In today’s society and world, the emphasis on individualism and a disconnect from this familial honor system has certainly increased. That is to say that if one family member does something terrible, the rest of the family isn’t going to be judged or at least judged as harshly. Based on research this is possibly largely due to the fact that people are simply able to survive better on their own. If they find their family at best, annoying and at worst abusive, there are better means to go at it alone or with extended family or friends. I don’t see this as necessarily a bad or good thing. It largely depends on the individual, their family and unique circumstances. I don’t think it’s coincidental that the world is also experiencing a loneliness epidemic so it’s probably important that people shift their priorities to keep a greater balance in regards to close friendships or relationships, familial or otherwise. 

Regardless, the aspect of the importance of the honor of the family group or tribe undoubtedly added another layer and pressure to be of high repute in regards to personal character and morality. Reputation was everything for if you lost that, no one would want to associate with or do business with you. This was echoed continuously throughout the Irish Brehon Laws as the economy and government were very community and ‘honor driven’ systems. The Irish high king or anyone of repute was most definitely expected to exhibit these traits and could be swiftly removed from office if they were deemed unworthy at any point of their rule. To this end, these traits were so highly valued that no one was considered above the law and societal expectations hopefully lended itself to less political corruption and the betterment of all. 

The druids of Gaul were also said to encourage “…bidding men to revere the gods, to abstain from wrongdoing, and to practise courage.”¹ In the Triads of Ireland, a multitude of these traits were promoted such as in phrases like “Three things which justice demands: judgement, measure, conscience.” and “Three candles that illumine every darkness: truth, nature, knowledge.”² In the Irish Metrical Dindshenchas, there are countless references to the importance of knowledge, truth and skill.³ In reality, the references are endless throughout Irish historical as well as mythological texts to characters of high repute including in particular, nearly the entirety of the Tuatha Dé Danann, Cú Chulainn and his trainer Scáthach as well as Oisín and Fionn mac Cumhaill of the ancient Fianna and countless high kings of old. Additionally, we see these tenets highly revered in Scottish folklore as well as Welsh mythology and folktales such as the famous King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. 

Within these old tales are extraordinary lessons to be gleaned and wonderful inspiration to overcome whatever hardships we inevitably must face throughout life. To encourage these particular traits both in daily life as well as through mythical storytelling, was undoubtedly a healthy means to steer people in the right direction not only for their own betterment but for the society and community as a whole. It’s interesting that to this day, many establishments, roadside stands and countless archaeological sites in Ireland have payment boxes where one’s honesty is relied upon to leave their proper dues. Honesty boxes are also fascinatingly still in regular use in rural North America, Australia and New Zealand as well. 

The following are a few lines from a poem written by Giolla Coluim mac, likely a hereditary Scottish poet of the MacMhuirich Clann from the Bàrdachd Albannach translated by William Watson. The poet was lamenting the loss of the Clan Donald Lordship on the Isles, in approximately 1493 when the Scottish crown, King James IV, declared that the chief forfeit his Lordship. To avoid conflict, this Lordship was to be passed onto whoever held the title of the Prince of Wales, where it remains today. Through great words such as these and countless other bardic poetry and songs, we catch a glimpse into the underpinnings and importance of being morally righteous…

“There is no joy without Clan Donald; there is no strength without them; the best clan in the world: every good man was one of them.

The noblest clan ever born, who personified prowess and awesomeness; a people to whom tyrants made submission; they had great wisdom and piety.

A brave, kind, mighty clan, the hottest clan in the face of battle, the most gentle clan among women and most valorous in war.

The most numerous clan when gathered together, whose honor and esteem was highest; a clan who did not make war on the church; they feared being dispraised…

The clan best for service and protection; the clan best for heroic deed; I hate how Fate spun such a short existence for them.

Their bounty could not be measured, their gifts could not be counted; the honor of their nobles was without beginning, end or bounds.

In the front line of Clan Donald, education was entrusted; and in their rear-guard there was service and honor and moral standards.

The best people in the world, for their exuberance, their excitement, and their excellence; there is no benefit without them: there is no joy without Clan Donald….”

Ultimately, the idea behind this belief is very straightforward and a critical part of any spiritual path but most certainly, the modern druid path. We know that honesty and integrity was the backbone of the druid system as well as the societies they lived among in general. This behavior is integral to religious systems because it increases social cohesion, guides moral behavior, and is meant to reflect divine qualities and purpose. Religious teachings provide frameworks for ethical living, where these traits help ensure fair treatment and justice, strengthening the bonds within communities. Bravery and respect also mirror the characteristics of deities or heroes in mythical stories, urging followers to emulate divine integrity in their actions. Virtues are meant to align with theological concepts of justice as well, where individuals are accountable to a higher moral power for their actions, whether this is the druids themselves or an even higher power found in various deities. In times of moral conflict, religious guidance on honor and trustworthiness from people that emulated those traits first and foremost was meant to provide peaceful clarity, helping believers make ethical decisions that reflected spiritual growth and fostered societal harmony.

References

1. Gwynn, Edward. The Metrical Dindshenchas. Distributed by CELT online at University College, Cork, Ireland. Text ID Number: T106500D.
2. Diodorus Siculus. Library of History (Books III – VIII), trans. C. H. Oldfather. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1935.
3. Meyer, Kuno. The Triads of Ireland. London, 1906.