Celtic Lesson | The Importance of Honor in All Things

To the Post-Roman Celts of Ireland, honor was significant in all things Celtic. It involved embracing truth, rejecting falsehood, and being a person of your word. Standing your ground when challenged was part of the concept of honor and standing by a person to whom you had pledged loyalty, such as your clan and allies. Extending welcome to strangers and foreigners showed honor. Guests and underlings received generous praise and gifts.

Celtic honor was multifaceted, encompassing personal reputation, respect, and commitment adherence. Bravery in battle, fidelity to one’s word, and generosity closely tied Celtic honor to one’s actions within the community.

Honor tied the concept of “face,” or reputation, to the community. The Old Irish word for honor, enech (face) emphasized maintaining one’s dignity and respect in the eyes of others. If one loses face, it diminishes one’s ability to protect and lead. The community also valued “clú” (reputation or fame)—what people said about someone—further highlighting honor’s communal aspect.

From the Welsh Triads:

“The three foundations of a just society: truth, honor, and justice.”

An Irish proverb that reflects honor:

“Is fearr an t-ionracas ná an t-ór.”

(Honesty is better than gold.)

And a more modern example is an excerpt from Katherine Tynan’s “The Lament” (1914) about an Irish boy who goes to fight with the English in WWI.

Percy, golden-hearted boy,

In the heyday of his joy

Left his new-made bride and chose

The steep way that Honour goes.

Took for his the deathless song

Of the love that knows no wrong:

Could I love thee, dear, so true

Were not Honour more than you?