The Birds of Rhiannon (poem) by Ian Irvine (Hobson) on AuthorsDen

The Birds of Rhiannon
by Ian Irvine (Hobson) → (All Poetry by Ian Irvine (Hobson))
Rated "G" by the Author.

Save

Rhiannon appears in the Mabinogion as a version of the 'White Queen' motif and her name is probably a corruption of Rigantona, an ancient sovereignty goddess of Britain. She was most likely derived from an ancient Welsh goddess of love, horses, fertility and healing. In myth she was associated with three magical skylarks (or 'Adar Rhiannon').

Poem 4: The Birds of Rhiannon, by Ian Irvine (Hobson) copyright 2014, all rights reserved. See also the other poems in the Rhiannon-Epona Sequence:1) Rhiannon and Cian (Prelude); 2) After he Stumbled into Annwn, 3) Rhiannon-Epona; 5) The White Mare; 6) Rhiannon Invents Badger in a Bag; 7) Saddled with Care and Compassion, and 8) A Plague of Vermin. See also the following descriptions of the Birds of Rhiannon in myth and legend - Adar Rhiannon (Wikipedia) and at the Mabinogion site as 'Rhiannon (Legend/Myth)' . See also a fabulous live version of the song 'Rhiannon' by Fleetwood Mac (1976) as well as Stevie Nicks' song 'Three Birds of Rhiannon'. See also the 1985 version of a more traditional folk version of the myth in song called 'The Birds of Rhiannon' by the band Rhiannon. Dr Ian Irvine (Hobson) is the author of two novels, a book of poetry and an acclaimed nonfiction book on chronic forms of alienation and ennui. His works have featured in various Australian national writing anthologies as well as in over 100 journals and magazines. He has co-edited over 20 writing anthologies and has taught as a creative arts educator and some times course coordinator since 1994. He is the founder and chief songwriter of the alt. rock band Interstitium, and was also the lead singer and co-songwriter of Australian alt rock band "Goya's Child (Original)" before his departure in 1994.
The Birds of Rhiannon

Reviewed by Robert Whitford

Reviewed on August 3, 2014

I much enjoyed this rendition of the birds and your impressions of their significance. Although the end seems mysterious, it is all a part of the mythology, subject to the sensibilities of a modern interpretation. Well done sir. Bob

Reviewed by m j hollingshead

Reviewed on July 31, 2014

well done

Reviewed by Ronald Hull

Reviewed on July 30, 2014

I found it to be quite mythical, like its origin. With some miraculous outcome that I didn't quite understand.

Ron

Reviewed by Sandie May Joyce (Sandie Angel)

Lovely goddess!!!

Sandie