Who Were the Druids? In pre-Christian Europe the Druids were a class of priest/healers.  They first make their historical appearance about 4000 BCE, well before the rise of the Celts, they were associated with the Indo-European Aryans who emerged from the misty mountains between the Caspian and Black Sea. Later they were associated with the nature Gods of the Celts.  What we know of the Druids comes primarily from three sources: Roman histories, Irish folk stories and the scant archaeological record.

The Romans told stories of human sacrifice and cannibalism. They told of the brutal torture and sacrifice of prisoners and dealings with the dark elder gods of humanity.  These tales terrified the legionnaires and gave the Romans a reason to exterminate them at all costs.  Irish folktales and myths portray them as wizards like the “Merlin” of the Arthur legend.  Holding court under sacred oaks, making magic and communing with the spirits of the forest. Counseling Kings, trying law cases, dealing with oath breakers, conducting wedding ceremonies and blessing warriors before battle and joining them in the field.

Like all descendants of the Aryan invaders the Druids held the virtues of strength of arms, valor, truth in speech and oath keeping as their primary tenets.  The Celts viewed the Romans as effete and untrustworthy. Honor was all important to the Celts.

“We teach that the gods must be honoured, no injustice done and manly behaviour always maintained.” “Truth in heart, strength in arm, honesty in speech.”