Celtic society was hierarchical and tribal; therefore, we must remember that the role of women (and men) was dictated by their place in the social hierarchy and the customs which varied according to tribe. Moreover, Celtic society was patriarchal, as indicated by the Brehon laws; its political and public life was largely the domain of men. Nevertheless, despite this, it is evident that many women in Celtic society held positions of authority, enjoying a high status, and compared with their Roman and Greek counterparts they were afforded many more freedoms. Celtic women served as chieftains, druids, poets, healers and warriors; they served as diplomats and judges; and they served as arbitrators, mediating in political and military disputes and in tribal assemblies.

           J E Millais, The Bridesmaid, 1851                                               A Druid Priestess

Celtic women who were married had unparalleled rights of property and divorce unlike Roman women who left their fathers homes only to become the property of their husbands. Celtic women could not be married against their will and were free to make their own choice of husband. The year-long trial marriages that began at the festival of Samhain could be dissolved if they proved impracticable; divorce was a relatively simple matter that could be requested by either party and women were free to remarry.

Celtic women possessed the right to bear arms and this was common practice. Wives often accompanied their husbands into battle. In battle, they made great use of psychological tactics to disconcert the enemy such as screeching and dancing wildly. There are numerous accounts of Celtic warrior women and their achievements in battle. The Greek historian, Ammianus Marcellinus (c.400 AD) describes Celtic women warriors as: “usually very strong, and has blue eyes; in rage her neck veins swell, she gnashes her teeth, and brandishes her snow-white robust arms. She begins to strike blows mingled with kicks, as if they were so many missiles sent from the string of a catapult. The voices of these women are formidable, even when they are not angry but being friendly.”

         Queen Medb, J Leyendecker, c.1916                                                 Boudicca     

Some Celtic women were ruling queens and military leaders. Boudicca, also known Boadicea, is probably the best known. She became ruler of a Celtic tribe called the Iceni and led the last major revolt against the Romans in Britain. In Ireland, a well-known powerful female ruler was Medb (or Maeve), Queen of Connaught; her authority, as queen over nine kings, was absolute. Some women became teachers of the art of war such as Scathach, the warrior who trained the greatest hero of Irish legend, Cúchulainn.

Many such Celtic women were strong and powerful and played prominent roles, testament to the high regard in which they were held. These women were distinct in the ancient world for the liberty and rights they enjoyed and position they held in society. Now they serve us, by offering women of the present an inspiring and intriguing example of strong womanhood from the past.

                  Queen Medb with a druid (left) and Queen Macha (right), Stephen Reid, c.1910