4.3 Who is Rhiannon? (Stevie Nicks)
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This article is from the Stevie Nicks FAQ, by CLMoon clmoon@pipeline.com with numerous contributions by others.
4.3 Who is Rhiannon? (Stevie Nicks)
Rhiannon is a figure in Welsh mythology. The Mabinogion, a
book of Welsh mythology, is loosely translated by Evangeline Walton,
a fantasy novelist, in the four books: "Prince of Anwyn,"
The Children Of Lyr," "The Song of Rhiannon," and "The Island of
the Mighty."
Rhiannon is a horse goddess and the "maker of birds," and the legend
of the song of the birds of Rhiannon goes as follows: In times of
hardship or pain, the song of the birds can be heard. Down the
pathway will come three singing birds, one snow white, one emerald
green, and one golden. The song of the birds will put you to sleep,
and when you awaken, all hardship and pain will be gone.
Stevie wrote the song "Rhiannon" in October 1974, after reading
a novel by Mary Leader called "Triad" (Putnam, 2-73, ISBN:
069810496X). The novel featured a heroine by the name of Rhiannon.
Stevie was not aware of the legend at the time she wrote the song.
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