Rhiannon - spirit of renewal


In Wales, March 4th celebrates the Feast of Rhiannon. She died centuries ago, but is still seen today in Wales and England.

Who was Rhiannon? There are many references to her:

Many people know the name "Rhiannon" from the famous song by Stevie Nicks. Others are familiar with the nursery rhyme about Rhiannon:

Ride a cock horse to Banbury Cross,
To see a fine lady upon a white horse.
With bells on her fingers and rings on her toes,
She shall have music wherever she goes.

Rhiannon is a goddess/spirit, or perhaps a ghost, from Welsh mythological history. Her name come from the Welsh word, Rhiain, which means "maiden." The legendary Rhiannon was married to Pwyll, and their stories appear in the Mabinogion.

Legends vary from one storyteller to another, but Rhiannon's tale describes a tragic series of events:

After giving birth to a handsome son named Pryderi, Rhiannon fell asleep, as did her servantwomen. While they were sleeping, Pryderi was stolen. When the servants awoke, they were afraid that Rhiannon's husband would punish them, so they claimed that Rhiannon had killed the child.

Rhiannon was distraught and felt certain that she could not have done what the servants claimed. Nevertheless, she accepted punishment, which included carrying strangers who arrived in her village, as if she was a pack horse.

Meanwhile, the missing son was found by a couple in the woods, and--not knowing his origins--they raised Pryderi as their own. However, as he approached adulthood, his appearance made it clear that he was Rhiannon's lost son.

The couple returned the child to his parents, the truth was told, and everything was set right again.

However, after Rhiannon's death many years later, she was seen riding a white horse through the Welsh and English countryside. Three beautiful birds accompany her. One bird's song brings death to the wicked, a second restores life to the dead, and the song of the third bird heals anyone who hears it.

According to some, Rhiannon is also known as Nimue, the Lady of the Lake, from Arthurian legends.

In the year 2000, March fourth is the Feast of Rhiannon in Wales.

Links about Rhiannon, Wales, and related histories:

The copyright of the article Rhiannon - spirit of renewal in Spirits, Ghosts & Legends is owned by Fiona Broome. Permission to republish Rhiannon - spirit of renewal in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Go To Page: 1

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic