23.4: Rhiannon, the Welsh Witch

The legends of Rhiannon come primarily from the Mabinogion, a cycle of fourth Welsh myths that tell, in part, the story of Pwyll Pen Annwn who married Rhiannon. The stories date to the twelfth century although their origins likely go much further back in Celtic history. Rhiannon is a Welsh witch or druid who uses her power to escape an unwanted courtship and marry the man she chooses. But a lie finds her subject to a terrible penance that has linked her with Epona, goddess of horses, ever since. We tell the story of Rhiannon and Pwyll and also her marriage to Manawydan, brother of Branwen, after Pwyll’s disappearance.