Ancient Celtic Bards were essentially historians, law-recorders, genealogists and news-bringers who disseminated their knowledge through verbal means. Often this would come in the form of poetry or song, and could take the form of praise or satire. Like the other types of Celtic intelligencia, they were considered basically inviolate, although the status of a Bard seems to have been lower than that of a Fáith or Druid.
Considering the proximity of Africa to Europe, and the fact that roaming
Bards still exist in present day tribal-Africa, it might be possible to gain
some insight into the occupation of the ancient-Celtic Bard by considering the
African Bard.
They might have been quite similar in ways, at one time.
It seems likely that the ancient-Celtic Bards and the present-day African
Bards could have even influenced each other, especially the Bards of southern
Europe and northern Africa, although differing climates would probably yield
some cultural differences. The
present-day Bards of tribal-Africa do, in fact, enjoy a kind of diplomatic
immunity in a multiplicity of tribal areas, like the much-noted historical
immunity held by the ancient-Celtic Bards.
The modern-day African Bards can roam freely, separately or in small
groups, and to some extent, they council local Chieftains.
The modern-day tribal-African Bard expresses his self via means
appropriate to the situation. If
his or her audience is in a tavern, the commentary might come in the form of a
lyrical saga. If the audience is
children, news or history might be conveyed by a one-person or multiple-person
acted scene. If the people speak an
entirely different language, the news or history might be acted out, in a non-verbal
way. If the audience is an older
and more learned group, the history or law can be given in the form of a
lecture, or a discussion.
Judging from similar practices in other parts of the world, it is likely
that the ancient-Celtic Bard would also have expressed his or her knowledge via
means appropriate to the situation, while often utilizing prosaic verbalization.
But at the foundation, the responsibility Bards was to memorize, know and
disseminate history, genealogy, customs, laws, and news.
In this regard, it cannot truly be said that “Bards” have ever
disappeared from Europe. In North
America, Australia, New Zealand, and South America they continue to carry on the
tradition as well. But the titles
have changed, and the occupation has fractionated. History is carried on by Historians; Customs are advocated by
people in newspaper columns; Genealogy is researched and described by
Genealogists, Law is recited by Advocates, Paralegals, and
Arbiters; Poets speak verse; News is disseminated by Reporters; Actors sometimes
convey meaningful accounts of history; Musicians write and sing of events or
causes; Comedians satirize. Interestingly, socially critical poets still make and speak satirical prose.
In addition, socially aware musicians still make satirical songs that ring in
peoples’ minds so they can’t help but remember the words, and they sometimes write
hopeful songs that people can’t help but sing.
It should be noted that these occupations are held in high esteem and bring with them a certain amount of immunity to prosecution or harassment. Musicians hold a very high status in Europe, North America, Australia and so on; actually musicians hold a very high status in most of the world. Reporters are able to go into countries foreign to them even in times of war. Actors hold a very high status for their visible conveyance of social norms and culture, whether wrongly or no. No one can deny that comedians often scathingly satirize political figures, movements and events. Interestingly, visible moment of friendly conversation and non-satirical interaction between a political figure and a comedian can often make the difference in an election or a politician’s general social status.
It seems that one might rekindle the essence of an ancient-Celtic Bard, in a way that is cognizant of the modern world, by being many of the former at one time.
It's just an idle thought, but by combining some of the more influential and compatible occupations, for instance, that of social historian, comedian, and musician, one might embody a Bardic occupation of formidable combination. Perhaps there are other combinations that could gel in this day and age, for instance, a reporter/poet/comedian? Think of the circles such a person could move in. I suppose people can do anything, and it is hard to say what would work unless it is attempted. In any case, these are essentially recombinations of the responsibilities of the ancient-Celtic Bard. Perhaps such a recombination could be a viable and dynamic addition to society today. .
Copyright © J. G. Jones