The famous Greek legend of Leda and the Swan has inspired poetry and artwork for thousands of years. It is a tale of love, power, beauty and deceit.
Leda lived in Sparta, and was a beautiful woman. She caught the eye of Tyndareus, the King of Sparta, and they were married. She had several children as his Queen, including the famous Helen of Troy. Helen was not Tyndareus' child, but a child of the god Zeus.
Zeus came to earth disguised as a massive swan. Enraptured with Leda's beauty, he seduced her and, still in his swan form, made love to her. She then produced an egg from which Helen was born.
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The story inspired the famous poet WB Yeats to write a poem aptly titled Leda and the Swan, where he focusses on that powerful image.
Leda and the Swan - WB Yeats Poem
Leda and the Swan - Spenser
Swan Lake - a History
Swans - the Children of Lir
Mute Swan Photos and Paintings
