Rhiannon: Sovereignty, Horses, and the Mystery of the Celtic Goddess

Rhiannon, whose name echoes through the mists of time and the pages of the Welsh Mabinogion, remains one of the most enigmatic and powerful figures of the Celtic pantheon. She is not just a goddess; she is a complex archetype weaving together the sovereignty of the land, the ethereal speed of horses, the mystical song of birds, and profound resilience in the face of adversity. For modern Pagans and Neo-Pagans, Rhiannon offers a wellspring of inspiration, wisdom, and connection to the Otherworld, inviting us to explore themes of patience, justice, transformation, and the magic inherent in the thresholds of existence.

Understanding Rhiannon requires diving into the medieval Welsh narratives, primarily the First and Third Branches of the Mabinogi, where her stories unfold with a wealth of symbolic detail. However, her roots may delve even deeper, connecting to ancient continental and insular deities associated with the land, fertility, and equines. This article seeks to unravel the layers of Rhiannon, exploring her vibrant mythology, potential historical origins, correlations with other divine figures, how she might have been worshiped in antiquity, and how her presence is felt and honored in contemporary spiritual practices. Furthermore, we will detail the sacred herbs, stones, and incenses associated with her, offering practical ways to integrate her transformative energy into current rituals and devotions. Prepare to ride alongside this fascinating goddess, listening to the song of her magical birds as we unveil the mysteries of Rhiannon.

The Mythology of Rhiannon: Trials of a Goddess

The primary literary source for Rhiannon's stories is the Mabinogion, a collection of medieval Welsh tales compiled between the 12th and 13th centuries, but preserving much older oral traditions. Rhiannon features prominently in two of its four main branches.

The First Branch: Pwyll, Prince of Dyfed

Rhiannon's introduction is as spectacular as it is mysterious. Pwyll, the prince of Dyfed (a region in southwest Wales), is sitting atop Gorsedd Arberth, a mound known for its magical properties – it was said that whoever sat there would either witness a wonder or receive wounds. Pwyll sees a maiden of unparalleled beauty, dressed in shining gold silk, riding a magnificent pale white horse, moving serenely along a nearby path. Intrigued and enchanted, he sends his swiftest servant on horseback to catch her, but although she seems to ride at a leisurely pace, the servant cannot close the distance. The next day, Pwyll sends his fastest rider, with the same frustrating result. On the third day, Pwyll himself pursues the mysterious lady on his fastest horse. He urges his mount on, but the faster he goes, the farther away she seems, always maintaining the same serene speed. Finally, in desperation, Pwyll calls out for her to stop in the name of the one she loves best. She stops immediately, gently chiding him for not thinking to ask sooner, thus sparing his horse's suffering.

This woman is Rhiannon. She reveals she has come of her own volition, having been promised against her will to Gwawl ap Clud, and would rather marry Pwyll. She instructs him to meet her in a year's time at her father's kingdom for the wedding feast. Pwyll agrees, captivated by her beauty, intelligence, and command of the situation – hallmarks of a sovereignty goddess who chooses her own consort.

At the wedding feast in the court of Hyfaidd Hen, Rhiannon's father, an unknown man enters and makes a boon request of Pwyll: that he grant whatever the man asks. Pwyll, perhaps rashly, agrees. The man reveals himself to be Gwawl ap Clud, the rejected suitor, and asks for Rhiannon and the feast. Bound by his word, Pwyll is dismayed, but Rhiannon, ever resourceful, devises a plan. She instructs Pwyll to return in a year, disguised, carrying a small magical bag she will give him.

On the day of the new wedding feast (for Rhiannon and Gwawl), Pwyll arrives as a beggar and asks for his small bag to be filled with food. Gwawl, amused, agrees. However, the bag has the magical property of never becoming full. As more and more provisions vanish into the bag, Gwawl becomes intrigued. Pwyll says the bag can only be filled if a man of great wealth and dominion treads the food down with both feet and declares it full. Gwawl naively steps into the bag to do so. Pwyll immediately pulls the drawstring, trapping Gwawl inside. Pwyll's men, who were hidden, rush in and begin to play the "Badger-in-the-Bag" game, striking and kicking the bag with Gwawl inside until he begs for mercy and renounces Rhiannon and any revenge.

