The Turul bird

Turul statue in the Buda Castle

The Hungarian “phoenix” – The Turul bird

A Hungarian myth

In many nations’ mythologies animals, especially birds are very frequent representations of mythological creatures. Birds are often related to the supernatural realm to which they can connect humans. For instance, the phoenix is an essential mythical bird of several ancient mythologies, such as the Greek, Egyptian, and Indian. The phoenix symbolizes life and immortality itself since it is associated with the rising sun. Hungarian mythology is also one that possesses its own mythical bird, the Turul. The Turul bird is often depicted as a giant eagle or a falcon, and clothed with many symbols. Two main legends are also in association with the most important bird of the Hungarian people.

In both legends the bird is thought to have shaped the fate of the Hungarians. According to the first legend, Princess Emese, descendant of Attila the Hun, once had dream in which a Turul appeared and impregnated her. In her dream a flood of crystal-clear water started to flow from her womb and ran westward until it grew into a river. The symbolic meaning of the river is that she will give birth to a great leader of the Hungarian people who will find home in a foreign land. The dream actually came true: she gave birth to Álmos, the grand leader of the “Magyars” and the founder of Hungary. The name “Álmos” comes from the Hungarian word álom, meaning dream, since his derivation is from a dream. However, the legend has controversial parts that are not clarified. Firstly, the question of whether Emese was impregnated by the Turul or had already been pregnant when she was dreaming is not certain. The reality of the turul is also questionable since it is not sure whether the bird appeared to her literally, or while she was sleeping in the form of a dream.

The second legend is in connection with the Hungarian tribes who also had a dream in which eagles came and attacked their horses, but a turul saved them. This dream also has a symbolic meaning since it served as an indication for the Hungarian tribes that they had to move on, and the Turul showed the appropriate way and led them to their new home that later became Hungary. It is visible that the bird had a significant role in Hungarians’ life in this legend too. As a consequence, the Turul bird has an immensely strong connection with Hungarian mythology.

As a result of these two legends, it is tangible that the Turul carries several symbols in itself. The Turul embodies God’s lordship and will since through the bird Emese became pregnant. Therefore, the Turul became the most important symbol of Hungarian identity. Furthermore, it also symbolizes nobility and power. Hungarians represent its figure even today throughout Hungary. A turul statue can be found in the Royal Castle, Budapest, on the peak of the Freedom Bridge, and also outside the newly built FTC Stadium. There are other places in Hungary where turul statues are constructed; for instance, on a mountain near to Tatabánya, Hungary.

In conclusion, the myths connected to the Turul bird represent Hungarian history as well as the Hungarian nation nowadays. Since it carries various symbols, its importance is conspicuous even today. While for the Greeks there is the Phoenix, for the “Magyars” the Turul will always be the most significant mythical bird. 

Pfeifenrót Fanni