Ep 7. Human Sacrifice

In this fascinating episode of Mystic Britain, viewers are taken on a journey back in time to the era of the Celts and the Druids. The focus of this particular episode is on the practice of human sacrifice, which was a deeply ingrained part of these ancient societies. From the evidence that has been found, it appears that the Celts and Druids believed in the power that this sacrificial act could hold, both in terms of appeasing the gods and gaining supernatural abilities.

The episode begins by introducing viewers to the Celtic and Druidic cultures, setting the scene for the exploration of human sacrifice. We learn about the belief systems that underpinned these societies, and get a sense of how different they were from the modern world. One thing that really stands out is the level of respect and reverence that the Celts and Druids had for their natural surroundings. The forests, rivers, and mountains that surrounded them were seen almost as living entities, with spirits of their own.

As the focus turns to human sacrifice, we are offered a glimpse into the various different types of sacrifice that existed. These ranged from the relatively simple – such as the offering of crops or livestock – to the incredibly gruesome. One of the most disturbing revelations is that of wicker men – huge wooden structures that were filled with people and then set alight. While this is just one example, the show does an excellent job of highlighting the diversity of this practice.

Throughout the episode, there are a number of experts and historians who offer their insights into human sacrifice. These are people who have spent their careers studying the practices and beliefs of the Celts and Druids, and their comments really help to bring the history to life. One particularly interesting point that is made is that while human sacrifice was undoubtedly seen as a powerful act, it was also incredibly divisive. Many members of these societies – particularly those who were lower down the social ladder – would have been horrified at the idea of sacrificing other humans. This tension between power and morality is something that is explored in detail throughout the episode.

One of the real strengths of this episode is the way that it delves into the evidence for human sacrifice. While we may be quick to dismiss the idea as barbaric or primitive, the fact is that there is a huge amount of archaeological evidence to support the existence of this practice. We see footage of some of the sites that have been excavated, including the remains of individuals who appear to have been sacrificed. It's quite eerie to see the bones and artefacts from these ancient times, and it really helps to bring the history to life.

The show also brings up some thought-provoking questions about the relationship between religion and violence. While it's easy to condemn the practice of human sacrifice as heinous and depraved, the fact remains that people were engaging in these acts as part of their spiritual beliefs. In some ways, this highlights the way that deeply held religious convictions can lead people to do some truly horrifying things. At the same time, it also begs the question of how much we really know about the beliefs and practices of these ancient cultures. Is it possible that we're not giving them the credit they deserve for their spiritual understanding of the world?

Overall, this episode of Mystic Britain is sure to leave viewers with a new appreciation for the complexity of ancient societies. While the idea of human sacrifice is certainly unsettling, it's also a testament to the enduring power of religious belief and the lengths to which people will go in order to access the supernatural. With its mix of expert insights, historical anecdotes, and stunning visuals, this is one episode that is not to be missed.