Pwyll and Rhiannon are finally married and return to Dyfed. For two years, they reign prosperously but have no children, causing concern among the nobles. In the third year, Rhiannon gives birth to a son. However, on the night of the birth, the six serving women tasked with watching Rhiannon and the baby fall asleep. When they wake, the baby is gone. Fearing punishment, the women conspire to blame Rhiannon: they kill a puppy, smear its blood and bones on the sleeping Rhiannon, and scatter the remains around the room. Upon waking, Rhiannon is accused of devouring her own child.

Despite her innocence and protests, and Pwyll's reluctance to believe the monstrous accusation, the pressure from the nobles is immense. Rhiannon is sentenced to a humiliating and strangely symbolic punishment: for seven years, she must sit near the mounting block outside the castle gates, tell her story to every visitor, and offer to carry them on her back like a beast of burden into the main hall. Rhiannon endures this ordeal with remarkable dignity and patience, rarely having her offer of carriage accepted.

Meanwhile, the baby was not dead. On the same night he disappeared, Teyrnon Twryf Liant, lord of Gwent-Is-Coed, had a foal born to his favorite mare, something that happened every May Eve, but the foal always vanished mysteriously. That night, Teyrnon guarded the stable and saw a monstrous claw reach through the window to grab the newborn foal. He cuts off the claw with his sword and hears a scream outside. Going out, he finds an infant boy wrapped in silk mantles. Teyrnon and his wife, who were childless, adopt the boy, naming him Gwri Wallt Euryn (Gwri Golden Hair) due to his fair hair. The boy grows at a prodigious rate, showing an early affinity for horses. As Gwri grows older, Teyrnon begins to notice his resemblance to Pwyll. He also hears about Rhiannon's disgrace in Dyfed. Realizing the truth, Teyrnon takes the boy to Arberth. Rhiannon, still serving her penance at the gates, immediately recognizes her son. She declares that her anguish (pryder) is over, and the boy is renamed Pryderi. Rhiannon is restored to her position and honor.

Goddess Rhiannon riding on her horse — Goddess Rhiannon

The Third Branch: Manawydan, Son of Llŷr

After Pwyll's death, Pryderi inherits the lordship of Dyfed. He arranges the marriage of his mother, Rhiannon, to Manawydan fab Llyr, a close friend of Pwyll and the brother of Branwen and Brân the Blessed, central figures in the Second Branch of the Mabinogi. Manawydan is a character associated with magic, craftsmanship, and the sea (his father, Llŷr, is a sea god). The marriage appears to be harmonious. Pryderi is also married to Cigfa.

The four (Pryderi, Cigfa, Manawydan, and Rhiannon) are enjoying a feast at Arberth when thunder sounds and a magical mist descends upon the land, leaving them the sole inhabitants in a Dyfed completely desolate and empty of people and domestic animals, although wildlife remains. For a time, they survive by hunting and gathering wild honey. Eventually, they decide to travel to Lloegyr (England) to earn a living through crafts. Manawydan proves to be a master craftsman in everything he tries – saddlery, shield-making, shoemaking – but his superior skill provokes the envy and hostility of other craftsmen, forcing the group to move repeatedly.

They return to the desolate Dyfed. One day while hunting, Pryderi and Manawydan follow a gleaming white boar to a mysterious, newly built fort they don't recognize. Despite Manawydan's warnings, Pryderi enters the fort. Inside, he sees a beautiful marble fountain with a golden bowl attached by chains. Upon touching the bowl, his hands become stuck fast to it, and his feet become fixed to the marble slab, rendering him unable to move or speak.

Manawydan returns to Rhiannon and Cigfa and reports what happened. Rhiannon, despite her own wisdom and divine nature, chastises Manawydan for not attempting to rescue his friend and son. Determined, she goes to the fort herself and finds Pryderi trapped. When she tries to free him, she too becomes stuck in the same manner. Then, with another thunderclap and mist, the fort vanishes, taking Rhiannon and Pryderi with it.

