CELT 110: Lesson One

[godinakilt.livejournal.com]

Feasgar math. Welcome to Celtic Literature and Civilisations. I am Professor Camulus. As this class is not yet full, you may still sign up below, simply by indicateing your desire to do so and completing today's homework.

This course provides an overview of Celtic history, beginning with the inception of the continental Celts in Switzerland, to their settlement of Ireland, Scotland, and Britain, both before and after the Roman invasion. It will also cover important Celtic literature, focusing on the literary tradition of Ireland. Those of you with only a passing familiarity with Celtic literature will most likely recognise a few of the cardinal figures, such as Cú Chuchlain or Fionn mac Cumhail, better known as Finn MacCool.

There will be no lesson today. Your first assignment will be to introduce yourself to the class and to briefly tell us what, if any, previous knowledge you have of the Celts or Celtic civilisation.

[[OOC: Yes, I realise this class is rather slim on students; thank you, Janet and Beka. *rolls eyes* However, I consider this studying for my own Celtic studies, so I'll keep on postin'. Cammy will be in his office later tonight. Feasgar math, darlings.]]

Comments

[janet_fraiser]

OOC: Damn, you do a lot of prepwork! Actually, I'm really regretting that you play an evil, powermongering snake, because this would be a fun class for Janet to sign up for.

[godinakilt.livejournal.com]

[[I know, I'm nerdy cool ^^ Cammy won't bite. He's not allowed.]]

[janet_fraiser]

OOC: Yeah, but you're a snake! And a Jaffa killed Janet. So she's traumatized and cranky and just couldn't take the class. :( Unfortunately, my only other character is a teacher.

[valentine-tart.livejournal.com]

[[OOC: pity, that. *eg*]]

[12parseckessel.livejournal.com]

*signs in*

Han Solo, sir.

No previous knowledge, but Chewbacca says Celts are as close to Corellians as I'm likely to find, and that it would be useful for me to study the differences involved in a pre-spacing culture. I think he's full of bantha poodoo myself, but it looks interesting anyway.

[conathon.livejournal.com]

[valentine-tart.livejournal.com]

In this one place in the school, Beka is still sure where she stands. Oh, yes, Camulus kicked her ass, but there's no question they both enjoyed every second off it. And, she had gotten the better of him, or at least his human host.

She strides in, healed, maybe a bit worn around the edges, but head high. "I'm pretty sure everyone in here knows who I am. But in case you don't, I'm Beka Valentine. I've been known to bite. I wasn't planning to take this class, but it seems Camulus here desires me my presence. Janet's and mine. So here I am."

To Camulus, she tosses a sultry smile. "Didn't expect to see me looking so good, did you Camulus? I believe the question regards the Celts. So...

What do I know of the Celts? The Celts lived in Europe, near what is now Great Britain, during the Iron Age of human history. Warfare was a central element of their societal organization. Women were highly regarded, and participated fully in all aspects of society.

They were a polytheistic society, though for part of their history the highest god was The Dagda or good god. The highest goddess, some say The Dagda's consort, was The Morrigan - soft 'g' - a shapeshifting battle goddess known for her ferocity.

Enough, Camulus? Or would you like more?" Her eyes flash a dangerous invitation.

[OOC - despite the weapon in my icon, Beka is *not* bearing.]

[godinakilt.livejournal.com]

Camulus smirks. "Excellent work, Beka. Not entirely accurate, but you have the general idea. Well, actually you have the specific idea of a certain sect of Celts who, through Roman and Christian propoganda, became the stereotype for all Celts, despite variences from region to region." He leans forward. "I think I have all I need."

[valentine-tart.livejournal.com]

Her eyes flash. "Considering I'm from about 3500 years in this timeline's future, it'll have to do." She steps toward him, closer. "A sarcophagus and a snake for company. Low-maintenance. I like that in a villain."

[godinakilt.livejournal.com]

*tilts his head* Villain, eh? I believe in your culture that means I get to wear a black cape and a dashing top hat. Do you know where I could find one? Until I have such attire, perhaps you might want to let me continue teaching my class.

[valentine-tart.livejournal.com]

Not chastened, but not willing to disrupt the rest of class, she inclines her head. "As you wish." Then takes a seat where she can watch him. Carefully.

[bridge-carson.livejournal.com]

Hey, dude. I'd like to sign up for this class- it sounds interesting.

I don't know much about the Celts, but once I met a cat who called herself a bard and talked a lot.

[godinakilt.livejournal.com]

*raises eyebrow* You've been added to the roster.

And yes, bards would talk alot. The Celts, especially druids or bards, were capable of memorising stories that could be days long almost word for word. That kind of ability seems to atrophy when a person learns to read and writes rather than rely on memory alone.

[bridge-carson.livejournal.com]

Coolness.

I guess that makes sense, since cats don't have opposable thumbs and all. They know things.