'Rhiannon and Cian' is the fourth poem in the Rhiannon-Epona sequence of mythopoetic re-imaginings based on myths, legends and folktales involving various Celtic equine goddesses. Cian's betrayal of Rhiannon is a tale peripheral to the main legend as found in the Mabinogion.
Poem 1 (Prelude) 'Rhiannon and Cian', copyright Ian Irvine (Hobson) 2014, all rights reserved.
See also a useful summary of the Rhiannon legend/myth up at the 'Goddess Gift' site. Likewise, it is worth listeniing to/watching this brilliant performance of Fleetwood Mac's retelling of the story on stage in 1976 - go to Rhiannon (song) by Fleetwood Mac.
Note: This story appears in Merlin Stone's book Ancient Mirrors of Womanhood (Vol 1) but I have been unable to track it anywhere else (and Stone does not give notes re: its origins). Interestingly, Cian is usually an Irish name so perhaps this story is a Medieval (or later) merging of Welsh and Irish horse goddess myths/legends. The story seems to suggest Rhiannon's existence prior to her entering the sequence of famous stories associated with her in the Mabinogion - i.e. these events may have taken place when she was, in her youth.
I think she had no worldliness about her. No experience to teach her how to handle the amorous male. At least that's how the mythology would have her protrayed I believe. I recently delved into my books on celtic lore and got the same impression that you got I'm sure. I have Stones book also. All he wanted was to be with her I think. Strange that there's no other reference to this. While writing this review I thought to look up Macha, but there's no reference to her having such an encounter. Often the stories are mixed up though. But none of this detracts from this poem. I do enjoy your whole epic story. Bob
Olive the Green Dream Train invites Danielle and Nina to come with her to plant special trees that can heal the atmosphere better than other trees can. A mysterious angel guides them, and the Dark Phantom tries to mess everything up again.
The Legend of Vanx Malic Book Six - Paragon Dracus.
Vanx, his full blooded Zythian friend Zeezle Croyle, Gallarael, and Chelda Flar, set out for Dragon Isle, to hunt down the terrible force who calls himself Paragon Dracus, but they soon
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Ron
well done