In the Hebrew scriptures, the swan is mentioned as being unclean, not suitable for human consumption. (Lev. 11:18; Deut. 14:16) In Christian lore, the swan is sacred to the Virgin Mary. Its swan song represents the resignation of the martyrs. The constellation Cygnus was called the Northern Cross at least from the time of Bede, and symbolized the Cross of Calvary. In Hoc Signo The Roman Emperor...
The constellation we call Cygnus (the Swan) was identified as a separate constellation from ancient times. It was often identified as a bird, generally a duck or hen. It was probably Urakhga to the Sumerians. Certainly that constellation was a stellar bird of some kind. The Babylonians called it the Bird of the Forest. In the Egyptian zodiac (Denderah), it was called Tes-ark (This from Afar). The...
The Ugly Duckling The story of The Ugly Duckling is perhaps the best known story involving swans. It was written by the Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen in 1843 under the title Den grimme ælling. In short, a duckling hatches. His brothers and sisters are normal, but he is ugly and clumsy. He suffers harassment and is eventually driven away. He wanders alone. Miraculously, he survives the...
“The Silver Swan who, living, had no note, When death approached, unlocked her silent throat. Leaning her breast against the reedy shore, Thus sung her first and last, And sung no more: Farewell all joys, O death come close mine eyes. More geese than swans now live, more fools than wise.” — Orlando Gibbons (1583-1625), The Silver Swan From Ireland to Siberia, it was taboo to...
In the culture of European chivalry, the swan is the king of water birds, as the eagle is the king of all birds. The swan was said to be the only bird the eagle thought it worthwhile to fight. In medieval times swans were a delicacy. They were kept in a swannery, and when they were brought to the table for feasts it was customary to swear oaths on them. Lohengrin – The Swan Knight The story...