What is the Myth behind Cygnus?

In Greek mythology, Cygnus is often associated with stories involving transformation and love. One prominent myth involves Cygnus as the son of Ares, the God of War, who transformed into a swan either to escape danger or to mourn the death of his beloved Phaethon. This myth highlights themes of loss and the transcendence of love, as Cygnus's grief leads to his metamorphosis into a swan, ultimately becoming a constellation in the night sky. The figure of Cygnus symbolizes both beauty and the bittersweet nature of love and loss.