'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
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Ron
well done