Deadly Irish History: The CeltsISBN 978-1-78849-130-3

John Farrelly Teaching Guide By Peter Heaney

RATIONALE & THEMES relevant to the requirements of the history maturity. elements in both the SESE & WAU curricula. The Celts were a diverse people who Young men who were without land roamed emerged in Central Europe in the mists of The structure and presentation of the in bands (Fianna) outside the society and ancient time, migrating to populate Ireland material suggests that a group activity-based had to fend for themselves either by foraging about 2,700 years ago. approach would be the more effective. or joining as mercenaries to support one tribe fighting against another. In their wake, they left behind a cultural The guide is divided into three sections to trace that has shaped Ireland as a Celtic reflect and complement the development of Fighting and stealing from neighbouring nation. their story. tribes was endemic and sagas would be written to exaggerate and praise the deeds This book charts their legacy throwing a (Teachers are reminded that current good of the warriors involved. light on their way of life in a lively and practice when directing children to Internet entertaining way. research, requires that the site be viewed Their way of life was entirely pastoral and approved by the teacher beforehand and with small tribes living in small farming The themes included are: that close supervision is maintained during settlements that depended for survival on †† The origins of the Celts and who they the searches.) husbandry and agriculture. were. †† Their culture and practices. DISCUSSION POINTS †† Their influence and legacy. Section 1 †† (Read p12): The Celts were a people †† Their beliefs, gods and heroes. Who were the Celts who delighted in fighting and then telling †† How they lived and governed themselves. Pages 6 - 37 exaggerated tales in their sagas. Why was SUMMARY fighting so attractive for them and why SUMMARY did they like to exaggerate? Is modern We learn how the Celts arrived and stamped The Celts inhabited a wonderfully rich inter-county sport a substitute for this their settlement patterns on Ireland. and imaginative world, first appearing as a necessity to fight and then boast about it? We learn that they were not a cohesive powerful influence in Central Europe about †† (Read pp17-26): Not everyone in Celtic people but rather a disparate range of smaller 2700 years ago, before migrating West to society enjoyed equal privileges. Today family groups who generally struggled to live inhabit Ireland. in our society, we offer privilege to some harmoniously with their neighbours. and not to others. Why are some people The Celts introduced the Iron Age to Ireland seen as being more worthwhile? Is it easy Raid and counter raid were a common as well as dividing the country into provinces to move between the classes in society? preoccupation and these actions were then and constructing a functioning road network How could you manage it? raised to heroic status by story and legend. of five great roads to link the provinces. †† (Read p25): The Celts depended on We learn of their family structures and how Celtic society was hierarchical; each tribe slaves. Was this fair treatment? How they sought to govern themselves by Brehon ruled by a king with the strata decreasing in should these types of workers be treated? Law, a code of instruction and guidance rank to the slaves who held no rights and Is there still slavery in the modern world? designed to establish accord among tribes. were simply drudges. How would you feel if you discovered We learn about their society, the harmony Druids were important to the Celts and held that something you used or wore had they sought with their environment and their significant power to advise and administer been produced by a slave? vision of who they were, outlined in their the law. irishtimes.com/opinion/modern- sagas and beliefs. slavery-is-going-on-right-under-our- There were no schools and children were noses-1.4081743 Finally, we learn of their legacy and influence educated at home into skills that were rte.ie/brainstorm/2018/0613/970641- in creating modern Ireland. appropriate for their rank and gender. does-ireland-have-a-modern-slavery- APPROACH Fostering was a common practice and very problem/ young children were often sent to live with †† (Read p26): The Celts believed that The topics in the book are particularly other families for years until they reached everyone should be responsible for the

