Wales has a fascinating past that’s been influenced by years of battles, religion, and blending cultures. At the heart of Welsh culture is its language and a deep, intricate history. A key part of this story involves the Druids. So, who exactly were the Druids, and why are they such a big deal in Wales?
Where Did the Druidic Culture Come From?
Historians have been trying to figure out where the Druids came from for ages. Some think they might have started in different parts of Europe, while others suggest places like Egypt or Mesopotamia. There’s even a theory that Druidism began in ancient Egypt with a scholar named Ptah, who later influenced Moses during his time there. Julius Caesar famously claimed that the Druids actually originated from the British Isles, especially in what we now know as Wales.
During the Renaissance, people became really interested in Druidism. They were often described as wearing white robes and decked out with animal trophies and jewelry. The Druids had a deep connection to nature, particularly valuing oak trees and mistletoe in their beliefs.
Over time, the Druids became closely linked with Welsh culture, especially on Anglesey, which was a significant spot for them. Modern Welsh culture has roots in legends and myths found in works like the Mabinogion, a collection of stories written down between the 12th and 13th centuries.
To really grasp how important pre-Christian religion is in Wales and its impact on today’s Welsh culture, it’s worth checking out the National Eisteddfod, which is the biggest and most prestigious cultural event in Wales.
The National Eisteddfod
The Eisteddfod has its roots in 1176 when Lord Rhys invited a bunch of Welsh artists, poets, and musicians to his castle in Cardigan for a big celebration of Welsh culture. The top poet and musician at the event got to sit at the fancy table, which is where the famous prize known as the grand chair comes from.
The word “Eisteddfod” literally means “to sit” and “to be.” It’s a huge deal in Wales, celebrating the deep history and culture of the people, their language, and the struggles they’ve faced, along with showcasing their musical and poetic talents on a global scale. Over time, it’s also blended in some Druidic traditions and rituals into its festivities.
One of the most significant Druid-inspired ceremonies is the Gorsedd, which was created in the 1700s by Iolo Morganwg. He was super passionate about Welsh literature and music, and his quirky fascination with Wales’ rich history led him to develop the Gorsedd ritual for future Eisteddfods. This ritual features a flat stone surrounded by bards and musicians, with the archdruid standing on the stone, dressed in white and wearing a crown. The ceremony also involves carrying a grand sword. You can find these flat stones, called Logan stones, scattered around towns and villages that have hosted an Eisteddfod in the past, often in fields or near the center of major Welsh towns and cities.
The Archdruid and the Flower Dance
The Eisteddfod has some cool Druidic vibes, especially with the role of the Archdruid and the fun flower dance. The Archdruid is chosen to lead the Gorsedd for three years from a group of respected elders who’ve made their mark on the festival and culture. This leader rocks a fancy robe, a golden sash, and a crown decorated with leaves and oak—totally Druid-inspired.
There’s also a bit of a hierarchy at the Eisteddfod based on robe colors. White robes are for past winners and those who’ve held the chair before. Green robes go to folks with special degrees in Welsh culture and arts who’ve really contributed to it. Blue robes are for people who’ve made an impact in areas like law and science and have helped out in their communities.
One of the highlights of the festival is the flower dance, performed by local young women. They gather flowers and create a bouquet that’s presented to the Morwyn a fro, a lady who carries a grand floral arrangement symbolizing Wales’ wild beauty, which she gives to the Archdruid during the main ceremony. Before the Archdruid shows up, the Mam y fro (local mother) blows a horn. She stands out in her red cloak and golden crown. These traditions have been part of the Eisteddfod for centuries and reflect Wales’ Druidic heritage. But it’s not just the Eisteddfod that showcases how much Druidic roots have shaped Wales.
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Mystical Islands and Sacred Groves
Wales is home to a bunch of Druidic sites, but none are as well-known or documented as the Isle of Mona, now called Anglesey. This little island at the northern tip of Wales was once a major Druid stronghold that the Romans tried to conquer. Tacitus wrote about how the island had a tribe that practiced cannibalism and worshipped multiple gods. Anglesey is packed with myths and legends, attracting tourists from all over every year. It’s said that every ancient oak tree there has a special, sacred role because the Druids held them in high regard. There’s also a small lake in the middle of the island that was considered holy by the Druids, and when it was dredged in the 1940s, they found swords, shields, and Roman chariots.
Up at Holyhead Mountain in the north of the island, there’s an old stone circle that modern druids and pagans visit during solstices. The burial mound Bryn Celli Dy is another spot where one of the biggest Druid gatherings happens outside of Stonehenge.
Not too far away, you can find the Hendy head, an ancient Iron Age sculpture thought to have been used for rituals and sacrifices, tucked away in a quiet grove near a bubbling brook. The head has since been moved to a local museum. From the northern part of Anglesey, there’s a path known as Pilgrims Way that stretches miles along the coast and leads to a Druid circle perched high on the moors. This stone circle is believed to have been an important site for human sacrifices.
The Druids of Wales and the Rest of the World
Wales has a rich and intricate druidic history that has caught the attention of famous authors like Tolkien and George R.R. Martin, who have drawn inspiration from it for their stories.
Books like the Mabinogion have set the bar for fantasy writers over the years, with some characters and tales in Game of Thrones being influenced by this collection. Tolkien even crafted the Elvish language based on Welsh and expressed his admiration for Wales and its past. Lewis Carroll, the guy behind Alice in Wonderland, found inspiration during his visits to Llandudno, where local landmarks and folklore sparked ideas for many of his characters and stories.
Recently, people were asked what they think of when they hear “Wales.” The top three responses were pretty predictable: the red dragon on the national flag, the ancient Welsh language, and the Druids. Despite being a small country, Wales has made a significant impact globally thanks to its deep history, contributions to the arts, and cultural heritage rooted in its inspiring Druidic and pagan traditions.
