Back once again to explore the real-world origins of some fantasy conventions, this week’s edition of our Real-World Fantasy column takes a look at a generic character type used often in fantasy films, novels, and video games: Druids.
In a great deal of fantasy fiction (particularly low fantasy, like the Conan the Barbarian variety), Druids are seen as either worshipers of a demonic religion hellbent on human sacrifice, or mystical mage warriors.
Obviously, both ideas are bogus.
But what is the truth behind these shadowy folk?
Unfortunately, the answer is not simple, as little concrete, universally accepted facts of the Druids exist. Still, we do know certain things.
The Druids were a class of citizen among the early Celtic people living in Britain and Gaul (modern day France and Belgium). They were by most accounts a priestly order, and in accordance with religious figures of the day, tended to be more learned than your standard citizen.
During his reign, Julius Caesar recorded that the all the various Celtic tribes were unified by their common priesthood, being, of course, Druids. Though interested in the workings of the religion, the Roman leaders eventually came to adopt a hostile attitude towards Druids, which they saw as particularly anti-Roman. As part of a possible smear campaign, Roman senator and historian Tacitus alleged that the Druids often took part in rituals involving human sacrifice. Whether truth factors into this is anyone’s guess.
It is believed by some that the Druids were actually remnants of an even older Mesolithic religion, and that the followers of this old religion were the ones responsible for the building of Stonehenge and several other massive stone temples, but again, any concrete evidence has eluded historians.
Many misconceptions about Druids, particularly those leaning towards the magical, stem from the fact that Druids are a common theme in Irish mythology. In these stories, they’re often cast as advisers to kings, and have the ability to see the future. Those seeking to learn Druidic craft are usually hoping to obtain some supernatural precognitive abilities.
Whatever the truth is, Druids were real people and followers of an old religion. Chances are the relationship between the Druid priests and the commoners of the Celtic tribes were not that different from the relationship between people today and their religious leaders, whatever flavor it may be. At any rate, it’s something to think about next time you choose to play as a Druid in World of Warcraft.
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Current day Druidism is a relatively recent invention dating back only to the mid-18th century and probably bears little resemblance to Druidism as it originally was. The Roman slaughter of Druid leaders on the Welsh island of Anglesey in 54AD effectively decapitated the religion. Being Welsh, I’ve always thought it a real shame that Boudicca didn’t start her revolt earlier since that might’ve diverted
enough Romans away from the Anglesey campaign to have altered the outcome.
From what I’ve seen (a Nat. Geo. special), there seems to be a consensus that some druids or Celtic tribes may have participated in human sacrifice (usually prisoners or in times of great need). Whether or not this is accurate I don’t know.
> It is believed by some that the Druids were actually remnants of an even older Mesolithic religion, and that the followers of this old religion were the ones responsible for the building of Stonehenge and several other massive stone temples, but again, any concrete evidence has eluded historians.
Hmm. Possibly because this was only suggested in the first place to justify modern Druids continuing to gather at Stonehenge after it was demonstrated that the standing stones have nothing to do with the ancient Druids. Modern Druidism is an utter joke.
In a way, you can accuse a lot of modern neo-pagan religions of the same things. Most of them come out of really bad eighteenth and nineteenth century archaeology and anthropology.
Also, I think that there has been new work done on Stonehenge that challenges much of what has been the traditional interpretation of Stonehenge.
OH MY GOD Get a fucking life! stop looking for secret doors and gateways to another realm if you want to get men or women then stop beleiving in this crap you are so fucking stupiD!
i beleive in druids and a few other things scotish old celtic things.could you please send me a few things on druids please.because i do not have a printer at this time. i would be very grateful.i am of age at 45years old. my name is dona adono,address 516 lakeshore drive,monroe,la 71203 i do thankyou and i hope to hear from you soon. 09-15-09 tuesday
Sorry The Megalith builders were Long before Celtic Druids.