Skip to main content

Folklore Friday | The Huma Bird: A Mythical Creature of Fortune, Freedom, and Timeless Inspiration

Blog post feature banner for the huma bird


The Huma bird, also known as the "bird of paradise" in Persian and South Asian folklore, is more than just a myth. Described as a creature of profound grace, it represents freedom, enlightenment, and the touch of divine blessing. Unlike many legendary creatures that capture human imagination, Huma is a symbol of both hope and transformation, often depicted as a figure whose touch or shadow can bring kingship or enlightenment to anyone lucky enough to encounter it. Stories and beliefs about the Huma bird can be found across Persian, Islamic, and Indian literature, where it emerges as a potent symbol in art, poetry, and tales of ancient spirituality.

Origins and Characteristics of Huma Bird

Huma bird’s roots lie deep in Persian mythology, dating back to centuries of cultural and religious significance across the Middle East and Asia. Persian literature portrays it as a creature of the heavens, a guardian spirit that never lands on earth, making it elusive and unattainable. This constant flight is often seen as a metaphor for the soul’s quest to rise above earthly desires and achieve a form of spiritual enlightenment. In certain accounts, the bird is described as self-immolating every few decades, similar to the phoenix, to be reborn from its ashes—a symbol of immortality and renewal.

In Persian tradition, the bird is often depicted as radiant and otherworldly, adorned with colors that symbolize different elements of the cosmos. It might be fiery to represent the sun or brilliant shades of blue to resemble the boundless sky. This eternal traveler defies gravity both in a literal and spiritual sense, embodying the boundless freedom that mystics and poets often seek.

huma bird edit by quills and pages

A Symbol of Kingship and Good Fortune

One of the most intriguing beliefs surrounding the Huma bird is its association with kingship and good fortune. According to legend, anyone touched by Huma’s shadow is destined to become a king, while others see it as a sign of divine selection or favor. In Persian culture, this symbolism runs deep, suggesting that true leadership comes from divine will rather than personal ambition. This mystical connection between the Huma and rulers appears in several Persian works, where leaders chosen by the Huma are seen as just and divinely inspired.

This belief spread into the Indian subcontinent, where the bird’s symbolism continued to evolve. In Mughal art and literature, Huma is often mentioned as a symbol of legitimacy and rightful rule, a heavenly confirmation of the ruler's mandate. Thus, Huma represents not just good fortune but also the sacred responsibility that comes with power.

In Poetry and Literature

Huma bird has found an enduring place in Persian and Sufi poetry, as well as in Islamic art. Rumi, known for his mystical works, and Attar, who wrote The Conference of the Birds, both drew on Huma as a symbol of spiritual journey and transformation. For Sufi mystics, Huma was a metaphor for the soul’s endless search for divine love and union with the divine. In this light, the bird’s perpetual flight serves as a metaphor for transcendence, a call to rise above worldly concerns and connect with something greater.

In The Conference of the Birds, Attar uses the bird kingdom to explore themes of spiritual growth and self-discovery. Each bird in the story represents different human qualities or desires, and Huma emerges as one of the birds that embody the loftiest ideals of spiritual and personal liberation. This work continues to inspire readers with its deep exploration of spirituality and self-realization, highlighting the timeless allure of  Huma as a guide in the journey of life.

huma bird edit by quills and pages

Huma Bird Across Different Cultures

Huma bird’s mythology was not confined to Persian lore; its legend traveled, blending with other cultures’ beliefs and myths. In India, for instance, the bird’s role as a harbinger of good fortune continued to resonate, evolving into local legends. It appears in Sufi texts and folklore, where it represents hope and the blessings of the divine. Indian royalty and Mughal emperors adopted the symbolism of Huma to signify a ruler’s legitimacy and divine favor.

In Ottoman and Mughal art, Huma’s image became a royal motif, often depicted as part of crown decorations or as part of regal attire, further linking the bird with themes of divinity and sovereignty. This cross-cultural migration of Huma bird's myth reflects the shared spiritual ideals across these civilizations, where sovereignty, spirituality, and enlightenment often intersected.

In Iranian lore, Huma bird is a legendary creature often compared to the mythical phoenix. According to some tales, it is reborn in fire, consuming itself in flames every few centuries before rising anew from the ashes. Huma embodies both male and female aspects, with a wing and leg for each nature, representing unity in duality. 

In Persian mythology, it merges with the benevolent Simurgh, a mystical bird said to have rescued Prince Zal, while the Greek and Egyptian phoenix, with its radiant gold, purple, and red feathers, connects to the sun god, symbolizing resurrection and eternal life. 

What Does Huma Bird Look Like?

Huma bird is a vision of elegance, with a slender, arching neck and a body that embodies grace itself. Its wings spread wide and majestic, mirroring the splendor of a mythical phoenix. Deep, soulful eyes hold a glimmer of ancient wisdom, as though they’ve seen worlds beyond our own.

Adorned with gemstones, the Huma bird figurine was commissioned by Tipu Sultan in the late 18th century to crown his gilded throne in Mysore. Symbolizing fortune and joy from Zoroastrian lore, it was taken by British forces after Tipu’s defeat in 1799 and now resides in the UK’s Royal Collection.

