Phoenix

Adar Flam spreading its wings.

Adar Flam is one of several unused colossi that did not make it into the final version of Shadow of the Colossus. Its name is one given by fans, as the designers just called it 'Phoenix'. The translation of the artbook does constantly call it Pheonix, but that is very likely a typographical error.

It is rumored that it was scrapped for two reasons. The first reason being that the arena for this battle was much larger than what they wanted to use. And secondly, Adar Flam was overpowered and the designers had a lot of trouble making the fight balanced. Both these claims, however, are unconfirmed.

The Flame Bird

The words "Adar" and "F(f)lam" are Welsh and translate to "bird" and "flame", respectively. For this reason the colossus is often referred to as The Flame Bird by fans. The reason for this nickname is related to the following quote from the artbook; 'Its body was wreathed in flame. You defeated it by plunging it into a lake'.

Strategy

As stated above Adar Flam had to be defeated by plunging it into a lake, as its body was wreathed in flame. This indicates that Wander was not able to climb its body straight away.

Not much more is known, but it is speculated that it was too heavy to fly and instead used its wings to flap and create windbursts. These would send you flying back and, therefore, one of the fight's main obstacles was to reach the colossus. Interestingly, in all released screenshots of Adar Flam, Wander is riding Agro.

Appearance

Adar Flam looks like a huge bird with glowing wings that are as if on fire. Based on the images, it can be assumed it's around fifty-five to sixty feet tall with carved stone eyes. It has a very long neck, which resembles that of an ostrich.

Another screenshot of Adar Flam.

Wander and Agro near Adar Flam. Note its long ostrich-like neck.