Swan if a mate dies, the remaining swan will take up with another. The number of eggs in each clutch ranges from three to eight. The English word 'swan', akin to the German "Schwan", Dutch "zwaan" and Swedish "svan", is derived from Indo-European root "*swen" (to sound, to sing). Young swans are known as "swanlings" or as "cygnets"; the latter derives via Old French "cigne" or "cisne" (diminutive suffix -"et" "little") from the Latin word "", a variant form of "cycnus" "swan", itself from the Greek "kýknos", a word of the same meaning. An adult male is a "cob", from Middle
Swan maiden They are also called swan mays or swanmays in fantasy fiction and "Dungeons and Dragons". In the Mercedes Lackey book, "Fortune's Fool", one swan maiden (named Yulya) from a flock of six is kidnapped by a Jinn. Elven princess Eärwen in The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien was referred to as the "swan maiden of Alqualonde". The animal bride theme is explored in an animated film called "The Red Turtle" (2016). Bibliography Swan maiden The swan maiden is a mythical creature who shapeshifts from human form to swan form. Despite the name, males are found in a small number of legends.