The Druids: The Celtic Religious Leaders Who Sacrificed Humans in the Wicker Man

The role of Druids in Celtic society extended beyond mere religious duties. They were scholars, healers, and keepers of knowledge, playing a crucial role in maintaining social order. Without a written language of their own, the Druids relied on memorization and oral transmission to preserve history, law, and spiritual teachings. Their influence stretched across Gaul, Britain, and Ireland, where they advised kings and settled disputes. The Romans, who eventually clashed with the Druids during their conquests, viewed them as both a threat and a source of intrigue. Ancient Roman writers, such as Julius Caesar and Tacitus, provided some of the earliest written descriptions of the Druids, though these accounts were often shaped by political motives and bias. 

Among the many controversial aspects of Druidic practices, the most infamous is the alleged use of human sacrifice. Classical sources claim that the Druids burned victims alive in massive wooden effigies, known as Wicker Men, as offerings to their gods. These descriptions have fueled centuries of speculation and horror. But how much of this is fact, and how much is exaggerated propaganda? While some archaeological evidence suggests ritual killings may have occurred, the full extent of such practices remains uncertain.