Phido

Phido (also called Phido the Vulture) is a supporting antagonist in the 1993 animated fantasy film, The Thief and the Cobbler. He is a vulture who served as the pet to the evil wizard Zigzag.

In the Miramax version, he was voiced by Eric Bogosian. But in the original version and Calvert versions, he was voiced by the late legendary actor, Donald Pleasence, who also played Ernst Stavro Blofeld in You Live Only Twice.

Personality

Phido appeared to be extremely dependable, steadfast, and loyal to Zigzag as he seemingly tagged in the latter's plot to marry Princess Yum-Yum. However, it turns out that Phido actually hated Zigzag as the latter was so vituperative, unpleasant, and abusive, and hardly fed him, even snickering when King Mighty One-Eye attempted to have Zigzag fed to some alligators. He even took the opportunity to get some payback by helping the alligators devour Zigzag alive following the deaths of Mighty One-Eye and his army.

Appearance

Phido is a big black vulture with yellow eyes, a white beak with a red tip, gold feet, a gray belly, lavender eyelids, and a small red hat.

Role in the film

Throughout the film, Phido is abused and neglected by Zigzag, barely being fed by the sorcerer, who later allied himself with Mighty One-Eye and his army to take over the Golden City. In the end following the deaths of King Mighty One-Eye and his men, Phido is able to grasp his freedom by joining a bunch of crocodiles in a pit to get back at Zigzag, who he once considered to be his best friend before being eaten alive. He then eats Zigzag's head off.

Gallery

Phido arriving as Zigzag receives the golden balls from his sycophants.

Phido watching as Zigzag submits himself to the One-Eyes.

Phido burning his tail during Zigzag's proposal to King Mighty-One Eye.

Phdio spotting Princess Yum-Yum.

Phido about to eat Zigzag's head.

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Trivia

• He was voiced by the late Donald Pleasence, in both the original and Allied Filmmakers versions of the film, and also by Eric Bogosian in the Miramax version of the film. Donald Pleasence's voice was originally squawks and Eric Bogosian speaks full words.
• Not surprisingly, Phido is similar to Iago: They are birds who serve as the pet sidekicks to their masters, but eventually turn on them.