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.

---

swan maiden British  

noun

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

---

Etymology

Origin of swan maiden

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

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

When the hunter saw them fly away he came forward with the feather robe in his hand; and the swan maiden begged and begged that he would give her back her robe.

From Europa's Fairy Book by Batten, John Dickson

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)

Daughter of Hettel and Hilde, 27; suitors of, 28; kidnaped by Hartmut, 29; slavery of, 30; swan maiden visits, 31; rebellion of, 32; rescue of 33; marries Herwig, 34.

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