Brú na Bóinne and the legend of Aonghus and Caer.
Brú na Bóinne is a world heritage site which includes the passage tombs of Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth, dating from approximately 3200 BC. Every winter solstice, the rising sun enters the chamber at the most famous of these megalithic graves, Newgrange. There are many myths associated with this area and the inspiration for this card comes from the legend of Aonghus and Caer. Aonghus Mac Óg discovered his rightful inheritance to be that of Newgrange and took residence there. One night he was visited by a beautiful woman in his dreams. He fell in love with her and was determined to find her. When he did, it was realized that she spent alternate years as a swan and a woman. He was told that if he went to Lough Dragan on the feast of Samhain, and could pick Caer from the flock of swans, he could be with her. This he did but as soon as they embraced, he too, became a swan. They flew to Brú na Bóinne where they serenaded the residents till they fell into a deep sleep. It is said they remained at Newgrange and to this day, flocks of Whooper swans are regular visitors to this ancient site.
Illustration from an original by Margaret McKenna