Madeleine,

Many thanks for another very interesting post. As you, I'm sure, know Cygnus in Mesopotamian tradition was twined with neighbouring Cepheus to create UD.KA.DUH.A, the demon with the gaping mouth, identified as a raptor or vulture combined with a lion or panther. Personally I believe it was originally a vulture and panther combined, fitting two of the principal figures displayed in carved art at Gobekli Tepe. However, by 2500 BC I suspect the identity of the creatures had changed to lion and eagle.

Cygnus was identified as a vulture in both Greek Hellenic and also Armenian sky lore, lining it with the constellations role as UD.KA.DUH.A.

I strongly suspect that this association related to Zairian influence in SW Asia prior to the Younger Dryas epoch (the Shanidar Zawi Chemi site being the connection between the Zarzians and the Pro-Pottery Neolithic world of Gobekli Tepe).

However, we know that in many other parts of the ancient world Cygnus was identified as a waterfowl, most obviously the swan or goose. These ideas are, I suspect, Upper Palaeolithic in origin, and were carried into Europe, or at least revitalised, by Swiderian groups with origins as far west as the Urals.

Since their tools turn up in the Caucasus and even in Anatolia, it is possible that Cygnus's role as the swan or goose reached SW Asia. For instance, I am certain Cygnus is the goose form of Geb, the Gengen-wer, in Egyptian myths, who honked to bring the world into manifestation. These ideas almost certainly came from SW Asia.

I can only but encourage your work on the Igigna bird, and ask that you keep me informed of your progress.

Have you tried comparing the components of the name with word roots in other languages, most obviously those of Altaic or Uralic origin?

That could well prove dividends in my opinion.