud explosions and setting fire to Guy Fawkes effigies. One could say that the phoenix’s rather incendiary name alludes both to its fiery nature and to the role it could play in the seventh and final book. It’s also a nod to Dumbledore’s revolutionary spirit and the frequent uproar he raises at the Ministry of Magic.
Fawkes and Harry Potter have a unique relationship. At some point in his life, he apparently gave two feathers to Mr. Ollivander, the best wandmaker in Britain. From the feathers two wands were made; one was sold to Tom Riddle, who later became Lord Voldemort, and the other was sold to Harry Potter. When these wands are first encountered in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, the effects are very interesting.
The two also appear to share connections. Harry is in Gryffindor House: Gryffindor’s colors are red and gold, like the plumage of the phoenix. When Harry is in trouble in the Chamber of Secrets in the second book, Fawkes appears to save him and brings reinforcements: the Sorting Hat and a sword that belonged to Godric Gryffindor, founder of Gryffindor House. He also heals Harry with his tears and carries him out of the Chamber of Secrets along with Ron and Ginny Weasley. Dumbledore remarks that Harry must have shown particular loyalty to him for Fanny to appear.
The phoenix appears as an important character throughout the books: when Harry is in need, he often shows up to help. She also carries messages and warnings for members of the Order of the Phoenix, which is named after her. In Book Four, Harry hears reinforcing music that sounds like the song of a phoenix, and in Book Six, Fawkes sings a lament for Dumbledore that he echoes across the Hogwarts campus.
Since Fawkes represents an animal that dies and is reborn over and over again, it seems likely that he will return for the final battle between good and evil in book seven. If he does not reappear, it could be unsettling for Harry Potter, who has lost the support of two trusted friends and advisers: Sirius Black and Dumbledore. He represents rebirth and renewal, and is also associated with Dumbledore, who Harry claims will never really get out of school. It is likely that he still has an important role to play.
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