Newsgroups: soc.religion.shamanism Path: Supernews!supernews.com!news.maxwell.syr.edu!howland.erols.net!ix.netcom.com!deane From: news@yoyodyne.com (Gypsy) Subject: Re: Swan symbolism Message-ID: Followup-To: soc.religion.shamanism Sender: deane@netcom23.netcom.com Reply-To: news@yoyodyne.com (Gypsy) Organization: EarthLink Network, Inc. References: Date: Thu, 12 Jun 1997 07:31:46 GMT Approved: deane@netcom.com Moderator: deane@netcom.com (Dean Edwards) Lines: 43 Xref: Supernews soc.religion.shamanism:3551 In article , PATEISM@RBOS.CO.UK wrote: > can anyone cast a few ideas as to the relevance of swans through Celtic > history and/or mythology?. > > What are the particular aspects which make it relevant to peoples lives?. > > Iain There are several Celtic tales in which swans figure. The most commonly-known one (which is in fact an almost universal folktale motif) is of the swan-maiden whose lover wins her by stealing the cloak that allows her to transform, thus keeping her in human form. Almost invariably in this case, she finds the cloak again and leaves him. A variation has him not stealing the cloak, but winning her love more honestly, though he must agree to keep certain taboos (often not to look on her naked). The taboo is usually broken, and again, she leaves. One of the Celtic tales of this motif is "Angus Og and Caer." Swan feathers were an integral part of bards' cloaks, since the swan was assocaited with music and song (and if you've ever heard one, you'll know that's more for its physical grace than for its voice). That aspect makes the swan an important figure for modern bards; they are also associated with dream interpretation, transition, and spiritual evolution (obviously links to its dreamlike, graceful movements). Hope that helps. G *** Sometimes I see me as an old manatee Heading south as the waters grow colder Tries to stay clear of the humdrum so near It cuts hot scars deep in his shoulder --Jimmy Buffett *** Bear's Den http://home.earthlink.net/~clanbear/ and CF 1773 on Delphi (application only) Fedelm on DALnet IRC (#celticspirit) Tangled on NewNet IRC (#polyamory)