Cruithni - a name given by the Irish to the tribes and the people who once lived along the north-western coasts of Albion. What they may have called themselves is a mystery. All we have is the names which others have given them; Picts, Pretani, Caledoni, Blue Men, etc. Were they of Celtic origin? The experts are divided on this subject. The few artifacts that have been found, their style of art and decoration, their use of "Ogham" inscriptions incised on standing stones, all would argue for close ties with other Celtic tribes. Differences in language would say they are, at best, distant cousins.


Little is known of the daily life and activities of the Cruithni and others in the northern parts of Albion. A list of kings, a few names which have been translated from the abundant supply of Ogham Stones, and a few fine examples of "Pictish" art. Were these people truly the savages depicted by the early classical writers? Granted, they were fierce and independent, valuing their freedom and way of life. Fierce enough to wear down the "invincible" Romans, defeating the legions in a number of key battles. Fierce enough that a ten-meter wall was built across the entire country to protect the "civilized" south from the from the barbarians in the north. Fierce enough that, when the Romans pulled out of the country, the invading Angles and Saxons chose to invade the south, and left the north alone. It was only with the arrival of the Vikings, that these people finally met their match.

The Romans reported that the people of the north would march into battle, blowing great horns with mouths like the heads of wild animals. These extended several feet above their heads and emitted a horrendous sound.

One would like to think that, between battles and raids, these folk tilled their fields and herded their livestock, wove cloth from wool and flax on looms, tended to their needs and the needs of the tribe. We do know that they lived in small, independent communities, built houses with vertical wall-poles and branches woven into these. They were probably plastered with mud or clay to keep out the elements, and roofed with thatch. Their society was matriarchial, with the leadership being handed down through the mother's side of the family. They decorated their bodies with complex designs, colored with woad and ocher. We do not know if these designs were permanent (tattooed), or simply painted on the skin. From this and the incised stones, we know they had time for art. I think we can safely assume they also had time for music, dance and the telling of tales. Since they had no written language, there must have been a means for recording the histories and beliefs, and passing these along to the next generation.

NOTE: In the Cean Tir Roleplay, the Cruithni, under Gartan, have had much interaction with the Niafer Clan of Eire. That portion of their story is written at "Inver Colpa" as Gartan's Stronghold.