EARLY BRITAIN. THE CELTIC TRIBES

During the period from the 6th to the 3rd century В. С a people called the Celts spread across Europe from the east to the west. Some Celtic tribes – the Iberians, the Picts, the Scots and the Britons – invaded Britain. The Picts penetrated into the mountains on the North; the Scots settled in the North beside the Picts. They came in such large numbers that in time the name of Scotland was given to that country. Powerful Celtic tribes, the Britons, held most of the country, and the southern half of the island was named Britain after them. The Iberians were unable to fight back the attacks of the Celts who were armed with metal spears, swords, daggers and axes. Most of them were driven westwords into the mountains what is now Wales.

The Greeks were the first to mention the British Isles. It is from the Greek books that we know about the Phoenicians, great sailors and traders, who used to come to the British Isles for tin. They called the British Isles the Tin Islands.

Julius Caesar, the famous Roman general, statesman and writer described the country and its inhabitants in his "Commentaries on the Gallic War". He tells us that the Celts were tall and blue-eyed. They wore long moustaches but no beards.

In the 1-st century В. С. they lived in tribes, and were ruled by chiefs, or kings, whom all the tribesmen obeyed. In war-time the Celts wore skins and painted their faces with a blue dye to make themselves look fierce. They were armed with swords and spears and used chariots on the battle-field. The war-chariots were drawn by two or four horses, and were large enough to hold several warriors in each. The Celts fought fiercely in the battle. Standing in their chariots, they rushed along the enemies lines, waving their daggers, crying loudly and driving their spears against all who came within reach.

Celtic Mythology

Like all the ancient peoples the Celts made up many legends about their gods and heroes. The legends were passed down from generation to generation. They were written down in the Middle Ages but they describe far older times when the tribal way of life predominated among the Celts. The chroniclers and writers translated the Celtic legends into Modern English and called them the "Celtic Sagas".

The heroes of the Sagas and their adventures were imaginary. However, they give an idea of the Celts' way of life, their occupations, tools, weapons, customs and religion. The Roman books tell us mainly about the Celts of southeastern Britain. The Romans knew very little about the Celts who lived in Wales and the Northern Celts who lived in Scotland and in Ireland. That is why Celtic mythology is a valuable source of information about the early inhabitants of the British Isles.

The greatest hero of the Celtic heroic sagas was Cuchulainn. The legends tell us that he lived in Ireland which was divided among several tribes. The tribes that lived in Ulster were ruled by the legendary King Conchobar. Many warriors gathered round the King of Ulster and there was not one among them who was not a hero. Their exploits were those of giants. With one stroke of their favourite swords they beheaded hills for sport. When they sat down to meat, they devoured whole oxen. The gods themselves could hardly do better than the heroes of Ulster.

Conchobar ['kRnt∫əbα:]

Scathach ['skæθFt∫]

Cuchulainn ['ku:kulm]

Here is how the legend goes. – Вот что рассказывает легенда.

The Plain of Bad Luck – Равнина Несчастья

Glen of Danger – Опасная Долина