Who Are Druids
DRUIDS
Who were the Druids?
The stereotypical image of a Druid is one of a thoughtful philosopher and magician, schooled in the lore of the traditions, and in charge of the education of the chieftains as well as those who sought to obtain knowledge considered obscure by the rest of society. They were knowers of truth, able to manipulate that truth as well as inform others of it. Druids not only influenced society religiously, they also influenced it socially i.e. they took on the parts of teachers, judges, magicians, craftsmen, advisors, priests, and masters of ceremonies, and in doing so, were greatly respected in society.
The Role of Druids
Teachers
Caesar remarked that Druidism originated in Britain and that students would travel …show more content…
Mistletoe is, however, very rarely found, and when found, it is gathered with great ceremony and especially on the sixth day of the moon... They prepare a ritual sacrifice and feast under the tree, and lead up two white bulls whose horns are bound for the first time on this occasion. A priest attired in a white vestment ascends the tree and with a golden pruning hook cuts the mistletoe which is caught in a white cloth. Then next they sacrifice the bulls praying that the gods will make their gifts propitious to those to whom they have given it. They believe that if given in drink the mistletoe will give fecundity to any barren animal, and that it is predominant against all …show more content…
As a university professor who has written a book on Druids, this information is probably quite accurate. The author's own interpretations and opinions however, need to be taken into account.
Julius Caesar
Julius Caesar's writings are a main source of information modern historians have on Celtic society. Julius Caesar however, was most probably prejudiced against the Celts because of their continual warfare with the Romans. In war, the enemy is routinely demonised and as a result, Caesar's writings and indeed all information provided by the Romans, need to be treated carefully, taking into consideration the prejudice they would have held.
Conclusion
The Druids played a significant role in Celtic society, not only providing the religious element, but also playing the social roles of craftsmen, magicians, judges, advisors, masters of ceremonies and teachers. They influenced many aspects of Celtic culture because they provided the society's main beliefs which in turn determined the Celtic
Who were the Druids?
The stereotypical image of a Druid is one of a thoughtful philosopher and magician, schooled in the lore of the traditions, and in charge of the education of the chieftains as well as those who sought to obtain knowledge considered obscure by the rest of society. They were knowers of truth, able to manipulate that truth as well as inform others of it. Druids not only influenced society religiously, they also influenced it socially i.e. they took on the parts of teachers, judges, magicians, craftsmen, advisors, priests, and masters of ceremonies, and in doing so, were greatly respected in society.
The Role of Druids
Teachers
Caesar remarked that Druidism originated in Britain and that students would travel …show more content…
Mistletoe is, however, very rarely found, and when found, it is gathered with great ceremony and especially on the sixth day of the moon... They prepare a ritual sacrifice and feast under the tree, and lead up two white bulls whose horns are bound for the first time on this occasion. A priest attired in a white vestment ascends the tree and with a golden pruning hook cuts the mistletoe which is caught in a white cloth. Then next they sacrifice the bulls praying that the gods will make their gifts propitious to those to whom they have given it. They believe that if given in drink the mistletoe will give fecundity to any barren animal, and that it is predominant against all …show more content…
As a university professor who has written a book on Druids, this information is probably quite accurate. The author's own interpretations and opinions however, need to be taken into account.
Julius Caesar
Julius Caesar's writings are a main source of information modern historians have on Celtic society. Julius Caesar however, was most probably prejudiced against the Celts because of their continual warfare with the Romans. In war, the enemy is routinely demonised and as a result, Caesar's writings and indeed all information provided by the Romans, need to be treated carefully, taking into consideration the prejudice they would have held.
Conclusion
The Druids played a significant role in Celtic society, not only providing the religious element, but also playing the social roles of craftsmen, magicians, judges, advisors, masters of ceremonies and teachers. They influenced many aspects of Celtic culture because they provided the society's main beliefs which in turn determined the Celtic