|
|
|
|
So You Want To Be A Bard…
Training in the Bardic Arts was not a simple
course of instruction in the old Celtic
societies. Typically, it required ten to twelve
years of intensive training to reach the
highest level of "Filidh", or Poet. The Poets
were one of the most highly-respected
members of the community, ranking
second only to the King.
Why was the Bard so important to the early Celts?
In a society which had no written language, oral tradition was the only way of keeping records. The Bard was the repository of clan histories, family genealogies and other important information. The memory of the Bard was all-important for settling disputes in matters of inheritance, ownership, boundaries, and similar contracts. Today, these things would be written out on paper and signed by all involved parties. In the pre-literate times, it was the job of the Bard to witness such agreements and remember who was present at the time. Not an easy task. To help them with all this memorization, they used aids such as meter, rhyme, consonance, alliteration, and music. The histories and genealogies were turned into songs. The important place names, or "dindsenchas" and long stories, became poems. Diodorus reported that the Bards were all "lyric poets" who they "sing to the accompaniment of instruments which are like unto lyres, and their songs may be either of praise or insult". They were the masters of both the aggrandizing praise poem and the scathing satire. Each new work was carefully constructed and completely memorized. A Matter of Training So… how did these "barbaric" Celts develop and train their Bards? We know for a fact that by the middle ages, bardic traditions had become semi-hereditary. However, in the early days of the Irish High Kings, the Druids and Bards selected children of promise and took them off to their Grove for training… a course of instruction which would last for ten or more years. Upon entering the Grove, they were known as Ollaire, or Principle Beginner. Their studies consisted of learning their Ogham letters, basic grammar, and twenty of the traditional tales regarding the history of the people. They were also expected to perform routine chores for the Druids and Bards. During this time, they progressed through the rank of Poet's Assistant, or Tamhan, to Drisac, or Apprentice Satirist. Over the next four years, the student was expected to learn forty more tales of increasing complexity, some eighty poems, a hundred Ogham combinations, the Law of Privileges, and more grammar. By the sixth year, the student was called Cli, or Pillar. Studies consisted of learning another forty-eight poems and twenty more tales. Years seven through nine see the student advanced to the level of Anruth, the Noble Stream. The fledgling Bard is now deemed fit for public appearance. However, the studies are not yet complete. There are another ninety-five tales to learn, the place-name stories, or Dindsenchas, prosody, and glosses. In addition, they must learn the basic poetic forms (the simpler ones), styles of poetic composition (and which is to be used in what situation), and prophetic invocation. During this time, the Bard may take service with a local chieftain or prince, or may travel about the land, singing for his supper and a place to sleep. In truth, many Bards stopped at this point. They were ranked among the upper classes and commanded great respect. With any luck, they also had sufficient property or income, to sustain themselves in style. However, some few of the Bardic students stayed on another three years, to gain their "Doctor of Poetry" and be known as Ollamh. During the final three years the more complex of the poetic forms were learned, along with another one hundred poems and one-hundred-and-twenty stories and specific orations. With this behind them, they were the associates of Kings and High-Kings. Indeed, they had equivalent status in the society. They were permitted to wear a "cloak of seven colors", which was their primary badge of office. Their judgements had the force of law. Their knowledge was sought. Their power was both coveted and envied. To strike a Bard or cause harm, was considered a capital offense. Banishment from the clan was the usual sentence. These were the rewards of twelve years of intensive study. Appearance, Manner and Dress How would you recognize a Bard or Ollamh, should you meet one in the village or at the King's court? From a bas relief found in the New Abbey near Kilcullen and a few written remarks, we can say they dressed rather well. Plain-colored briggs or trews (trousers) covered their lower half. Laced sandals covered the feet. A long coat or jerkin, usually brightly ornamented, reached down to mid-thigh. Over this was worn a multi-colored cloak, fringed and embroidered, to show the rank. Favorite colors seem to have been white, blue, green, red and black. A hood of sorts was worn about the neck and hung loosely down the back. Normally, his harp would be carried in a leathern case, slung over his shoulder, and other instruments of music (pipes and such) would be secreted about his person. The Bard must have cut quite a figure. It is no wonder he commanded such respect. |
The Stone Circle
~ Table of Contents ~
|
