Caesar, On the Gaulish War, VI, §15: "And those of them [the knights] most distinguished by birth and resources, have the greatest number of vassals and dependents about them. They [the Gauls] acknowledge this sort of influence and power only". [...] the greatest number of vassals and dependents about them. They acknowledge this sort of influence and power only. Perhaps the above passage indirectly alludes to the legal character of the bond existent between the gods and their human followers by means of the contract called célsine, clientship. Mortals are clients (céili, companions) of their patron deities, thus enhancing their power and prestige, obtaining protection and assistance in exchange for their loyalty towards the divine flatha (lords).
Posted on: Wed, 04 Sep 2013 02:49:58 +0000
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