Who were the Bards?

The Bards were the storytellers. It was their duty to hold forth at ceremonial occasions, such as night vigils at holy wells; after religions services; at wakes, baby blessings, weddings, and house blessings; before battles; at the serving of ale; and at feasts and inheritances. Before the start of a voyage, before a court appearance, and before a hunt were also auspicious times for a tale.

The subjects of the stories were typically suited to the occasion. In the Book fo Leinster and other sources, lists appear of types of stories as follows: Destructions, Battles, Feasts, Elopements, Visions, Loves, Voyages, Sieges, Conceptions and Births, and Frenzies.

The Bards were the keepers of the heroic cycles and of rhymes, riddles, songs, prayers, proverbs, traditions, and genealogical lore. Sacred stories would be recited only at night between Samhain and Beltaine. The center of Bardic activity was often the hearth at the heart of the home.