Spring is here and the best time to dream of Love and Romance. So this is the story of Aengus/Angus, the god of love and beauty and his lover, Caer.
Angus, (Celtic, English) Aengus in modern Irish/Gaelic, (pronounce “een-ghus”) is the god of love, beauty, and dreams.  The name Angus means “exceptional strength.” So we can imagine him with a physique and charm so mesmerizing as to make us dream of love.
“It has been said that Angus’ kisses turn to singing birds, and the music on his lyre draws all who hear it to his side.”Elven World: Restoration of the Tuatha de Danann Kingdom
The story goes that Aengus was born in Ireland, NewGrange, County Meath near the river Boyne. There he lived with the Tuatha de Danann. The details of his life seem to change as the centuries have passed.  (That’s understandable since his story has been told for as long as 5,000 years.)  The kingdom of the Tuatha de Danann and its great gods and goddesses were thriving long before the great pyramids were built in Egypt.  This was before the Celts in Ireland, long before the coming of Saint Patrick or before any of us had heard of Catholicism let alone seen its stronghold in any part of Europe.
There are many stories of Aengus/Angus and his love affairs, some of which are rather grisly. But there is one that best shows the aspect of Angus as a healer in loving relationships.  Even today, many still call upon Aengus to enhance relationships and resolve lover’s quarrels. This is the story of Angus and Caer, one of the most beautiful and romantic stories of Irish Mythology.
Love Story of Aengus/Angus and Caer
Each night as he slept, Angus dreamt of a beautiful woman. She had creamy, fair skin, dark eyes, a long graceful neck and corn-colored hair that fell below her knees. In his dream, she beckoned to him, then she vanished.  Each night he dreamt of her and his love grew stronger, but each day, though he searched, he never found her. He grew weary and eventually he fell ill from the pain in his heart.
At last, Angus became too ill to search any longer.  But with the help of Tuatha de Danann Kings, after three years of searching the countryside, the lovely woman was found living beside a lake. The Kings sent a messenger to tell Angus to tell him where she lived.
Overcome with desire, Angus regained his spirit and rode at a great speed to reach her and declare his love. But when he finally arrived, he found she’d been put under a spell: she was bound to the flock of swan. She was transformed into a swan each day and a woman only at night.
It was then that Angus saw he could never be with her in his human form.  Only if he would transform with her, could he know her love fully.
So it came to be that Angus transformed himself into a swan by day and only a man at night, to be with Caer.  As a swan he saw the lake as it spread out before his eyes, glistening in the sunlight and reflecting the changing skies.  He held his lover very close and near his heart and they were together always.
Perhaps this is why we so often remember Aengus and Caer when we see the swan with this heart-shaped lovers embrace.

Legends of Aengus/Angus
As with every mythological hero, god or creature, the mythology is created as the story is told.  So you will find many versions of the tales of Aengus.  Most agree:
Around his head four tiny wren fly, each of whom may become a kiss.
It is said he carries dreams in his bag and may give you one at night while you sleep.
His story of love with Caer symbolizes the dedication of twin lovers, souls who are happiest when they are together.
About Elven World:  For thousands of years the Elven people have been bound to another dimension. In the battle for their freedom, they travel in time to arrive on Earth in our modern age. Follow their adventures and you will discover the mystical powers of the Elven that live within your heart.
TE Locke is a writer and lover of all things beautiful.  You can reach her at www.elvenworld.ning.com“>www.elvenworld.ning.com or www.twitter.com/elvenworld or on Facebook.