The Mute Swan in History and Culture
A Common Bird Symbol of the Arts, Love, Luck, and Beauty
Aug 17, 2009
The Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) probably evolved in Eurasia between 23 million and 5 million years ago. Today the species has spread everywhere except southern Africa and Antarctica. Some of this dispersion has been aided by humans who valued the bird’s beauty so highly that they introduced it to new places as they themselves colonized the globe.
Swans in Greek Mythology and Other Folklore
Both modern and ancient tradition of many countries includes tales of swans—those that originate in Eurasia are more likely to be based on the Mute Swan. In many tales, swans are able to take human form, while others have humans or gods taking the form of swans.
The swan in the mythical Greek story of Leda is often depicted as a Mute Swan. In the story, the Greek God Zeus takes the form of a swan and seduces (in some versions, rapes) Leda, wife of Tyndareos, King of Sparta. Subsequently, Leda gives birth to Helen, whose abduction later ignites the Trojan War. The story of Leda and Zeus has been the subject if innumerable works of art and literature. William Butler Yeats’ famous poem “Leda and the Swan” refers to the tragic tale.
European folk tales often include the swan as well, most famously in the story of the ugly duckling, a cygnet that is judged ugly by other birds, but turns out to be the most beautiful bird of all when he grows up.
Mute Swans and Symbolism
The Mute Swan’s name reflects a widely held belief about the bird: that it makes no sound.
- In classical times it was thought that the Mute Swan sang only once in its life—right before its death—and that the song was very beautiful. This is the origin of the expression “swan song” meaning a final memorable performance.
- The Greek philosopher Socrates reputedly believed in the swan song, and together with others of his time, linked the Mute Swan to music and to the Muses, mythical guardians of the arts and sciences. Thus, the Mute Swan is a symbol of the Muses.
- In Norse legend, the shield-maiden Valkyries were often depicted as swan maidens who watched over warriors. Northern Europen folktales include otherworldly swan maidens who are trapped on Earth when they become separated from their swan plumage.
- The Mute Swan's beauty, its ability to float lightly on the water, and its tendency to mate for life have resulted in it being used as a symbol of grace, love, and fidelity, and an omen of good luck for sailors. For some, it has religious symbolism as well.
- In the United Kingdom, the Mute Swan holds a special significance. Once, all Mute Swans there belonged to the monarchy, and any found today on open water without owner identification still do. The Queen has her swans marked and gives them away as gifts. This is probably the gift swan of “seven swans a-swimming” in the famous carol “The Twelve Days of Christmas.”
Mute Swan Facts Versus Beliefs
Strangely, most of the mythical and traditional beliefs about Mute Swan, which support its perpetuation in symbolism today, are based on incorrect folklore:
- The Mute Swan is not mute, and it doesn’t sing beautifully before death. In fact, it makes a variety of unappealing sounds including snorts, whistles, and hisses.
- Mute Swans don’t always mate for life. They’ll find a new partner if they lose their mate, and some even divorce a mate to pursue a new partner.
- Hardly an example of grace and refined behavior, the Mute Swan is aggressive, particularly during the breeding season, and sometimes seriously injures other animals and people.
- Introduced to North America in the 19th century, feral Mute Swans are now an unwanted exotic species in much of the eastern United States and Southern Canada. A gift of live Mute Swans from the Queen of England, or anyone else, probably wouldn’t be genuinely welcomed.
Sources
"Cygnus olor: Mute Swan." Animal Diversity Web: University of Michigan Museum of Zoology. animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu
“Swan.” Black, Susa Morgan. druidry.org
“Swan.” New World Encyclopedia.
The Oxford Classical Dictionary. Hornblower, Simon, and Anthony Spawforth, eds. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1996.
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