Manawydan and Cigfa are left alone in the enchanted Dyfed. Cigfa fears abandonment, but Manawydan reassures her, showing his gentle and honorable nature. He attempts to farm the land, but his fields are repeatedly ravaged by mice just before harvest. On the third night of watch, he manages to catch a particularly fat, slow mouse. He decides to hang it for theft the next day, despite Cigfa's pleas against such an undignified act. As Manawydan prepares a small gallows on Gorsedd Arberth, three figures approach successively – a scholar, a priest, and finally a bishop with a large retinue – each offering ransom for the mouse in exchange for its release. Manawydan refuses all offers until the "bishop" (who is actually the magician Llwyd ap Cil Coed in disguise) asks what he would demand. Manawydan demands the release of Rhiannon and Pryderi and the lifting of the enchantment on Dyfed. Llwyd confesses he is responsible, acting in revenge for his friend Gwawl ap Clud (Rhiannon's rejected suitor who was humiliated in the Badger-in-the-Bag game). The fat mouse, he reveals, is his own pregnant wife, who, along with other ladies of his court transformed into mice, was destroying Manawydan's crops. Llwyd agrees to Manawydan's terms, on the condition that no vengeance be taken against him or his wife. Manawydan agrees, Rhiannon and Pryderi are freed, and the land of Dyfed is restored to its former prosperity.

Analysis of the Myths: Themes and Symbolism

Rhiannon's stories are rich with themes that resonate deeply within the human psyche and Pagan spirituality:

Sovereignty: This is perhaps the central theme. Rhiannon is not a passive maiden; she chooses Pwyll, engineers Gwawl's defeat, and demonstrates authority. Her connection to white horses and her arrival on the magical mound Gorsedd Arberth link her directly to the Celtic concept of Sovereignty, often personified as a goddess who bestows legitimacy upon the king through marriage or sacred union. Her presence ensures the land's prosperity (Dyfed flourishes with her and languishes in her absence or imprisonment).
The Otherworld: Rhiannon clearly belongs to or has strong ties with Annwn, the Welsh Otherworld. Her initial appearance is supernatural, her horse defies physics, and her birds have magical powers. The fort where she and Pryderi are imprisoned is an Otherworldly manifestation intruding into the human world. Her ability to traverse the veils between worlds marks her as a liminal figure.
Patience and Resilience: Rhiannon's punishment after being falsely accused of infanticide is brutal and humiliating. Yet, she endures it with stoic dignity for years. Similarly, her magical imprisonment in the Third Branch is another trial. She embodies quiet strength, the ability to withstand injustice and wait for vindication or release. This makes her a patron for those facing long periods of hardship or unjust accusations.
Injustice and Vindication: Rhiannon falls victim to false accusations (by the serving women) and magical revenge (by Llwyd). In both cases, her innocence is eventually proven, and her honor restored. This speaks to the human yearning for justice and the belief that truth will eventually prevail.
The Mother and Loss: The narrative of losing her son Pryderi is a powerful element. It explores the primal fear of child loss and the pain of a wrongly accused mother. Her reunion with Pryderi is a moment of profound joy and relief, highlighting her maternal aspect, although she is far more than just a mother figure.
Horses and Birds: Her associated animals are crucial. The horse represents speed, transition between worlds, freedom, and sovereignty itself (many Celtic and Indo-European sovereignty goddesses are linked to horses). The Birds of Rhiannon (Adar Rhiannon) are mentioned in another Welsh tale (Culhwch and Olwen) as having a song so beautiful it can wake the dead and lull the living to sleep for seven years. They symbolize inspiration, prophecy, transcendent music, and perhaps even the passage of the soul (psychopomp).

Goddess Rhiannon sitting beside her horse — Goddess Rhiannon

Historical Origins and Divine Correlations

Although Rhiannon is best known through medieval Welsh texts, many scholars believe her origins are much older, tracing back to pre-Christian Celtic deities.

