The Feast of Rhiannon

March 4th all over the place is a day celebrated as the Feast of Rhiannon, in celebration of the goddess Rhiannon, which is the very goddess I was named after (more or less–I was named after the song and the song was written about the goddess lol).  So, in my own way to celebrate such a strong name, I’m going to post her story here so that you can enjoy it, too. It’s quite a tale!

Here is the short of her story:

Rhiannon was promised in marriage to Gwawl Ap Clud against her wishes. She chose to defy her family and chose the mortal Pwyll [POO-ul] as husband. She appeared to Pwyll, who stood with his companions on the Mound of Wonders. She was dressed all in gold and was riding a white horse so swiftly that she did not seem to be touching the ground. The fastest horses in Pwyll’s party could not overtake this beautiful woman. Pwyll’s companions were afraid and advised Pwyll against pursuit. Pwyll called out and asked Her to wait, which She did. Rhiannon and Pwyll were married and she bore him a son. The child was kidnapped by the jealous Gwawl. The six handmaids, who were nurses to the baby, were terrified that they would be punished; so, they planted evidence to suggest that Rhiannon had eaten her own young. They scattered bones and poured blood around Rhiannon’s bed. The offense of killing one. s own child was punishable by death, but Pwyll, instead, sentenced Rhiannon to stand at the gates of the city, telling of Her crime and offering to carry visitors into the city on Her own back. The child, who was not dead, was eventually found, and Rhiannon was vindicated by truth.

And her Origins:

Rhiannon [RHEE-awn-on] is a Welsh underworld Goddess form. Her story is told in the Mabinogion , translation by Lady Charlotte Guest). Her origin goes back further still according to Jean Markale who believes that she might have been the original Mother Goddess of the Celtic people. She brings sleep, dreams, and sometimes nightmares.  She is found in several ancient cultures, called by several names. Through history Rhiannon has survived and influenced many cultures and legends. Her name translates as “divine” or “Great Queen.” She may have been sun Goddess. She is Goddess of change, movement, and magic . She comforts in times of crisis, loss, and illness. She gives us gifts of tears, forgetfulness (to promote healing), and humor to ease our sufferings in this life  and guides us to the next . She is also accompanied by golden birds whose singing can call the dead or grant peaceful sleep to the living.

 

You can find more information HERE.   This website has a good bit of information, plus extra sources listed 😀 Aside from Rhiannon being my middle name, I am quite intrigued by this particular goddess.

Just for fun, though, here are the Symbols of Rhiannon, which can also be found in the link above:

Colors: white, silver, gold
Moon phase: waning
Animals: horse, bird
Herbs/Flowers: Jasmine, evergreens, any white flower
Stones: moonstone, quartz crystal
Aspects: leadership, movement, change, death, fertility, crisis, magic for women,
protection, strength and truth in adversity, dreams
Wheel of the Year:
Willow moon (Saille): April 15 – May 12
Ivy moon (Gort): September 30 – October 27