Swan Song
Whether you're a student of etymology or you don't even know what that word means, tell us how you think this animal expression originated. We'll post the most accurate as well as the most inventive. Email your answer to when_pigs@discovery.com.
This originates from the late 15th century, when swans and other fowl were thought to be magical in nature. Also, it migt have come from the distinctive call of a swan, which most people find appealing.
—fernerf
Because swan sounds are very sweet this phrase was probably developed to comment on somebodies beautiful voice.
—exj129
Swans make a beautiful, haunting call before they die; something special done before someone's death is said to be his "swan song."
—lilmingo
This originats from the book the Sawn Princess where the princess is recognised by her singing.
—smillie
Once there was a princess who loved her boyfriend so much she wrote him a song. She would always go meet him at the pond where she would sing to him with her angelic voice. One day she got to the pond before her prince did and there was an old lady sitting by the pond. (The lady was actually a witch who had been abserving the two and was mad at the princess for being so beautiful.) That day the old lady turned the princess into a swan. When the prince got there he waited and waited, but she never came. The princess who was now a swan wanted to talk to the prince but she could not because she was a swan so she started to sing like swans sing. The price turned quickly and he recognized the princess and turned her back into a princess. They lived happily ever after.
—letters
