Linkedin Long-Form Post  #7

Why Make Use of Fictional Characters?

James Francis Smith

Instead of the omniscient approach of most historians, Druids, Celts, and Romans invites its readers to enjoy learning about their ancestors. Fictional characters transform what would otherwise be a bland recitation of historical events into an attention-grabbing epic. 

The Celts, in addition to bringing the horse, iron, and steel to the continent, invented the spoke wheel, chain mail, and the wheeled harvester, adhered iron to the plow, pioneered the use of fertilizer and crop rotation, enabling Europeans to settle in permanent communities from London to Budapest, earning the Celts the title, “Founders of Europe.”

The Helvetti clan, involved in the circa 400 BCE Celtic invasion of Rome, is situated in what is now modern-day Switzerland to compare the Celtic family life to that of ancient Rome.

Fictional Characters employed in Druids, Celts, and Romans:

Druid Master Munli – embodies what’s known about that ancient religion, including the selection by burnt charcoal and three ritual killing strokes—strangulation, stabbing, and finally the stroke of an axe—for their human sacrifices.

Ragenos – The Helvetti Champion gives credence to the probability that the Biblical Goliath was a Celt.

Conel - The enslavement of the Helvetti chieftain by the Romans provided the incentive for an army of 20,000 to cross the Alps and invade Rome. Gatherings of Celts had already settled in and around Milano.

Meva – illustrates the esteem in which the Celts held their females. Who could own property, be educated, become warriors, and rule tribes.

Julia – represents how Roman womanhood endured.

Mikos, Una, and Hugh - Helvetti triplets each had their role as a warrior, a leader, and a Druid.

Danous, the Bard of Parisii, was initially included to inform the reader that Paris was founded by a Celtic Tribe. Poetry soon followed Danous into the story.