Deadly Irish History: The Celts 1 Teaching Guide consequences of their actions. A family and designs. the agricultural sequences of their crops became liable if a member was unable to and animals, with separate traditions and pay. How could this control behaviour? 5. Goosey, Goosey (Read p35) superstitions attached to each season. How would you feel if you were made The roundhouse owner has to display a We learn about the food that they cooked responsible for a brother or sister’s debt? notice to warn everyone about the fierce and some of the games and sports that they † † (Read p32): There are many interesting guard geese he keeps. used to divert the boredom of Winter nights tourist attraction reconstructions of Celtic Create a suitable one for him that will or entertain themselves during long Summer settlements across the country. Do we scare anyone from trying to burgle the evenings. really need to know how we lived long roundhouse. ago? Do they tell us anything useful Storytelling was central to their culture and they created a mythology of exaggerated about living today or is it simply curiosity? 6. Easy as Pie (Read p37) craggaunowen.ie adventures and heroes. To build a model roundhouse, the author Appearance was important to the Celts and suggests that the length of the wall will be ACTIVITIES this was reflected in the attention paid to three times the diameter of the roof. How their clothes and jewellery. 1. Who do they think they are? could he possibly know this? Their weapons were fierce and since they (Read p14) In groups collect some different sized had learned the skills of iron working, they circle shapes and containers. Measure their When the Celts invaded Ireland, there were were also superior to the bronze weapons of diameters and then the distances around the already natives living here. the natives who lived in Ireland before they outside (Circumference). What do you think they thought of these came. Can you find an approximate relationship swaggering newcomers with their fancy iron Raiding, stealing and battle were a way of life between these two dimensions? Is the weapons and gelled hair styles? for them and they liked to collect trophies to relationship the same for every shape? Using illustrations and speech bubbles, demonstrate their claims for hero status. Can you find the name that the ancient create a dialogue between two of them in Swagger was an integral part of how they Greeks had for this relationship? the same comic style the author has used presented themselves. It was important as they discuss their impressions of the new 7. Fianna (Read pp28-29) that their prowess was acknowledged and arrivals. banquets could often end in violence if The Fianna were young men who lived someone felt slighted by being denied the 2. Tuatha Dé Danann (Read p15) wildly and exaggerated their deeds. Curadhmír (Hero’s portion). The Greeks and Next year is the 3000-year anniversary of the Chose a familiar Fianna story or create an Romans considered them to be barbarians. arrival of those ancient gods to Ireland. Their original and retell it in the style the author The Celts recognized a pantheon of gods disappearance remains a mystery. has used with humour and illustrations. who had transformed from a mystical group To commemorate the anniversary, The irelandsmythsandlegends.com/fionn-and- of earlier settlers, the Tutha Dé Danann, O’Brien Press have organized a poster the-fianna who were renowned for their strength and competition to celebrate their magical magical capabilities. 8. Tara (Read p14) powers. The posters will use comic book text and illustrations. The Hill of Tara is a world-famous heritage DISCUSSION POINTS site with many guides available for tourists † Submit an entry. † (Read p40): The Celts were close to to read. nature and their survival depended on 3. Know your Place (Read pp17- However, Bord Fáilte likes the way the them having an intimate understanding 25) author has illustrated and explained the Lia of these links. How will future historians Fáil. They think it will appeal particularly to describe our links to and understanding In ancient Celtic society, everyone belonged children. of our natural environments. What will to a particular group and each group had they say about the things we thought In groups create similar explanations and specific roles and privileges. were vital for our survival? Will they find illustrations for the other six features in the In groups can you divide the people in us to have been careful or careless with same comic style and combine them into a modern Ireland into six groups. the world around us? short children’s brochure. †† (Read p53): Much of what we know Use a pyramid diagram and explain who discoverboynevalley.ie/boyne-valley-drive/ about the Celts comes from stories. How belongs to each group and what benefits heritage-sites/hill-tara reliable is this source of information? How they enjoy. megalithicireland.com/Hill%20of%20Tara. could you decide which information is htm 4. Totem (Read p33) accurate and which sources could be trusted? Today we get our information Celts used carved wooden posts to mark their Section 2 from many sources. How do you know territories. There were serious consequences which information is accurate and who is for anyone who ignored them. Stories and Habits Pages 38 - 80 telling the truth? Using the cardboard core from a roll of †† (Read p66): There were many reasons kitchen paper make your own totem marker SUMMARY why the Greeks and Romans believed to guard the entrance to your bedroom. that the Celts were barbarians. Was this You can decorate it with fierce Celtic swirls The Celts were primarily agrarian and their a reasonable description? How could you calendars and festivals closely followed

