Transcript CYGNUS - Rex Parade

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 Phaëton, killing him. Phaëton fell through the
sky.
– Cygnus, a dear friend of Phaëton, 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 Phaëton
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. 2004. Association of
Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc. 13 January
2004. <aer.noao.edu/about.html>.
• “Cygnus (swan) Also (modern) Northern Cross.” Chandra X-Ray
Observatory. 10 October 2003. Cambridge, MA, HarvardSmithsonian Center for Astrophysics . 13 January
2004.<http://chandra.harvard.edu/photo/constellations/cygnus.
html>.
• Dibon-Smith, Richard. “Cygnus.” The Constellations. 14 January
2004. Richard Dibon-Smith. 14 January 2004.
<http://www.dibonsmith.com/cyg_con.htm>.
• Graves, Robert. “The First Labour: The Nemean Lion.” The Greek
Myths. London: Penguin Books, 1992. 467.
Works Cited (Continued)
• Hamilton, Edith. Index. Mythology. New York: Warner Books, 1999.
341.
• Hokule'a, Deneb. “Cygnus, the Swan.” The Star Gazers Guild. Claw
Library. 13 January 2004. <http://www.afn.org/~afn47757/
room4/starbook8.shtml>.
• National Space Centre. “Constellations Close Up: Cygnus.” Space
Now. 2004. Leicester, UK, National Space Centre. 14 January
2004.<http://www.spacenow.org.uk/index.cfm?code=constell&c
onstellID=63>.
• “The Legend of Cygnus.” The Stories of the Constellations. 13
January 2004.<http://www.ufrsd.net/staffwww/stefanl
/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
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