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fandomhigh2005-09-21 05:43 pm
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Celtic Literature and Civilisation (CELT 110) Lesson Two
Feasgar math, class. Since it appears that most of you have little to no previous knowledge of the Celts - or a working knowledge of the stereotype of the Noble Savage constructed from Roman accounts - this is most fortunate, as little unlearning will occur.
There are three sources of information available regarding the Celts. The most profuse and that which is most closely studied is the writings of the classical Greek and Roman authors. To study the Celts outside the scope of the Classical authors, and to try and get a more unbiased view, modern scholars - those who weren't there, like me - must turn to archaeological evidence and folklore and folktales.
First of all, the Celts. A note on pronunciation: in Gaelic, the 'c' would always be hard. However, 'Celt' with a soft 'c' is merely an anglisised version of the word; rather like the difference between "francais" and "French". Both pronunciations are technically correct. The name 'Celt' may have derived from or contributed to the Greek label 'Keltoi'. The Romans called them the Galli, Galatae, or Cealtae, reflective of one of the main continental Celtic provinces, Gaul in the north of France.
In our last class, Ms. Valentine presented us with an excellent example of the Celtic stereotype. She included information found through analysis of archaelogical evidence and folklore, as well as the stereotype developed in the third and fourth centuries BCE by classical authors. They found the Celts to be irrationally brave but "lost heart easily" if the tide of battle turned against them (as if my people would be so weak); unpredictable and unreliable as mercenaries, as they were often too superstitious or too drunk; yet easy to rouse into battle. Some sources even called them barbarians and accused them of human sacrifice. The classical physical description of a Celt described bleached hair, shaved cheeks, shaggy mustaches, and painted or tattooed. They fought naked and were noisy in battle. While this may seem a romantic or frightening view, keep in mind it was likely propoganda by the Greeks and Romans. The Celts didn't leave written records of themselves, despite a very rich oral tradition.
Your homework for tonight is to identify two classical works concerning the Celts. I will be in my office later to speak to students.
[[OOC: Cammie-mun appears to have caught Fandomhitis, and is feeling not so mhath. She'll be on off and on for the evening. *crawls into bed with her teddy*]]
There are three sources of information available regarding the Celts. The most profuse and that which is most closely studied is the writings of the classical Greek and Roman authors. To study the Celts outside the scope of the Classical authors, and to try and get a more unbiased view, modern scholars - those who weren't there, like me - must turn to archaeological evidence and folklore and folktales.
First of all, the Celts. A note on pronunciation: in Gaelic, the 'c' would always be hard. However, 'Celt' with a soft 'c' is merely an anglisised version of the word; rather like the difference between "francais" and "French". Both pronunciations are technically correct. The name 'Celt' may have derived from or contributed to the Greek label 'Keltoi'. The Romans called them the Galli, Galatae, or Cealtae, reflective of one of the main continental Celtic provinces, Gaul in the north of France.
In our last class, Ms. Valentine presented us with an excellent example of the Celtic stereotype. She included information found through analysis of archaelogical evidence and folklore, as well as the stereotype developed in the third and fourth centuries BCE by classical authors. They found the Celts to be irrationally brave but "lost heart easily" if the tide of battle turned against them (as if my people would be so weak); unpredictable and unreliable as mercenaries, as they were often too superstitious or too drunk; yet easy to rouse into battle. Some sources even called them barbarians and accused them of human sacrifice. The classical physical description of a Celt described bleached hair, shaved cheeks, shaggy mustaches, and painted or tattooed. They fought naked and were noisy in battle. While this may seem a romantic or frightening view, keep in mind it was likely propoganda by the Greeks and Romans. The Celts didn't leave written records of themselves, despite a very rich oral tradition.
Your homework for tonight is to identify two classical works concerning the Celts. I will be in my office later to speak to students.
[[OOC: Cammie-mun appears to have caught Fandomhitis, and is feeling not so mhath. She'll be on off and on for the evening. *crawls into bed with her teddy*]]
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