Fleetwood Mac’s “Rhiannon” stands as one of the band’s most iconic tracks, instantly recognizable for its haunting melody and mystical allure. Released in 1975 as part of their self-titled album, the song quickly became a staple in their live performances and a defining piece of their legacy. Written by Stevie Nicks, “Rhiannon” introduced a mysterious, ethereal element to the band’s sound, capturing the imaginations of listeners with its tale of an enigmatic woman who “rules her life like a fine skylark.”

Nicks, already known for her bohemian style and poetic lyrics, was inspired by a powerful figure from Welsh mythology. Her fascination with the character of Rhiannon—a mythological goddess associated with horses, the moon, and the spirit world—became the heart of the song. But “Rhiannon” is more than just a rock ballad; it’s a deep dive into myth and magic, bringing a centuries-old legend to life through Nicks’ distinctive voice.

Origins of the Name “Rhiannon”

The name “Rhiannon” has deep roots in Welsh mythology, where it belongs to a powerful and enigmatic figure from the Mabinogion, a collection of medieval Welsh tales. In these ancient stories, Rhiannon is portrayed as a goddess-like figure, embodying grace, strength, and mystery. She first appears as a beautiful woman riding a white horse, an image that immediately links her to both the natural and supernatural worlds.

Rhiannon’s story is rich with symbolic meaning. In the Mabinogion, she is introduced as a queen who marries Pwyll, a prince of Dyfed, after a series of otherworldly trials. Her character is often associated with horses, not only because of her regal mount but also because of her role as a psychopomp, a figure who guides souls to the afterlife—a connection that ties her to the underworld and the spiritual realm. She is also linked to the moon, symbolizing her connection to cycles of change, intuition, and feminine power.

Her narrative is marked by both tragedy and resilience. Accused falsely of infanticide, Rhiannon endures unjust punishment but ultimately proves her innocence, reflecting themes of endurance, redemption, and the triumph of truth. As a character, she represents a blend of mystery, freedom, and authority—qualities that Stevie Nicks would later channel into her song, making Rhiannon an enduring symbol of both strength and mysticism.

Stevie Nicks’ Discovery of Rhiannon

Stevie Nicks’ encounter with the myth of Rhiannon was a moment of artistic destiny. In 1974, just before she and Lindsey Buckingham joined Fleetwood Mac, Nicks stumbled upon a book titled Triad by Mary Bartlet Leader. While the novel itself wasn’t directly about the Welsh goddess, it featured a character named Rhiannon, and this name captivated Nicks. Intrigued by its haunting sound, she dug deeper into the mythology behind it, eventually uncovering the legend of Rhiannon from the Mabinogion, a collection of medieval Welsh stories.

This discovery profoundly resonated with Nicks. The mythical Rhiannon—strong, mysterious, and tied to the supernatural—aligned perfectly with Nicks’ own growing fascination with themes of freedom, spirituality, and feminine mystique. She saw in Rhiannon a mirror to her own identity as an artist: an independent, ethereal figure who operated on her own terms.

Nicks immediately began working on what would become the song “Rhiannon.” In a burst of inspiration, she wrote the song in about ten minutes, channeling her deep connection to the mythical figure. This discovery marked a significant turning point in Nicks’ songwriting, infusing her work with mystical, otherworldly themes that would define much of her solo career and her contributions to Fleetwood Mac. Rhiannon became not just a song, but a cornerstone of Nicks’ persona—a blend of rock and mysticism that has enchanted audiences for decades.

The Song’s Lyrics: Themes of Freedom and Mystery

Stevie Nicks’ “Rhiannon” is steeped in themes of freedom, mystery, and independence, qualities that echo the mythical figure who inspired it. From the opening line, “Rhiannon rings like a bell through the night,” the song conjures an image of a powerful, elusive force. Rhiannon is portrayed as a figure who moves effortlessly between the worlds of reality and fantasy, embodying both untamed freedom and an enchanting allure.

The lyrics speak to Rhiannon’s independence and her refusal to be tied down: “She rules her life like a bird in flight / And who will be her lover?” These lines emphasize her autonomy and her association with freedom, comparing her to a bird in constant motion, unbound by earthly limitations. This image of a woman who cannot be controlled or possessed reinforces Rhiannon’s connection to the mythical goddess, who is both powerful and elusive, moving between realms of life and death.

As the song progresses, the sense of mystery deepens. Lines like “All your life you’ve never seen / A woman taken by the wind” reflect Rhiannon’s otherworldly nature, suggesting that she exists beyond ordinary experience, an ethereal figure who captivates and bewilders those around her. Nicks’ lyrics masterfully capture this balance between attraction and unattainability, further enhancing the song’s mystical tone.

In live performances, Nicks often introduces “Rhiannon” as a song about “a Welsh witch,” leaning into the magical and supernatural elements of the character. Her delivery in these live renditions intensifies the song’s allure, with Nicks often losing herself in the performance, as if channeling the spirit of Rhiannon herself. The energy she brings to these performances heightens the song’s themes of mystery and power, making “Rhiannon” not just a song, but an experience of the mythical and the magical.

Closing Thoughts: Rhiannon’s Enduring Spell

“Rhiannon” remains one of Fleetwood Mac’s most enduring songs, not just for its haunting melody but for the mystical aura it carries. As both a song and a symbol, “Rhiannon” has left an indelible mark on rock history, forever entwining Stevie Nicks’ artistry with the mythical figure that inspired it. The character of Rhiannon—a goddess of strength, freedom, and mystery—perfectly aligns with the themes that have come to define Nicks’ career, from her songwriting to her stage persona.

Nicks’ connection to the Rhiannon myth helped shape her image as a rock icon who embodies both feminine power and mysticism. Through this song, she tapped into something timeless, blending ancient myth with modern music in a way that continues to captivate audiences decades later. Even today, “Rhiannon” resonates as a symbol of independence and otherworldly allure, reflecting the enduring appeal of stories that explore the mystical and unknown.