Place of Origin: Wales
Origin Date: Ancient times, exact dates unknown
Domain: Horses, fertility, sovereignty
Symbols: White horse, birds, and golden ring
Attributes: Grace, endurance, enchantment
Epithets: "Mistress of Horses," "Queen of Dyfed"
Equivalents: Similar to the Greek goddess Epona.
Religion: Celtic Paganism
Sacred Texts: The Mabinogion
Iconography: Often depicted riding a white horse, surrounded by birds, and adorned with a golden ring
Relations: Wife of Pwyll, mother of Pryderi
Description
Rhiannon is a prominent goddess in Welsh mythology, known for her association with horses, fertility, and sovereignty. She is often depicted as a beautiful and majestic figure, riding a white horse. Rhiannon embodies the qualities of grace, endurance, and enchantment. Her story is central to the Mabinogion, where she is featured in the First and Third Branches.
Narratives
The First Branch of the Mabinogi: Pwyll, Prince of Dyfed
Original Title: "Pwyll, Prince of Dyfed"
Rhiannon first appears riding a shining white horse to Gorsedd Arberth, where she meets Pwyll, the prince of Dyfed. She chooses Pwyll as her consort over her previous betrothal to Gwawl ap Clud. They marry, but Rhiannon faces tragedy when their newborn son, Pryderi, is abducted. She is unjustly accused of infanticide and punished by being forced to act as a horse and wear a donkey's collar.
The Reunion with Pryderi
Original Title: "Manawydan fab Llyr"
After Pwyll's death, Rhiannon marries Manawydan, and they face further challenges, including enchantments that cause their land to become desolate. Eventually, they find their lost son, Pryderi, who had been transformed into a pig by a magical mist. With Pryderi's return, their family is reunited, and they continue to rule Dyfed with wisdom and compassion
Worship Beliefs and Practices
Core Beliefs
Rhiannon is revered as a goddess of horses, sovereignty, and the Otherworld. She is often depicted riding a white horse and is associated with the moon, birds, and wind. Followers believe that Rhiannon embodies the qualities of strength, independence, and magical prowess. Her story in the Mabinogion highlights her role as a powerful and enigmatic figure who can navigate both the mortal and supernatural realms.
Attributes and Significance
Sovereignty: Rhiannon is considered a sovereignty goddess, and marrying her grants lordship over the realm.
Horses: She is closely linked to horses, symbolizing freedom, nobility, and the ability to traverse different worlds.
Magic and Transformation: Rhiannon is known for her magical abilities, including the power to transform and deceive.
Otherworldly Connections: Her association with the Otherworld and her ability to travel between worlds make her a guide for souls and a protector of the realm.
Worship Practices
Rituals and Ceremonies: Devotees perform rituals to honor Rhiannon, often involving offerings of silver, horses, and symbols of sovereignty.
Festivals: Rhiannon's feast day is celebrated on the second day of December. This festival includes ceremonies that honor her role as a goddess of horses and the Otherworld.
Prayers and Invocations: Followers may offer prayers and invocations to Rhiannon, seeking her guidance in matters of sovereignty, transformation, and magical protection.
Symbolic Representations: Symbols associated with Rhiannon, such as the white horse and the moon, are often used in rituals and decorations.
Traditions
Storytelling and Mythology: The tales of Rhiannon, including her interactions with Pwyll and Pryderi, are often recounted during worship ceremonies.
Rhiannon's Day: This day is dedicated to celebrating Rhiannon's attributes and her role in Welsh mythology.
Offerings: Common offerings include items related to horses, such as horse figurines, and symbols of sovereignty, such as crowns and scepters.