The Power of the Curse
The binding power of spoken maledictions, especially from those with authority.
Celtic poets and druids could curse with terrible power. A satire could raise boils on a king's face or wither crops. The spoken word, properly formulated and backed by righteous anger, was believed to have tangible effects. This power demanded responsibility.
The poet's satire strikes harder than the warrior's blade; defend yourself from the tongue's poison.
The power of satire was taken so seriously it was regulated by law.
Irish Law Tracts
Written about in
- What Celtic tradition says about what to say and what to leave unsaid
Against that, the same tradition holds that a poet's satire can raise boils and wither crops, and Irish law tracts made unjust satire an offence carrying compensation. True speech and destructive speech are not separate categories here, which is why restraint counts as a duty rather than as cowardice.