Lir is a figure from Irish mythology, often associated with the sea and transformation. He is best known as the father of the Children of Lir, who were turned into swans by their jealous stepmother. This tale highlights themes of love, loss, and the struggle against fate. The story of Lir and his children is part of the larger Tuatha Dé Danann mythological cycle, which features various deities and supernatural beings in ancient Irish lore. The transformation of the children into swans symbolizes both their suffering and the enduring nature of love and family bonds.