CYGNUS English I- Louise S. McGehee School 2004 (Legend)

The Greek Myth Behind Cygnus –The story behind this Greek bird was that Phaëton, the son of Apollo, stole a ride on Apollo’s chariot across the sky. –When Zeus found out, he was infuriated and threw a thunderbolt at Pha ë ton, killing him. Pha ë ton fell through the sky. –Cygnus, a dear friend of Pha ë ton, dove into the Eridanus River to save his poor fallen friend. –Because of his devotion, the gods turned him into a swan and a constellation in the night sky (National).

Or it Could Have Gone This Way… Another myth stated that when Pha ë ton dropped from the sky also riding Apollo’s chariot, Cygnus saw his friend fall from the sky. He was so sad for his lost friend that he walked along the banks, not diving into the river, but singing sadly. This is after whom musicians named the “swan song” (Cygnus).

Greek Culture and the Language Connection In Greek culture, Cygnus was regarded as a relatively insignificant myth or creature because there were a number of myths about swans. Also, Cygnus wasn’t considered a large constellation in the sky or important in navigation for any need ( Hokule'a ). Cygnet, the name for a young swan, comes from the Old French word, Cygne. Today, it is believed that the French word is derived from Cygnus, the swan in the Greek language and myth (Dictionary).

Cygnus in Modern Culture Traces of the Greek Cygnus are found in many places. Here is a picture of “The Cygnus,” a space ship associated with a special series in Star Trek. The Cygnus is a high-tech, high-flying machine used in the galaxy space wars we all know and love (Angel). (Angel)

Cygnus in Modern Culture (Continued) In the Greek myth, Cygnus dove under water many times looking for Phaeton in the river. It is said that today that swans dip their heads under water when they swim as if it were Cygnus continuing his search for his friend (rex).

Cygnus In Other Myths Orpheus was a musician. While searching for his love he was killed, and to honor him, the gods placed him in the sky with his harp in the shape of a swan. Cycnus became the king of Colonae, a city north of Troy. He set his own children adrift on the sea when his wife fell in love with one of his sons. He then killed his wife when he found she had lied to him (Dibon-Smith).

“ Cycnus defended Troy when Achilles' onslaught. However in their individual struggle, Achilles proved too strong, as he choked the life out of Cycnus. Poseidon grieved for his son and turned him into a swan” (Dibon-Smith). Zeus also once changed himself into a swan to seduce Leda, the Queen of Sparta. A son of Poseidon who was left to die but was rescued by swans, was also named Cycnus.

Other Myths (Continued) Cycnus, son of Apollo, imposed three tasks on a certain man, and when that man refused, Cycnus jumped into a lake. His mother jumped in after him and they were both transformed into swans. Today, that lake is called the Cycnean Lake. (Robert). Cycnus, in another myth, was the son of Ares, god of war, who was killed by Hercules

Cygnus and His Many Shapes (Astronomy)

Works Cited “Cygnus.” Astronomy Education Review Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc. 13 January “Cygnus (swan) Also (modern) Northern Cross.” Chandra X-Ray Observatory. 10 October Cambridge, MA, Harvard- Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. 13 January Dibon-Smith, Richard. “Cygnus.” The Constellations. 14 January Richard Dibon-Smith. 14 January Graves, Robert. “The First Labour: The Nemean Lion.” The Greek Myths. London: Penguin Books,

Works Cited (Continued) Hamilton, Edith. Index. Mythology. New York: Warner Books, Hokule'a, Deneb. “Cygnus, the Swan.” The Star Gazers Guild. Claw Library. 13 January < room4/starbook8.shtml>. National Space Centre. “Constellations Close Up: Cygnus.” Space Now Leicester, UK, National Space Centre. 14 January “The Legend of Cygnus.” The Stories of the Constellations. 13 January 2004.< /myths/cygnus.htm>. “The White Pirate Vessel: Cygnus.” Angel Swan. Liquid Web, Inc. 15 January 2004.<angel.scientium.com/swanart/ cygnus.jpg>.

THE END Made possible by: Louise S. McGehee School 2004 We hope you enjoyed it- the exits are to the left