Sovereignty Goddess: Her function in the stories, especially in choosing and legitimizing Pwyll as ruler of Dyfed, aligns her strongly with the Sovereignty Goddess archetype, a central figure in Celtic mythology and religion. These goddesses embodied the land itself and its fertility, and their union with a human king ensured the kingdom's prosperity.
Connection to Epona: The most frequently proposed link is to Epona, the Gallo-Roman horse goddess widely venerated in Gaul, Britain, and other parts of the Roman Empire. Epona was the protector of horses, donkeys, and mules, and was also associated with fertility, water, and sometimes acted as a guide for souls (psychopomp). The similarities are notable: both are strongly associated with horses, both have connections to prosperity and the Otherworld. However, differences exist. Epona's iconography often shows her riding sidesaddle or seated between two ponies, frequently holding a basket of fruit or a patera (offering dish), symbols of abundance. Rhiannon's specific narrative in the Mabinogion is unique. It's possible that Rhiannon is the insular Welsh manifestation of an older horse goddess archetype, of which Epona was the better-known continental Gallo-Roman version. The name "Rhiannon" is often interpreted as deriving from Brythonic Rigantona, meaning "Great Queen" or "Divine Queen," further reinforcing her connection to sovereignty.
Triple Goddess? Some see aspects of a triple goddess in Rhiannon, though not explicitly. She appears as the enchanting and sovereign maiden, the suffering and tested mother, and the more mature, wise figure married to Manawydan.
Euhemerization: It's possible that the Mabinogion stories represent a partial euhemerization of Rhiannon – the transformation of an ancient goddess into a legendary or semi-historical heroine, a common process during the Christianization of Celtic cultures. However, her clearly supernatural attributes and actions argue against a simple reduction to a human figure.
Other Correlations: Thematically, she shares traits with other Celtic goddesses. Her resilience and connection to the land might echo aspects of earth and fertility goddesses. Her association with horses links her to figures like the Irish goddess Macha, who also suffered unjustly and was tied to sovereignty and horses. Her magical birds and Otherworld connection link her to psychopomp goddesses or faerie queens.

The Worship of Rhiannon: Antiquity and Modernity

Worship in Antiquity (Speculative):

There is no direct archaeological evidence of a formal cult to a goddess named "Rhiannon" in pre-Roman or Roman Britain. The name, as we know it, comes from medieval literature. However, if we accept Rhiannon as a manifestation of Rigantona or related to Epona, we can speculate on how a goddess with her attributes might have been honored:

Cult Centers: Likely at sites associated with kingship and sovereignty (such as hillforts or royal inauguration sites), as well as in sacred groves, near springs or rivers (given Epona's connection to water), and perhaps in areas known for horse breeding. Gorsedd Arberth, the magical mound where Pwyll meets her, might reflect an actual site of ritual importance.
Offerings: Votives related to horses (small horse figurines, perhaps), offerings of grain or fruit (symbolizing the land's fertility she ensures), possibly objects related to music or poetry (inspired by her birds).
Rituals: Rituals connected to the inauguration of kings, ceremonies to ensure the fertility of the land and animals, rituals at liminal times (like Beltane or Samhain, threshold moments when the veil between worlds is thin), and perhaps rites of passage or to seek divine inspiration. Music and song could have played an important role, echoing the Birds of Rhiannon.

Modern Worship (Neo-Paganism):

Rhiannon is a popular deity in many contemporary Neo-Pagan traditions, including Wicca (especially Celtic-focused or Goddess branches), Druidry, and Goddess Spirituality paths. Modern practitioners are drawn to her complexity and the powerful themes in her stories.

