Information on Druids

[Fifth Element]

Druids historically were pagans.

So they weren't Christian, Jewish or Muslim? That narrows it down a bit.

 

[Scribble]

They're pretty hot?

 

[justanobody]

So they weren't Christian, Jewish or Muslim? That narrows it down a bit.

Well I don't think explaining further is a topic allowed on this forum, so you just have to do without an explanation.

 

[mhacdebhandia]

Frankly, what you're asking for just doesn't exist. We have Gaius Julius Caesar's comments on them in his writings, we have a few later Roman sources, and a little bit of archaeological evidence - but there are no written sources from Gaulish or British peoples.

 

[Tewligan]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhCBFq818KY]YouTube - Stonehenge by Spinal Tap[/ame]

 

[teitan]

Druids historically were pagans.

In the modern sense of the word sure. Pagans in the time of the Druids though were farmers, rural folk. That is what the word meant. The term is also too broad as it covers ALL pagan traditions in its modern usage. Druids were magicians of the Celtic pantheons and most information on them is very inaccurate or conjecture as most of their writings were destroyed by St. Patrick and his followers. We know they weren't friendly and they weren't respected but feared.

 

[cignus_pfaccari]

Frankly, what you're asking for just doesn't exist. We have Gaius Julius Caesar's comments on them in his writings, we have a few later Roman sources, and a little bit of archaeological evidence - but there are no written sources from Gaulish or British peoples.

Indeed. I'm not certain that the Ancient Britons even had much in the way of writing that's survived.

In general, use what's available and make something up. As Set said, a druid isn't going to come knocking on your door and correct your gaming.

Brad

 

[Flobby]

Well said!!

Campbell's about as reputatable as it gets in that area of study.

If you don't care for any presentation of what ancient druids believed in, including the practices of their descendents, I'd recommend just making up something that sounds credible to you.

The actual 'druids' are all dead and won't be able to contradict you.

Both Cambell and Frazer have received a lot of criticism though. They might provide some good information but I'd take their interpretations of the meanings of things with a grain of salt.

But I agree, unfortunatly we can't ask the druids So just make it up!
As far as I know there really isn't any solid information on them. The little info we have is from Christian missionaries, I think. Which is of course biased...

 

[DrunkonDuty]

I'd also suggest the Mabinogion (sp?) and any other sources of Celtic myths. The versions we have are folk versions from a later period but you might get a few hints about Druids and the Celtic understanding of Gods etc.

 

[Steve Jung]

They died out in the 12th century, but they partied like it was 1999.