bardiclore

What is a Bard?
Perhaps the first image of a bard that springs to mind is like that of above. The above, I should say, looks more like a Minstrel.
The history of Bards date back to ancient times. A bard's job was to memorize the tribes history, to mentally preserve stories and poetry, to memorize important figures in the tribes history, and they were said to have the ability to journey to the Otherworld.
Of course I am talking of bards in Celtic times. In those times, writing was a very rare thing, that is why a bard must memorize the stories etc. If ever a bard did record what he knew it would be in his Grimoire, and would be passed down to his progeny.
The Bard's Grimoire is a powerful artefact; for writing is powerful. Its words will continue to inspire and teach long after the Bard has passed through into the Other Realm.
These days a Bard may record his knowledge in his Grimoire, in many ways it is far better to record on parchment for then the bard can later study and revise what he has written, although many Bard purists may disagree.

The Role of a Bard
We've already discussed the role of a Bard in the Anicient Times, but
what does one do today?
Well they can still record events, anyone who owns a diary could call it
his (and when I say anything to do with 'him' I am referring to both
sexes) grimoire, theoretically at least. But Bards are better known for
their recording in story and verse.
A modern Bard can compile his works in his 'Grimoire', and could quite
possibly record in the typical Bardic formats (i.e. story and verse).
Basically, a bard is a Historian, but a special kind of Historian.
Throughout history they have been relied upon to relate their tales.
They also have mysterious connections with the Otherworld - with the Sidhe Folk imparticular. There are stories of Bards falling alseep within Faerie Rings, and being enticed by the Sidhe into their mounds where they would stay for what seemed like a few days to the bard, but which was in reality many years.
Summarising the Role of the Bard
A bard's duty is to record historical events, perhaps within his own home (or whatever) or in the nation. He is the teller of tales, the recorder of history, the writer of verse and of course, an entertainer.

Bardic Magic
It is often said that a Bard has his own magic. One charm I know of is called the Loricas, or Fith Fath (pronounced Fee-Faa) in Scotland. It is the summoning of a magical armour when danger it is close. The Fith Fath is slightly different, being related to invisibility and shapeshifting which are both highly advanced forms of magic.
The idea behind both of these is the calling of natural and spiritual aspects to protect the user, though while the Lorica is a direct form of protection, the Fith-Fath works through avoiding danger altogether.
Unfortunately I can't find much information on this magic, so if anyone knows any more information/links please email me.

Information Source:
Cuplans Meade Hall