| In ancient times, the Druids served as the intellectual class of priestly people. Druids could be male as well as female; Celtic society was egalitarian. Priesthoods such as the Druids did not confine themselves to segregation of the sexes or to any form of gender superiority. Druids held a very esteemed position in society. They were often scholars and teachers and advisors to kings. Known for their knowledge of verse, they were incredible masters of the arts. There are three distinct subgroups amongst the Druids. These are: BARDS- The primary masters of the arts; their focus was in all things musical, lyrical, and artistic. Extremely talented bards were capable of committing a vast amount of material to memory, mainly in the form of verses and sacred sayings that had three parts (often referred to as "Triads"). OVATES- These were the "General Practitioners" of sorts. They were versed in a little bit of everything- law, medicine, astrology and astronomy, and they had knowledge about divination and ritual. DRUIDS- Even though the bards and ovates were also Druids, the Druids mentioned here were the actual priests that attended to the spiritual matters of society. They officiated at rituals and were the possessors of sacred knowledge that was meant for the Druid alone. |
| WHO THE DRUIDS WERE IN ANCIENT TIMES |
| Copyright 2001 |