When people think “Swan”, they think of Whooper Swan of Europe. As the prototype for all other swans, He is called “Cygnus cygnus” (Swan swan). Although Whooper Swan has been replaced in places by the newcomer, Mute Swan ((Cygnus olor) introduced from Asia in the 1100s) He remains true to Europe. As the Ancient Swan of Europe, He migrates from Iceland and the Far North to England and Ireland to raise his Young.
The ancient legends of Ireland feature Whooper Swan. One legend tells of the Swans at Newgrange. One of the ancient people of Ireland – Bru’ na Bo’inne (Tuatha De’ Danann), Aonghus fell in love with a swan-maiden--Caer Ibormeith who lived at Lough Dragan. On Samhaim (Halloween), the day of magical change, He went there and asked her to marry him. She said yes if he would become a swan. He agreed. After living as swans, the happy couple returned to Aonghus’ home at Newgrange. Today, Whooper Swan returns to Newgrange to raise His Cygnets.
Whooper Swan connects people to the ancient mysteries of gods and men. A witness to the Past, He does not give up his secrets easily. Whooper Swan counsels people to remember the past, while living in today. Filling the skies with his calls of “Whoo Hoo,” Whooper Swan calls people to seek the ancient wisdom.
Note: Completely white, Whooper Swan has a large yellow patch on his beak to distinguish Himself from Mute Swan, who has an orange bill.
Conservation Note: Whooper Swan is protected in the EU.
Newgrange. Copyright Knowth.Com
Knowth.com: “Resource site for the Megalithic Passage Tombs of Newgrange, Knowth, Dowth, Fourknocks, Loughcrew and Tara located on the east coast of Ireland. Newgrange was built around 3200BC making it older than Stonehenge in England and the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.”
Purchase books and toys about swans from Amazon.com
or
Return to Individual Winged Ones
Return to the Main Animal Page
Va. Carper
March 4, 2008