Rhiannon is an otherworldly woman, who is generally considered a Celtic horse-goddess. She plays a prominent role in the Mabinogion, which is a collection of medieval Welsh tales. The birds of Rhiannon are magical birds that also appear in the Mabinogion, but they are somewhat elusive—it is unknown how they are linked to Rhiannon or what their origin myth is. The fact that there are few references to them in medieval Welsh literature only adds to their intrigue.

While their species is unknown, the birds of Rhiannon are songbirds, and their singing can charm the listener for years at a time. There is a passage in the the Mabinogion where the birds of Rhiannon captivate surviving warriors for seven years with their singing:

And there came three birds, and began singing unto them a certain song, and all the songs they had ever heard were unpleasant compared thereto; and the birds seemed to them to be at a great distance from them over the sea, yet they appeared as distinct as if they were close by, and at this repast they continued seven years.

The birds’ spellbinding capability kept the warriors from being aware of the passing of time as well as from feeling any sorrow.

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