Rhiannon

Rhiannon is a prominent figure in Welsh mythology and a central character in the Mabinogion. The name is typically interpreted as meaning “great queen” or “divine queen,” and Rhiannon is commonly associated with sovereignty, land, and horses. In the traditional tales she is portrayed as a noble, steadfast, and gracious queen who embodies royal authority and the power of the land.

In the First Branch of the Mabinogi, Rhiannon becomes the wife of Pwyll, the prince of Dyfed, after he exchanges places with Arawn for a year and a day. She is described as exceptionally beautiful and wise. Together, Pwyll and Rhiannon bear a son, Pryderi, who later becomes a ruler in his own right and appears in the other branches of the tale. The birth is followed by a crisis when the infant Pryderi disappears, and Rhiannon is accused by the court of killing her child. She endures the accusation with composure and asserts her innocence, and the true resolution of the episode reinforces her status as a loyal and rightful queen.

Rhiannon’s character is frequently linked to horses; she is sometimes depicted as riding with extraordinary swiftness or grace. Her story contributes to ongoing themes of sovereignty, hospitality, and legitimacy in Welsh myth, and she remains a symbol of fidelity and noble leadership within the tradition.

In modern times, the name Rhiannon has entered broader usage beyond Welsh-speaking communities. It gained international prominence partly through the 1975 Fleetwood Mac song “Rhiannon,” written by Stevie Nicks, which was inspired by the myth and helped popularize the name in contemporary culture.