Stevie Nicks wrote the iconic song "Rhiannon" primarily because she was captivated by the sheer beauty and melodic quality of the name itself.
The Initial Spark of Inspiration
The genesis of Rhiannon came from a very simple, yet profound, source: Stevie Nicks's immediate attraction to the name. She has stated that she just thought the name was so pretty that it inspired her to write a song about a girl named Rhiannon. This initial inspiration was purely aesthetic, driven by the sound and feel of the word.
When Was "Rhiannon" Written?
Nicks composed Rhiannon around 1974, approximately three months before she officially joined the legendary rock band Fleetwood Mac. This means the song was a part of her solo work and material she brought with her when she and Lindsey Buckingham joined the group.
The Unexpected Mythological Revelation
A significant element that later deepened the song's mystique was Nicks's discovery that Rhiannon was not merely a beautiful name but a real, powerful figure in Welsh mythology. This came as a surprise to her after she had already written the song.
The character of Rhiannon in Celtic mythology is often depicted as a goddess associated with horses, fertility, and the Underworld, often appearing as a mysterious and ethereal figure. This unforeseen connection to an ancient myth infused the song with layers of depth and magic that resonated powerfully with Nicks's stage persona and artistic vision. While the initial impulse was the name's beauty, the mythological link gave the song its enduring, mystical aura.
Key Elements of the Song's Creation
- Aesthetic Appeal: The name "Rhiannon" itself was the primary catalyst due to its intrinsic beauty.
- Pre-Fleetwood Mac Era: The song was penned before Nicks's highly successful tenure with Fleetwood Mac, becoming one of her signature contributions to the band.
- Mythological Coincidence: The discovery of Rhiannon as a mythical character added unforeseen depth and an otherworldly dimension to the song.
Through its captivating lyrics and Nicks's mesmerizing performance, Rhiannon became one of Fleetwood Mac's most enduring and popular hits, forever intertwining the pretty name with the legendary "witchy" persona Nicks embodied.
