swan maiden

American  

noun

1. any of a class of folkloric maidens, in many Indo-European and Asian tales, capable of being transformed into swans, as by magic or sorcery.

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swan maiden British  

noun

1. any of a group of maidens in folklore who by magic are transformed into swans

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Etymology

Origin of swan maiden

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

swan maiden

Siegfried in “Swan Lake” is hunting swans when he loses his heart to Odette the swan maiden, beneath the trees and beside the water.

From New York Times ● May 3, 2015

The ballet’s final act should give us the full drama and beauty of the couple’s sacrifice, magnified by the swan maiden corps.

From New York Times ● Jun. 23, 2010

He considered anthropomorphism to explain satisfactorily not only the swan maiden, and the other feathered ladies 526 of the Nights, but also angel and devil.

From The Life of Sir Richard Burton by Wright, Thomas

The swan maiden then informed her that her brother Ortwine had grown up, and that he would soon come with brave old Wat and the longing Herwig to deliver her.

From Legends of the Middle Ages Narrated with Special Reference to Literature and Art by Guerber, H. A. (Hélène Adeline)

Here his ancestress, the swan maiden Wachilde, took charge of him, and conveyed him to a place of safety.

From Legends of the Middle Ages Narrated with Special Reference to Literature and Art by Guerber, H. A. (Hélène Adeline)