Fenghuang (鳳凰) are mythological birds originating from ancient Chinese belief that reign over all other birds. The males are called Feng and the females Huang. In modern times, however, such a distinction of gender is often no longer made and the Feng and Huang are blurred into a single feminine entity so that the bird can be paired with the Chinese dragon, which has male connotations. Generally, they take the form of peacock in five colors.
Fenghuang is also called the "August Rooster," since it sometimes takes the place of the rooster in the Chinese Zodiac. It is occasionally confused with the Zhuque, although non-Han variations of the Four Symbols consider both Zhuque and Fenghuang as the same creature. Feng Huang is known in Japan as Ho-O or Houou. Sometimes, it is incorrectly called the Chinese Phoenix, which originated from mythologies of different regions.
Because Fenghuang's five colors coincide with Taoist Five Elements (metal, wood, water, fire, earth), they were believed to possess the quality of all five elements. Modern interpretation of Fenghuang associating primarily with the fire element is likely the result of conflation with Zhuque and Phoenix, both represent fire.
Not to be confused with Zhuque/Suzaku, which is incorrectly translated to Feng Huang in many official English versions.
Shin Megami Tensei[]
"Origin: China. A sacred bird. The males are called Feng and the females Huang. It is a beautiful five-colored shining bird, two meters long including the neck. In the 'Book of Rites,' it is one of the four benevolent animals."
—Shin Megami Tensei A-Mode DDS dictionary
In the Aeon Genesis translation of the game, Feng Huang is translated as Ho-ou or Ho-oh.
Shin Megami Tensei IMAGINE[]
"A legendary avian that appears in countless Chinese legends. Both male and female, it is the king of all flying creatures. A servant of the Emperor of Heaven, it is two meters long and has a five-colored body and a five-toned voice. It only eats bamboo seeds and only perches on paulownia trees. In the Chinese "Classic of Rites", Feng Huang is counted as one of the Four Holy Elements and protects the South. It is also sometimes identified among the Four Holy Beasts alongside Zhu Que, Phoenix, and Garuda."
—Shin Megami Tensei IMAGINE compendium
Feng Huang can only be acquired through fusion and through the hacked chip run in Home III Camp. He appears as a field boss on Shinagawa field and as support for Byakko's boss room. Feng is also one of the demons that can be mounted by using an intaglio item.
Shin Megami Tensei V[]
"The legendary bird of Chinese myth, said to appear only in times of peace. It is the ruler of all birds. When it dies, birds across the land chirp with sadness."
—Shin Megami Tensei V lore
Feng Huang is a member of the Avian race and can only be obtained through fusion. They are also an Abscess boss along Makami in Shinogawa.
Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. The Soulless Army[]
"The legendary bird of Chinese myth. It's said to appear only in times of peace. It is the ruler of all birds; when it dies, birds throughout the land chirp with sadness."
—Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. The Soulless Army devil chart
Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon[]
"The legendary bird of Chinese myth. It's said to appear only in times of peace. It is the ruler of all birds; when it dies, birds throughout the land chirp with sadness."
—Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon details
Feng Huang is a demon of the Wind Order and begins appearing once Raidou reaches the latter areas of the Tento Sanctuary.
Soul Hackers 2[]
"The legendary bird of Chinese myth, said to appear only in times of peace. It is the ruler of all birds. When it dies, birds across the land chirp with sadness."
—Soul Hackers 2 demon info
Feng Huang appears as a common enemy in the Central Line.
Persona 4[]
Feng Huang was incorrectly translated as Phoenix in the English localizations.
Persona 5[]
"The legendary bird of Chinese myth, said to appear only in times of peace. It is the ruler of all birds. When it dies, birds across the land chirp with sadness."
Phoenix is now the first Persona of the Faith Arcana. It had its level lowered from 22 to 21 and can now learn Mafreila via level up. When itemized through Electric Chair execution, Phoenix will now yield the Heavensent DressArmor for women, which has 105 DEF, 14 EVA, and increases the wearers Magic by 4. During a fusion alarm, Phoenix will yield the Godsent Dress Armor for women instead, which has 110 DEF, 14 EVA, and increases the wearers Magic by 6.
DemiKids Light & Dark[]
"Crimson demon with multi-colored wings. Believed to be a messenger of the unknown."
In most games released after Persona 4, Feng Huang's new 3D model is based on Zhuque's old design from Shin Megami Tensei II. Zhuque itself received a new design in Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers and this design is what Zhuque's 3D model is based on.
In Shin Megami Tensei NINE, Fenghuang's 3D model is a palette swap of Zhuque's based on the design of Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers.
.png "Phoenix (P O.A.).png (275 KB)")
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