Socotra Frankincense Tree (Boswellia socotrana): Island of the Phoenix and Its Vulnerable Incense
The last subheading, Armageddon or the rise of the incense phoenix on Socotra?, alerts us that "Mythically, a saving grace inheres in the Socotran Frankincense Tree's legendary linkage to the fabled Incense Route. The early marine routes, which preceded the overland route and by which incense was traded to the ancient Egyptians over 3,500 years ago, were organized and navigated by the mysterious Phoenicians, who were unequalled anciently in their enthusiastic, skillful, and undaunted seafaring. In their careful mythology, Phoenicians believed that the nest of the phoenix, the colorfully plumed mythical bird that rises from its own ashes, was made from frankincense and myrrh (Commiphora spp) trees and was located on the highest peak of Socotra's Haggeher Mountains."
Isn't it interesting, isn't it intriguing to imagine other information that inspired ancient inhabitants to instill such invocations as the Phoenician phoenix on Socotran soil?
What else is there for us to identify?
DerdriuMarriner, May 30, 2025
