The Legend of Punxsutawney Phil

Made by AI: Phil posing for the crowd of his lovely admirers

As I’m sure you, dear Reader, are aware, Groundhog Day has come and gone this year, occurring this past Friday, February 2. And while Punxsutawney Phil did not, in fact, see his shadow so we will have an early spring, Phil has a staggering 39% accuracy rate, so do not get your hopes up too high (though climate change might mean eternal spring for all of us from now on). With all this talk of Punxsutawney Phil and his influence, I know what you are thinking: Who really is Punxsutawney Phil?

Well, dear Reader, you have come to the right place for answers. I have done my research, and let me tell you, there is much to be found out about little old Phil. According to The Hill, Phil has been around since 1886. And while he enjoys reading the daily newspaper or a good book, reports by the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club state that in order for Phil to stay alive, he drinks one sip of the “elixir of life” – a secret recipe that the Quest was not able to verify the contents of – every summer at the Groundhog Picnic, and it magically gives him seven more years of life. 

On the actual Groundhog Day, after Phil leaves his burrow, he speaks to the Groundhog Club president in "Groundhogese," which is a language that is only understood by the current president of the “Inner Circle.” While the Quest could not uncover what the “Inner Circle” actually is, it is reported that his proclamation is then translated for the rest of the world to hear.

Further, according to the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, Phyliss, who is Phil's groundhog wife, does not take part in drinking this magic elixir, meaning that unfortunately, she will not live forever as Phil will. 

According to the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club website FAQs, Punxsutawney Phil is the “only true weather forecasting groundhog. The others are just impostors,” but, Staten Island Chuck, Staten Island’s very-own groundhog, has a whopping 80% accuracy rate, so take that as you may.

So, next February 2, when Phil comes out of his burrow on Gobbler's Knob for all the world to see, share the legend of Punxsutawney Phil with everyone you know.