<P> The swan song (ancient Greek: κύκνειον ᾆσμα; Latin: carmen cygni) is a metaphorical phrase for a final gesture, effort, or performance given just before death or retirement . The phrase refers to an ancient belief that swans (Cygnus spp .) sing a beautiful song just before they are to die, having been silent (or alternatively, not so musical) during most of their lifetime . This belief, whose basis in actuality is long - debated, had become proverbial in ancient Greece by the 3rd century BC, and was reiterated many times in later Western poetry and art . </P> <P> In Greek mythology, the swan was a bird consecrated to Apollo, and it was therefore considered a symbol of harmony and beauty and its limited capabilities as a singer were sublimated to those of songbirds . </P>

Where does the phrase swan song come from