Story Summary
Experience the Celtic myth The Dream of Aengus. Follow the god of love as he searches Ireland for a mysterious swan-maiden who haunts his dreams and his heart.
Aengus Óg, the Irish god of love and youth, was visited in his sleep by a woman of radiant beauty. For a year, she appeared nightly, playing a lute and singing, but she vanished whenever he reached for her. Consumed by longing, Aengus fell into a deep wasting sickness known as lovesickness. His mother, Boann, and father, the Dagda, searched all of Ireland to find the girl, but she remained hidden until Bodb Derg, King of the Munster Sídhe, finally located her at the Lake of the Dragon’s Mouth. Her name was Caer Ibormeith. Her father, Ethal Anbúail, revealed a secret: Caer lived as a human for one year and as a swan the next, alternating every Samhain. On the feast of Samhain, Aengus went to the lake and found one hundred and fifty swans, all wearing silver chains. He called to Caer, promising to join her in her fate. As he touched her, he too transformed into a magnificent white swan. Together, they circled the lake three times and flew back to his palace at Newgrange, singing a melody so sweet it lulled all of Ireland into a peaceful sleep for three days and nights.
The Moral
True love requires the courage to transform oneself and the persistence to pursue a vision even when it seems impossible.
“He called her by name, and in that moment, the dream became the only truth he knew.”
Fun Fact
This legend is one of the earliest 'swan maiden' myths in European literature and served as a primary inspiration for W.B. Yeats’s famous poem, 'The Song of Wandering Aengus.'
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Dream of Aengus?
The story teaches that true love requires patience, sacrifice, and the courage to transform oneself. It suggests that deep spiritual connections can overcome the physical boundaries of the world.
Who is Aengus Óg in Irish mythology?
Aengus Óg is the god of love, youth, and poetic inspiration. He is a member of the Tuatha Dé Danann and is said to live at Brú na Bóinne, also known as Newgrange.
Why did Caer Ibormeith turn into a swan?
Caer was under a magical condition that caused her to alternate between human and swan form every year at Samhain. She stayed in swan form for one year before returning to human shape for the next.
What is the significance of Samhain in this story?
Samhain is a time when the veil between the physical and spiritual worlds is thinnest. It is the only time Aengus could reach Caer and undergo his own transformation to be with her forever.
Who helped Aengus find the girl from his dreams?
Aengus received help from his parents, the Dagda and Boann, as well as Bodb Derg, who eventually located her. King Ailill and Queen Medb of Connacht also helped by pressuring her father to reveal her location.
What happened at the end of the story?
After Aengus recognized Caer among the swans, he transformed into a swan himself. The pair flew away together to his home at Newgrange, singing a magical song that put all listeners into a peaceful sleep.
