Ancient Britain
Magic and Violence – a symbiosis
“In the Dark Ages during the fifth and sixth centuries, communities of peoples in Britain inhabited homelands with ill-defined borders. Such communities were organised and led by chieftains or kings.” (Anglo Saxons; page 1) Such kings are called warriors kings and their origins were often magic.
In the Celtic society magic had a major role. Even though the Celtic people were violent and their wars aggressive, their hero legends and fairy tales were peaceful and full of miracles. They fought many battles, had bloody family feuds and a lot of enemies. Violence was very common and daily upon them. Warriors were in much need and very important. Magic was also required for use against the enemies. A warrior was in need a relation with a druid – it was a symbiosis. Magic and violence were in a symbiosis as well as people and country (or nature) was in a strong and close relation to each other. First of all: the king, who was not only a warrior but also of magic origin.
The King himself was a mighty warrior and often said to be divine. He had to fulfil many magical rituals and tasks to prove this. “He must (…) be seen in a dream by one of the participants of the ceremony in a druid ritual called "tarbhfhess" or "bull sleep".
Then the stone of Fal must shriek by his touch and he must be accepted by the royal Chariot. “(Celts: Sacral Kingship, page 2)
The king had to marry the country – in a magic ritual. All his life was based on magic and on violent battles against his enemies. Beginning with the cup of kingship: “a golden cup full of red wine, given by Erin, one of the goddesses of the land” (Celts: Sacral Kingship, page 2) ending in the magic land of death: Annwn.
The warriors in the Celtic society had a high prestige. Their duty was to defend the community. It was an “aristocratic warrior culture: the role of the warrior (was) to defend the community” (Celts: Sacral Kingship, page 1) Their Values were: “courage and skills at arms” (Celts: Sacral Kingship, page1)
Violence plays a major role – battles, slaughters, death.
On the other hand warriors often felled in love with elves and fairies from the other land, which is told by many songs and legends. With them they had enchanted children: wizards. The most famous one is Merlin. But there were also non-supernatural Wizards.
Special Members of the Celtic Society: The Druids:
These Druids were necessary for the whole Celtic culture. They were not only important as wizards: “the druids had the functions of priests, wizards, advisers, judges, prophets and teachers. And obviously, they had q prominent role toward the ruler, as this one could not speak until the druid had done so.” (Celts: Sacral Kingship, page1) Despite of their supporting function a Druid could be someone who scared others with his abilities: “Druids sometimes walked in the enchanted landscape; grave philosophers among Noble Savages; stern champions of Liberty; the sages of Natural Religion or Patriarchs attentive to God’s own Word. In another mood Druids could figure as characters of terror. “(Druids, 189-190)
The magic skills were important as the fighting skills. The warriors and druids worked close together and helped each other with their skills. Magic and amour worked together in many different ways. For example the Picts, painted their body blue, to scare their enemies with this magic body painting. So- the Romans may have had mighty iron armours and those Celts were fighting almost naked, with only the magic colour on their skin.
This symbiosis helped the Celts to survive long and defend their dwellings against Romans, Anglo Saxons and other enemies. And in the midst of all – the fairly king:
„There can be little doubt that the Celtic king, in fully pagan times at least, met a violent but ritual end, and there are a number of somewhat veiled allusions to deaths by weapon wounds, drowning and burning, in the midst of high magic, in the presence of the hag and the tribal god.” (Celts: [150] Irish Kingship)
At least magic was a power, which made them stronger by a simple trick. In the belief of magic they suggested themselves to be stronger. It was a placebo effect.
Sources:
Piggot, Stuart. The Druids. London: Thames and Hudson, 1985.
Powell, T.G.E. The Celts. London: Thames and Hudson, 1983;
“The Anglo-Saxons.” The Official Website of the British Monarchy. 8 May 2005
< http://perso.wanadoo.fr/desassis/emilie/mythology/celts.htm > 21 Jan. 2006
Frequently asked questions
What is the main topic of "Ancient Britain"?
The text explores the symbiosis between magic and violence in ancient Britain, particularly within Celtic society. It examines the roles of kings, warriors, and druids, and how magic influenced their culture and defense.
What was the role of kings in Celtic society, as described in the text?
Celtic kings were not only warriors but also believed to have a divine or magical origin. They had to perform magical rituals to prove their worth, such as being seen in a dream during a druid ritual and being accepted by the royal chariot. The king also had to symbolically marry the land.
What role did warriors play in Celtic society?
Warriors held a high prestige and were responsible for defending the community. Courage and skill at arms were highly valued. The text also mentions a connection between warriors and the supernatural, like falling in love with elves and fairies.
Who were the Druids and what was their importance?
Druids were essential to Celtic culture, serving as priests, wizards, advisors, judges, prophets, and teachers. They played a prominent role towards the ruler and influenced various aspects of society, and could be both revered and feared for their abilities.
How did magic contribute to the Celts' survival and defense?
The belief in magic, such as body painting for intimidation, was thought to provide a psychological advantage and create the impression of greater strength. This helped the Celts defend themselves against enemies like the Romans and Anglo-Saxons.
What is meant by the "symbiosis" of magic and violence?
The text argues that magic and violence were intertwined in Celtic society. Warriors needed druids, and kings needed magic to solidify their rule and defend their lands. Magic was used to enhance warriors' abilities, while violence was sometimes necessary to protect the community.
What sources are cited in the text?
The text cites Stuart Piggot's "The Druids," T.G.E. Powell's "The Celts," and information from The Official Website of the British Monarchy, as well as other websites.
- Quote paper
- Mira Sommer (Author), 2007, Ancient Britain - Magic and Violence – a symbiosis, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/111065
