The
constellation Lyra is connected to the constellation of the
Swan (
Cygnus). It has most commonly been
named in association with music or birds. The ancient
Britons called it
King Arthur's Harp. In
Bohemia it was called the
Fiddle in the Sky. One legend states that the constellation of the Swan is the transformed hero
Orpheus, who enchanted men and beasts alike with his
harp or lyre, explaining why the constellations are connected.
Lyra has also been associated with birds, though. The name
Vega for the constellation's foremost star comes from the
Arabic word meaning Swooping
Eagle or
Vulture.