Forms of Devotion:
- Altars: Altars dedicated to Rhiannon often include images or statues of her, figures of horses (especially white ones) and birds, the colors white, gold, silver, or green, stones and herbs associated with her (see section below), and perhaps a small symbolic bag or key.
- Meditation and Journeying: Many practitioners meditate on Rhiannon's themes (patience, personal sovereignty, overcoming injustice, connection to the Otherworld). Shamanic journeys or guided visualizations may seek to encounter Rhiannon in her realm, hear her birds, or seek her guidance during times of difficulty or transition.
- Rituals: Rituals may be performed to honor her on specific dates (like Beltane, linked to fertility and union, or perhaps significant dates in her mythic story), or to ask for her aid in matters such as:
  - Developing patience and resilience in hard times.
  - Seeking justice or vindication when wronged.
  - Connecting with one's own personal sovereignty and self-worth.
  - Working with dreams and inspiration (invoking her birds).
  - Facilitating life transitions.
  - Honoring and connecting with horses and birds.
  - Exploring the Otherworld and developing psychic abilities.
- Modern Offerings: Besides traditional offerings (flowers, grains), these might include music, poetry, acts of advocacy for the wronged, care for animals (especially horses), or simply time spent in quiet contemplation.
- Dream Work: Given the ethereal nature of her first appearance and the dreamlike quality of her birds, Rhiannon is often invoked to aid in dream work, dream interpretation, and lucid dreaming.

For many today, Rhiannon is not just a mythological figure but a living presence and a source of power and inspiration. She teaches that true sovereignty comes from within, that patience can be a form of strength, and that even in the deepest darkness, the music of hope and magic can be heard.

Magical and Natural Associations of Rhiannon

Connecting with a deity often involves working with the natural and symbolic elements associated with them. For Rhiannon, these associations derive from her stories, attributes, and modern interpretations:

Animals:

Horse: Primarily white or pale horses, representing her connection to the Otherworld, sovereignty, speed, and freedom.
Birds (Adar Rhiannon): Three mystical birds whose song has supernatural power. They symbolize inspiration, music, prophecy, healing, and the bridge between worlds.

Symbols:

Gates and Thresholds: Representing her liminal nature and ability to cross between worlds. Her punishment occurs at the castle gates.
Magical Bag: Symbol of hidden resources, unexpected abundance, and cleverness.
Keys: Can symbolize access to hidden realms or the solution to problems (like Manawydan "unlocking" the enchantment).
Horseshoe: Modern but widely recognized symbol of horses and protection/luck.
The Moon: Though not explicitly linked in the myths, her mysterious nature, Otherworld connection, and cycles (suffering and restoration) associate her with lunar energy for many modern practitioners.

Colors:

White: Purity, spirituality, Otherworld (her horse).
Gold: Sovereignty, divinity, wealth (her garments, the bowl in the fort).
Silver: Moon, intuition, Otherworld.
Green: Connection to the land (Dyfed), fertility, healing.
Deep Blue: Mystery, night, Otherworld.

Herbs:

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): Associated with calm, peace, sleep, and dreams. Useful for invoking Rhiannon's patience and for dream work inspired by her.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): For remembrance (remembering one's inner strength), mental clarity, and protection. Can be used to honor her resilience.
Vervain (Verbena officinalis): A classic Druidic herb, associated with inspiration, prophecy, and magic. Connects to the power of the Birds of Rhiannon.
Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna): Strongly linked to the Otherworld and faeries in Celtic traditions. Can be used to honor Rhiannon's liminal nature and seek access to her wisdom. Use with respect, as it is a powerful tree.
Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris): Powerful herb for dreams, divination, and astral travel. Used cautiously, it can help connect with Rhiannon's more mysterious and oracular aspects.
Oats (Avena sativa): Direct connection to horses (food) and also to nourishment and sustenance. Can be used to honor her provider aspect and her equine link.

Stones and Crystals:

Moonstone: The most obvious choice, connecting to intuition, feminine cycles, dreams, and the mysterious energy of the Otherworld.
Clear Quartz: Amplifies intentions and energies. Can be used to clarify communication with Rhiannon or to focus on her strength and resilience.
Rose Quartz: For emotional healing, especially related to the pain of loss or injustice (Rhiannon's themes). Promotes the self-compassion and gentleness she demonstrated even under duress.
Amethyst: Spiritual connection, calm, transmutation of negative energy. Helps access Rhiannon's patience and wisdom.
Labradorite: Stone of magic, intuition, and protection during astral or inter-world travel. Reflects Rhiannon's liminal and magical nature.
Citrine or Golden Topaz: Golden, solar stones that resonate with the theme of sovereignty, confidence, abundance, and personal power. Connect to Rhiannon as the Divine Queen.
Orange or Golden Calcite: Gentle energy of confidence, creativity, and overcoming blocks, echoing Rhiannon's resourcefulness.