Huma Bird in Books

edit by quills and pages

I couldn’t find any direct mentions of the Huma bird in literature, but plenty of books feature the phoenix, a creature it closely resembles. Here are some captivating reads that feature the mystique and magic of the phoenix:

Here is the list of books featuring the Mythology of Kitsune.

1. The House in the Cerulean Sea (Cerulean Chronicles 1)

2. The Reckoning (Zodiac Academy 3)

3. Ruin and Rising (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy 3)

4. The Forest Where the Phoenix Sleeps

5. Crown of Feathers


Happy Reading!!

Get to know me!!

QP Book Tours


❤ 🎧☕️🕯️📖 ❤




Popular

The Awakening | Zodiac Academy Series written by Caroline Peckham and Suzanne Valenti | A Book Review

Alright, here I am, sharing my thoughts on the first book The Awakening from Zodiac Academy series written by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti . I decided to start reviewing this series as it falls under the 'enemies to lovers ' and 'bullies romance' genres, which are right up my alley. I'm a sucker for this type of book and I am always on the hunt for such books. Someone made a video of this book on TikTok and I was like I had to read it. So, I began reading the book and I fell into a rabbit hole of Magic Academy, hot assholes, and alternative Fae world. It felt like diving into a more mature version of Harry Potter. Needless to say, I absolutely loved this first installment. GENRE   Bully Paranormal Romance THEME AND TONE Mystery, Drama, Action LANGUAGE AND WRITING STYLE Easy to Read CHARACTERS Growing and Changing characters TROPES ☙ Bully Romance ☙ Insane Chemistry ☙ Lost Princesses ☙ Multiple Love Interests ☙ Teacher Student Romance ☙ Hate to Hate and ...

Where is Molly by H.D Carlton | A Review

  Where is Molly is a stand alone book written by H.D Carlton. It is set in the Universe of Haunting Adeline. The story revolves around Molly...the girl we found in Hunting Adeline. Her diary was founded by Adeline under the floor and us readers always wanted to know if she succeeded in running away from that awful place.  Blurb A spinoff of the Cat & Mouse Duet... “Molly Devereaux has been missing for more than two weeks, and police are still searching for the girl who seemed to vanish out of thin air. The world still wants to know... Where's Molly?” In my dreams, I never escaped the Oregon woods. Life after death isn't easy to accept, especially when I still feel like a ghost. Now, I live deep in the mountains of Montana—the paradigm of beauty. But they are also the home of horrors. Horrors that I only unleash at night. When my pigs are allowed to feast. It is strongly recommended to read Haunting Adeline and Hunting Adeline before reading Where's Molly. Important No...

Tiktok made me read it | My Fault | Culpa Mia (Culpable 1)

This line is fire... How did I fall? Easy. He turned my world upside down My Fault is the book I found out from TikTok. I watched the movie first and then I thought why not give it a read. This review aims to provide insight into the book and the movie adaptation. I will analyze the plot, characters, and writing style, and give an overall rating. It will assist you in deciding whether to indulge in the book the movie or both. "My Fault" written by Mercedes Ron is a captivating book that tells the story of a love-hate relationship between Noah and Nick. This book has been adapted into a movie that has caught the attention of many romance enthusiasts.  I was surprised to find out that the book is very well written as many books that go viral on TikTok are not really well written. there were no plot holes, no dragging, simple and steady storyline.  The story centers around Noah and Nick who are step-siblings and both are grappling with personal demons. Noah is dealing ...

Lightlark by Alex Aster | A Book Review

A Fellow booktoker recommended me this book. She talks about it all the time and makes really catchy videos featuring this Duology. I got interested and purchased this book. Lightlark is the first book in the series written by Alex Aster. I got to know some pretty interesting facts about the Author and how this book was published. You should learn it too this is not my story to tell 😅. Anyhow I started reading this book in March and finished it one week. Somehow I got late in writing and reviewed all the books I read in March. So now I am starting again. This is the brief of this book on Goodreads; Welcome to the Centennial. Every 100 years, the island of Lightlark appears to host the Centennial, a deadly game that only the rulers of six realms are invited to play. The invitation is a summons—a call to embrace victory and ruin, baubles and blood. The Centennial offers the six rulers one final chance to break the curses that have plagued their realms for centuries. Each ruler has somet...

Plated Prisoner Series | A series review (Spoiler Alert!!!)

  Have you ever stumbled upon a series that not only captures your imagination but also challenges the norms of classic narratives? Recently, I had the privilege of delving into the spellbinding world of the Plated Prisoner series, written by Raven Kennedy. If you haven't yet experienced this literary masterpiece, be prepared for a rollercoaster ride of intrigue, deception, and personal growth. Embark with me on a journey through the twists and turns of these books, where the conventional story of King Midas and his golden touch takes an unexpected and captivating turn. A Twist on a Classic Tale The foundation of the Plated Prisoner series rests upon the iconic figure of King Midas and his fabled golden touch. However, Kennedy masterfully introduces a twist; King Midas, rather than possessing the golden touch, is revealed to be a fraud, capitalizing on the real power held by this beautiful character Auren. Auren, with her genuine golden touch, becomes the linchpin of the plot as ...