Deadly Irish History: The Celts 2 Teaching Guide convince the Greeks and Romans that 4. A Celtic Tale (Read p53) At the dinner table in your house, what they wee mistaken? What arguments and would the curadmír look like? Who would The Celts never wrote anything down and information would you use? get it, and what sort of arguments would each time a story was told, the details †† (Read pp54-56): The Celts liked to look there be over awarding it? changed slightly and became a little more well and they used jewellery and hair exaggerated. In the style of the author, describe the drama gel to improve their appearance. Today surrounding the characters at the table In groups, choose a story about one of the fashion is still important for some of us. and the discussion about who should be Why do we try to change how we look? Celtic heroes. Each of you read the story and awarded the portion. Remember the Celts Why do people follow fashion and use then separately record your version in the loved hyperbole. jewellery and cosmetics to alter their way the Celts might have done, with lots of appearance? drama, excitement and a little exaggeration. 8. The Lost Tribes (Read p73) †† (Read pp41-42): The Celts used Share your story with your group to see how A stone has slipped in the passage tomb at superstitions to help them make the versions have changed. Newgrange and revealed a fascinating series decisions. Why do we continue to use Now, in the style of the author, write a short of drawings and marks that shed some light this way to help us decide things? How version of the story with all the exaggeration on what really happened to the lost tribes many superstitions are you aware of and unlikely detail removed. Will it be as who inhabited Ireland before the Celts. using? How do they affect the way you exciting? It also reveals who the Tutha Dé Danann make your decisions? irelandsmythsandlegends.com/fionn-and- really were and the source of their awesome ACTIVITIES the-fianna powers. fairytalez.com/region/irish/ In groups use your imaginations to recreate 1. Great Circles (Read p40) 5. The Weapons (Read pp62-63) a panel with these ancient drawings and The Celtic year revolved around four explain what they reveal about these events The Celts used their imaginations to create major festivals and the author has used a in the mists of Ireland’s ancient past. fabulous weapons that had magical powers. circle diagram to explain how each section followed the previous one. Now use your imagination to create three Section 3 different fantastic weapons that no Celtic Using the author’s diagram. Create a chart Legacy warrior would want to be without. to explain how our modern activities in Pages 81 - 140 Samhain, Imbolc, Bealtaine and Lughnasa Design an illustrated sales leaflet for each are linked together in an annual cycle. weapon using hyperbole to describe its SUMMARY function and capability The Celtic world was peopled with 2. Pork is Perfect (Read p43) Include brief examples of testimonials strange beasts and frightening demons. Pork was a common Celtic food and the from heroes describing how and when the Their traditions were oral and required author has included a recipe. Pork is still weapons were used and how they were tremendous feats of memory for the druids. popular in Ireland. essential in a battle or a fight with a mortal The druids also used human sacrifice for enemy. In small groups, research a favourite family divination. pork dish and create a recipe and ingredient kidskonnect.com/language/hyperbole- The Celts experienced the spiritual in the card to share with the class. examples/ mathworksheets4kids.com/hyperbole.php natural world around them and built a huge To encourage others to try your dish, include temple offering at Eamhain Mhacha which is a food critic review describing the dish, the 6. An Táin Bó (Read pp62-64) still visible today. different tastes of all the ingredients and how Cattle raiding was so popular for the Celts Their art was ostentatious and many bronze they combine to create a special flavor. that it was almost a sport. artifacts and jewellery pieces remain, decorated with elaborate swirls and designs. 3. Fidchell Strategies Perhaps they held the Championships during (Read pp49-51) Lughnasa? Although the Celtic tradition was oral, they did use a simple writing system called Fidchell was a game of strategy which means If RTE had been available then, they would Ogham. This system of short straight lines that some moves were better than others. have sent a commentary team to broadcast was only suitable for brief messages and The rules of the game were easy, however if the event. many believe that it was a simple druid code you want to win, there are definitely moves In groups, write and perform the commentary system. that you should avoid. for a typical cattle raid including pundits The Brehon Laws covered every aspect of In groups, play several games together and who will be able to give expert opinion on their lives and were used to resolve disputes. make a note of which moves put your the detail of the event. You could do it in the These laws were administered by a Brehon opponent at a disadvantage and which style of an All-Ireland semi or final. who had memorized the entire code. Some moves leave you vulnerable. 7. An Curadmír (Read pp67-69) of the laws took the form of a taboo and Now create an illustrated playing guide there are many examples of these in Celtic The Hero’s Portion was the choicest part of called ”How to win at Fidchell” (You can mythology. choose a more exciting name yourselves) the meal, reserved for the hero. It was much Fostering was a common practice for the and include all the tips and strategies you sought after as a public declaration of hero Celts and children would often be sent to discovered to help you to win. status. live with another family until they reached

