'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
When an imagination impairing disease infects the Castle of Imagination, the Rainbow Dream Trains embark on a global treasure hunt to find the hidden cure. Using the spirit's power, Nina transforms herself and Danielle into a pair of eagles to guard
Deemed One of the Top 10 indie Fantasy releases of 2010 by Fantasy Book Critic, and listed in the first ever Publishers Weekly Indie Select issue, the original 235k word epic title was written in longhand in a Texas prison cell by M. R. Mathias.
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Ron
well done