Is there a story behind the Led Zeppelin angel?

Answer 1

This is the logo for Led Zeppeling's record label, Swan Song. It's Apollo, not an angel, devil, icarus or daedalus. It is adapted from a 19th century drawing by William Rimmer called "Evening, Fall of Day."

I disagree with the assertion "It's Apollo, not an angel, devil, icarus or daedalus" Appollo son of Zeus and Leto, is not commonly depicted with wings. As a beautiful male often with a lyre, as he was the patron of music and the arts. Often with a bow and arrow as he was also the patron of Archery. He was associated with light as was another figure from mythology, Lucifer the Bringer of Light. Jimmy Page is fascinated with the occult, mythology, Aleister 'The Great Beast' Crowley etc. Therefore I think it's at least worth considering that the symbol might represent Lucifer the Fallen Angel on his expulsion from Heaven. As was possibly the original piece by William Rimmer, who was and English born American sculptor who suffered from the delusion that he was heir to the French throne. The only man who knows for sure what it represents is Jimmy Page, who is pretty tight-lipped about Led Zep symbology.

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The image is taken from 'Evening, Fall of Day', however Robert Plant is recorded as saying it was actually Icarus

"But in 2003, on the nationally broadcast radio program 'Rockline' while supporting his album Dreamland, Robert Plant, in his own words (I have this on audio tape) responded to a question from another idiot who thought it was "Satan descending from Heaven?"

Plant, of course, was visibly insulted at the Satan reference, and continued to explain that it was indeed Icarus"

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Led-Zeppelin-501/Icarus-Apollo.htm

So really, it's both.

Answer 2

Yes, it is Icarus falling from the sky.