Who were the Druids?
The word Druid may derive from an IndoEuropean word Drus, meaning “oak,” and the IndoEuropean wid, meaning “to know.” Literally, Druid means “to know the oak.” The ancient Druids did not have many buildings for worship. The classical writers noted that the Druids’ preferred sanctuaries were forest clearings. Although the Celts existed throughout much of Europe, the Druids were known to exist only in what is called the latter Celtic range. This area is basically Gaul and the British Isles. The priestly class of these Celts were on an equal level with nobility. They included the Druids (priests), Bards (poets and musicians), and Seers (diviners). The Druids were held above Bards and Seers, and according to Caesar, had authority in peace and war.The Druids met in caves, deep in the woods, and in buildings for study and training that could last as long as 20 years. All the Druidic teachings were orally transmitted, so little is known about their teachings.
The word Druid may derive from an Indo-European word Drus, meaning “oak,” and the Indo-European wid, meaning “to know.” Literally, Druid means “to know the oak.” The ancient Druids did not have many buildings for worship. The classical writers noted that the Druids’ preferred sanctuaries were forest clearings. Although the Celts existed throughout much of Europe, the Druids were known to exist only in what is called the latter Celtic range. This area is basically Gaul and the British Isles. The priestly class of these Celts was on an equal level with nobility. They included the Druids (priests), Bards (poets and musicians), and Seers (diviners). The Druids were held above Bards and Seers, and according to Caesar, had authority in peace and war. The Druids met in caves, deep in the woods, and in buildings for study and training that could last as long as 20 years. All the Druidic teachings were orally transmitted, so little is known about their teachings.
