CHAPTER VIII.

Celtic Mythology--Druidism--Derivation of the Word Druid-- Origin of Druidical Worship--Account given by Cæsar-- Characteristics--Divinities worshipped by the Druids--Esus-- His Attributes--Bel--Teutates--Camul--Tarann--Priests--Their Duties--Bards--Their Influences--Druids, properly so called-- Sacred Plants--Mystic Writing of the Druids--Their Political Authority--Druidesses--Of the Loire--Of the Island of Sena-- Human Sacrifices offered by Druidesses--Virgins of Tara-- Sacrifices offered by the Druids--Victims chosen--Belief of the Druids in a Future State--Festivals of the Druids-- Festival--Solstices--Beltane or Beal-Tinne--Ceremonies observed in Ireland--St. Patrick at Tara--First of November-- Breton Legend--Superstitious Practices belonging to the Day-- Suppression of Druidism in Gaul--In England--Mona--Iona-- Druidical Monuments--Menhirs--Dolmens--Cromlechs--Stonehenge --Carnac--Popular Superstitions 257