Sellam gestare: Saddle-Bearing Punishments and the Case of Rhiannon
Jessica Hemming
"Sellam gestare: Saddle-Bearing Punishments and the Case of Rhiannon." In a variety medieval sources from across Germanic Europe there are references to bizarre little-known penal practice in which wrongdoer wore or carried horse's saddle. This article gathers these examples together suggests that strange punishment imposed upon character Rhiannon Middle Welsh tale Pwyll Prince Dyfed may owe as much attested historical her presumed identity with British horse-goddess Rigantona. While divine origin have influenced author's choice penance, its form bears striking resemblance Continental cases. Given dates spread this practice, covered at length article, it seems plausible author could known about deliberately included his emphasize both depth Rhiannon's degradation extent she was regarded threat social order.
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