This design is inspired by the ancient Irish folk tale The Children of Lir

The Children of Lir is an Irish legend that tells the tragic story of Aedh, Fichara, Conn & Fionnuala, the four children of the ancient Irish lord Lir. After the death of their mother, the children are cursed by their jealous stepmother to take the shape of swans. For hundreds of years they endure the savagery of nature until, one day, the curse expires. The children once more assume human form and are baptised by a priest, before ascending to their mother's side in Heaven.

The tale of The Children of Lir has come to symbolize the struggle of the Irish nation under British rule. A statue depicting the ancient legend stands in Dublin's Garden of Remembrance, celebrating the achievement of Irish independence.