Incenses:

Sandalwood: Promotes deep meditation, spiritual connection, and a sense of the sacred. Ideal for creating a space to commune with Rhiannon.
Frankincense: Purification, consecration, spiritual elevation. Used to honor her divinity.
Rose: Associated with love, emotional healing, and compassion. Can be used to work on healing Rhiannon's wounds or cultivating self-compassion inspired by her.
Lavender: Calming, induces relaxation and meditative states conducive to dreaming and introspection.
Cedarwood: Connection to ancient wisdom, strength, and protection. Can invoke Rhiannon's resilience and dignity.
Inspiring Blends: Incenses combining light floral notes (like jasmine or honeysuckle) with resins (like frankincense) can evoke the ethereal beauty and magic of the Birds of Rhiannon.

Example of an altar to Rhiannon — Altar for Rhiannon

Utilizing the Associations in Modern Worship

Integrating these elements into your practice can deepen your connection with Rhiannon:

Build an Altar: Use Rhiannon's colors (white or gold cloth). Place images or symbols of her, horses, and birds. Arrange associated stones (Moonstone, Rose Quartz, Labradorite). Keep a vase of fresh or dried herbs (Lavender, Rosemary). Burn appropriate incenses (Sandalwood, Rose) during your devotions.
Ritual Baths: Add herbs like Lavender or Rose petals to bathwater for a ritual of purification, emotional healing, or to seek Rhiannon's patience. Meditate on her qualities while relaxing.
Herb Sachets: Create small sachets with Lavender, Mugwort, and Amethyst to place under your pillow, seeking dreams inspired by Rhiannon or guidance for overcoming challenges. Ask for clarity and protection before sleep.
Crystal Meditation: Hold a Moonstone or Labradorite while meditating on Rhiannon's connection to the Otherworld. Use Rose Quartz to meditate on healing past injustices, drawing inspiration from her resilience. Citrine can be used to meditate on your own personal sovereignty.
Kitchen Witchery: Use Oats in recipes (porridge, breads) with the intention of honoring Rhiannon's connection to nourishment and horses. Add Rosemary to savory dishes for clarity and inner strength.
Natural Offerings: Leave offerings of oats or apples (associated with the Otherworld and horses) at a natural place you feel connected to her. Listen attentively to birdsong as a form of devotion.
Incense in Rituals: Burn Sandalwood or Frankincense when beginning a ritual for Rhiannon. Use Lavender or Rose during meditations focused on patience or healing. Vervain can be burned when seeking creative or divine inspiration.

Always remember to work with herbs and incenses safely and respectfully, researching any contraindications, especially if ingesting anything. Intention and respect are key when using these sacred elements.

Conclusion: The Enduring Relevance of Rhiannon

Rhiannon is far more than a character from medieval folktales. She is an archetypal force embodying indomitable sovereignty, resilience in the face of slander and adversity, a deep connection to the natural world (especially horses and birds), and the gateway to the mysteries of the Otherworld. Her stories, filled with magic, injustice, suffering, and eventual vindication, offer a powerful mirror for the trials and triumphs of the human journey.

For modern Pagans, Rhiannon serves as a guide and inspiration. She teaches us the importance of patience, the strength found in quiet dignity, the power of cleverness and truth, and the necessity of claiming our own inner sovereignty. Her connection to horses reminds us of our link to instinct, freedom, and movement between worlds, while her magical birds invite us to listen to the music of the soul and seek inspiration from the unseen realms.

Whether seeking strength to navigate a difficult period, courage to confront injustice, inspiration for a creative project, or a deeper connection to the magic of nature and the Otherworld, Rhiannon offers her wise and steady presence. To honor her is to honor the divine queen within ourselves and to acknowledge the magical tapestry that interweaves all realms of existence. May we learn from her journey, ride with her grace, and listen closely to the transformative song of her sacred birds.