"Role of The Ancient Bard In Scottish Clans" Talk

The Highlands of old harboured a class of wordsmiths known by various names; the Aois-Dana, The Filidhnenan, The Baird, The Luchd-ealaidh, whose knowledge and skills stretched back into the mists of time stemming from pre-Christian belief systems. The power of the poets and their words could make or break kings and lavish sums were paid by Clan Chiefs for praise poetry.

Griogair will be introducing the poetic art forms celebrated within the Clan system and will give some examples showing how these skills have come down through the ages. There will be particular reference to MacDougall poets and Griogair will explain how he is finding a way to express this tradition in a new modern context.