In “The Druids: Philosophers Among the Barbarians” by historian Jean-Louis Brunaux, the author challenges common misconceptions about the authentic Druids of ancient Gaul. These figures have inspired European imagination for centuries, from Merlin the magician to Panoramix. In his new book “The City of the Druids: Builders of Ancient Gaul,” Brunaux explores the role and place of Druids in Gallic society, where they established a new religion. The image of Druids practicing human sacrifices on dolmens is often associated with Gaulish religion, but Brunaux clarifies that this is largely based on fantasy.
Brunaux explains that the association of Druids with practices like human sacrifice and dolmen rituals is largely a result of misinformation and romanticized depictions that originated in the 18th century neo-druidism movement. In reality, Druids did not have the function of carrying out sacrifices, and the idea of ritualistic killings was not unique to the Gauls. The portrayal of ancient rituals and practices attributed to Druids can be seen as a form of mythological storytelling rather than historical accuracy, akin to the genre of heroic fantasy.
One popularized idea about Gaulish culture is the belief that the Gauls feared the sky falling on their heads. This notion, famously depicted in the Asterix comics, has a basis in historical accounts. One of the earliest texts documenting Gaulish civilization comes from the history of Alexander the Great by Ptolemy Lagos, where the Gauls express their fear of the sky collapsing. This belief reflects a shared concept among Gauls and other ancient peoples that the heavenly canopy was a fragile structure suspended over the world, and its collapse would signify the end of the world.
The Gauls’ fear of the sky falling can be interpreted as a belief in a catastrophic event that would herald the apocalypse, a notion shared with some ancient Greek cultures. The idea of a celestial disaster that would mark the end of the world was a prevalent mythological concept that influenced the worldview of the Gauls. This belief highlights the blend of superstition and cultural beliefs that shaped the Gaulish mindset and their relationship with the cosmos.
Overall, Jean-Louis Brunaux’s research sheds light on the complex and often misunderstood world of the ancient Druids and Gaulish society. By challenging common misconceptions and exploring the historical context of Druidic practices, Brunaux provides a nuanced perspective on the role of Druids in shaping Gaulish religion and culture. Through his work, readers are invited to reexamine preconceived notions about Druids and engage with a more accurate understanding of their place in ancient history.