Deadly Irish History: The Celts 3 Teaching Guide adulthood. This had the effect of creating do you admire or think that you have 5. Skills (Read p114-115) stronger unity between different families a talent in? How has this enriched your Deirdre describes some of the skills she and tribes. contribution to your families and friends? needs to learn while Ferdia hopes to acquire How does this talent make you feel about The leadership of any tribe was held by a warrior skills. king. Although a privileged position, he yourself? In groups, decide the skills that boys and girls could be held responsible for any disasters history.com/topics/ancient-history/celts need to be useful and independent adults in that befell the tribe and might have to pay bbc.co.uk/irish/articles/view/720/english/ today’s world. with his life to discharge the misfortune that ACTIVITIES they believed had caused the disaster. Use a Venn diagram with two interlocking sets, one for boy’s skills and one for girl’s Modern Ireland considers itself to be Celtic 1. The Beasts (Read pp82-83) skills. Use the common area for shared skills. and shaped by their cultural legacy. There The fantastic beasts that the Celts believed in is tremendous global interest in the Celts Which areas will have the most skills? had many unpleasant powers. and their contribution to modern Europe. Write a brief explanation for your choices. For this reason, many tourists visit Ireland to In groups, create a saga that includes all of topnotchteaching.com/math/teaching-venn- experience the phenomenon of the legacy them. diagrams/ of the Celts. You will need to select a hero first to compete with them and design an exciting plot. 6. Hello (Read p120) DISCUSSION POINTS Use your imagination to build an incredible Ferdia sits down beside Deirdre and tries to †† (Read pp86-87): Omens and tale with lots of hyperbole and drama. start a conversation. However, he is shy and superstitions were very real for the Celts finds it difficult to talk to girls. and controlled how they lived and what 2. Threes (Read pp88-89) Can you help him to get the conversation they did. Why did they use these to help One of the druids has a problem. His magic started? What should he say and how should make decisions? Are superstitions and 3 x 3 square is broken. The nine numbers he behave? omens important for us? Why do some (1-9) have fallen out and he needs to replace people still feel uncomfortable ignoring Make a list of three topics that he could talk them so that all the vertical and horizontal them even today? about and then give him advice on how to lines add to the same number (15). †† (Read pp94-97): The Celts liked start the conversation and then keep it going. elaborate ornamentation on the things The square is useless without the numbers in they wore or used. Style was important; the correct places and he needs the magic 7. 4500AD (Read pp127-128) but how is the function of a sword for an important ceremony. It is the year 4500AD, two and a half improved by the design on it? Why Help him to put the numbers back in the thousand years from now. We are long gone, do we still use decoration to try and correct places and then explain what he however, some of the things we used can still improve the function of something? If needs the magic for. be found. the performance of a car comes from nrich.maths.org/1376 A team of future archeologists are excavating the engine which is hidden under the a newly discovered site near to where you bonnet, why bother with decoration on 3. Swirls (Read p94) live now. the doors and windows? Why do we still The Celts used elaborate swirls and designs use decoration today? Is it necessary? Will they find any of your old belongings? to decorate everything they used. †† (Read p103): The Celts had elaborate Will they be surprised or puzzled by what rituals that they used to try to tell the Think of the things that you use every day in they discover? future. Today, we are still fascinated by class and create a unique Celtic motif that In small groups, make an inventory of the the future and try to uncover it in different could be printed onto each of them. ten most interesting things they might find ways. Why do we want to know the Design an illustrated catalogue of the and record their explanations for what they future? Is it necessary or even advisable different things you use in class with the might have been used for. for us to be able to tell the future? How motif and an attractive Celtic livery. Will any of the objects defy explanation for might it affect what we do today if we them? knew what will happen tomorrow? 4. Ogma Mac Elathen Would it be a benefit for us? (Read p101) 8. The Scroll (Read pp137-138) †† (Read p107): The truth was important Ogma has sent a message to Lugh warning to the Celts. Should the truth be told in To help launch ‘The Celts‘ book, The O’Brien him about what the Sidhe intend to do. every circumstance? Which virtue do Press have decided to offer a name scroll as you admire most? Which is the most Unfortunately, Ogma can’t count very well a prize for one lucky winner. important one for the 21st century? What and the message has only six strokes carved Your name will be written in illuminated difference would it make if this virtue was into it instead of seven. The message has Celtic script and there will be a brief citation missing? been changed. to praise all your outstanding qualities in the †† (Read p138): The Celts had a strong In groups, decide if this was a minor or a best Celtic exaggerated style. tradition of artistic talent, and the Arts dramatic change and write a short account Make a copy of the scroll that you would like remain a cornerstone of modern Ireland. of what happened and what Lugh did and to receive. What are the benefits of the Arts or of how the confusion was eventually solved. being artistic? Why do others admire this Did Lugh manage to protect his wife? 9. The Celts (Read p139-140) quality in the Irish? Which of the Arts The influence of the Celts both in Ireland

Deadly Irish History: The Celts 4 Teaching Guide and across the world is wide and varied. In groups, use a large sheet of paper to create a ‘mind map’ diagram, explaining the contribution the Celts have made to our modern world. Write THE CELTS in the middle of the page and then use lines and bubbles radiating off from this to record what you believe the Celts have added to make the world a better place. You can add illustrations and colourful Celtic designs to the chart.

Deadly Irish History: The Celts 5 Teaching Guide