Rhiannon is an old Welsh Goddess of the earth and fertility, of
horses and birds, who has links to the Underworld and who is much featured
in the Mabinogion. She finds antecedents in the British Goddess Rigatona
("Great Queen") and the continental Celtic horse-goddess
Epona, who is also linked with dogs and birds like Rhiannon.
In the later Christianized version of the tale, Rhiannon's first
husband was Pwyll, ("Never was there a man who made feebler use
of his wits", in Rhiannon's own words) who had once done a stint
as King of the Underworld.
Their son Pryderi vanished the night of his birth while the new mother
and the women sent to guard them slept. In fear of the consequences
for slacking off on their duty, the serving-women smeared Rhiannon
with the blood of a puppy and accused Her of murdering Her own son.
Their word won over Rhiannon's own, and as punishment, She was made
to sit outside the castle on a horse-block, and offer each visitor
a ride on Her back for seven years. Pryderi was eventually restored
to Her by his foster-father Teyrnon, who recognized the boy's resemblance
to Pwyll.
She later took Manawydan (the Welsh equivalant to Manannán,
the Irish Sea God) as husband after Pwyll died.
Rhiannon is said to possess marvelous birds that can wake the dead,
or lull the living to sleep. In the Mabinogion She is intelligent and
wise, and doesn't hesitate to speak Her mind.
Rhiannon is deeply associated with horses: Pwyll first sees Her riding
a marvelous white horse that no one can catch; The vanished child was
found by Teyrnon in place of a new-born foal; and Her punishment is
to act as a horse.
This card in a reading indicates a time of trial or injustice, that,
with patience and faith, will come right in the end. Misunderstandings
and mis-communications may be in the air, but understanding the deep
roots of the situation will help.
Alternate spellings: Riannon
Pronunciation: hree AN non
To read Her tale, go here.
