Facts about Swan Maiden

1. 05

   Tchaikovsky's 1876 ballet Swan Lake draws on the Swan Maiden mythology, featuring a princess cursed to transform into a swan by an evil sorcerer.

   Swan MaidenJun 7sharefolkloretransformationmythology
2. 04

   Folklorists classify the Swan Maiden tale under Aarne-Thompson-Uther tale type ATU 400, grouping it with other supernatural wife narratives.

   Swan MaidenJun 7sharefolkloremythologyclassification
3. 03

   In the Japanese tradition, the Swan Maiden story is known as Hagoromo, in which a celestial woman's feathered robe is taken by a fisherman.

   Swan MaidenJun 7sharefolkloremythologyjapan
4. 02

   A defining motif of the Swan Maiden tale involves a mortal man stealing the magical garment or feather robe of the swan woman, preventing her from returning to her original form.

   Swan MaidenJun 7sharefolkloremythologytransformation
5. 01

   The Swan Maiden is a widespread folkloric figure appearing in traditions across Europe, Asia, and indigenous cultures worldwide, in which a supernatural woman transforms between human and swan form.

   Swan MaidenJun 7sharemythologyfolkloretransformation