Ar Gelted Kozh (Les Anciens Celtes)

Alan Stivell's song "Ar Gelted Kozh (Les Anciens Celtes)" is a profound reflection on the history and cultural legacy of the ancient Celts. The lyrics take us back three thousand years, painting a picture of a society that, despite its imperfections, practiced early forms of democracy and gender equality. Stivell contrasts this with the more commonly known Greek democracy, suggesting that the Celts had already embraced these ideals long before they were formalized in Greece. This historical perspective challenges the conventional narrative and highlights the progressive aspects of Celtic society, where women were equal to men and the land was communally owned.

As the song progresses, Stivell delves into the cultural and intellectual achievements of the Celts. He speaks of a time when Celtic culture flourished across Europe, marked by advancements in philosophy, arts, and sciences. This period of cultural bloom is juxtaposed with the rise of the Roman Empire, which Stivell describes as a force that swept away the old Celtic world. The Romans, with their rigid state structures and hierarchical society, are depicted as the antithesis of the free-spirited and egalitarian Celts. This clash is not just a physical battle but a profound ideological struggle between the liberty of the individual and the supremacy of the state.

The song's final verses reflect on the enduring impact of this historical conflict. Stivell uses vivid metaphors to describe the Roman world as a "square cube of cube-shaped thoughts," imprisoning the fluid and imaginative Celtic spirit. However, he ends on a hopeful note, suggesting that the dreams and fantasies of the Celts are beginning to break free once more. This resurgence of Celtic ideals in the modern world serves as a reminder of the enduring power of cultural heritage and the timeless struggle for freedom and equality.