The Druids were the great record keepers of the North; they were the High Priests and the teachers of the Nobles and Royalty.
Also known as Bards (which some say relates to the Northwind Boreas), these ancient sages were the keepers of the oral tradition, taking up to 20 yrs to memorise and learn their craft.
In Welsh the term "Bard" or "Bardd"- (Pronounced barth) means poet and relates to oratory, poetry and judgement.
The root sound Bar also has connections to the word for "beard"- "Barf" in Welsh or "Baref" in Cornish, and this may be linked to the term "Barbarian".
So, the barbarians would be the bearded ones, the bards, the poets and the public speakers; the experienced philosophers and wisdom keepers of the North.
We can see the root sound "Bar" also has connotations toward judgement (the bar) and maybe at the root of the word "Baron". (Lord).
The Druids were the Teachers, Priests, Lawmakers, Judges, Botanists, Astronomers, Astrologers and medical Physicians.
(amongst much more).
They were the great Geomancers, prophets and Diviners who were extremely sensitive to the subtle natural energies.
The Druids are akin to the Rishis and the Brahmins of the Vedic Hindu traditions. They were the Spiritual leaders and teachers like the ancient Sages of the far East; many ancient authors likened them to the great Magi of Persia and the Middle East.
Just like the Brahmins and Sages of many cultures, the Druids memorised their lessons; the sacred ancient knowledge was too precious to be written down anywhere. (apart from the selected sites).
Julius Caesar - Paraphrase on the Druids -
"Not lawful to write the Druidic lore, but in all other social and public dealings they use Greek-like characters"
This memorisation was often accomplished through song, rhyme, rhythm and riddle.
The Druids were said to have free passage and the ability to cross borders, even during wartime. The great record keepers and teachers were honoured and respected by all.
These priest Kings and Queens were well versed in the ancient traditions; the meditations and practices, the ancient serpent lore and the animistic culture of the ancient world.
The Druids, Rishis, Brahmins, Sages, Magi, Shamans and priest-kings/queens of the ancient world were the keepers and protectors of the ancient sacred knowledge.
Pliny the elder 23 - 79 AD
"The Gallic provinces, too, were pervaded by the magic art, and that even down to a period within memory; for it was the Emperor Tiberius that put down their Druids, and all that tribe of wizards and physicians. But why make further mention of these prohibitions, with reference to an art which has now crossed the very Ocean even, and has penetrated to the void recesses of Nature? At the present day, struck with fascination, Britannia still cultivates this art, and that, with ceremonials so august, that she might almost seem to have been the first to communicate them to the people of Persia. To such a degree are nations throughout the whole world, totally different as they are and quite unknown to one another, in accord upon this one point!"
How different? How unknown?
More connected than previously thought perhaps.
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