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 following descriptions of the Birds of Rhiannon in myth and legend - Adar Rhiannon (Wikipedia) and at the Mabinogion site as 'Rhiannon (Legend/Myth)' .
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.
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
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well done
Ron
Sandie