Ep 8. Ice Age Shaman

Mystic Britain is a captivating and informative series that delves into the ancient myths, legends, and mysteries of the British Isles. In season 1, episode 8, entitled "Ice Age Shaman," viewers are taken on a journey through time to explore the magical world of Britain during the last Ice Age.

The episode begins by examining the way of life of the hunter-gatherer tribes that roamed Britain during the Ice Age. It explains the harsh conditions they faced and how they survived through hunting animals such as reindeer, bison and mammoths. But it was not just about survival, the shaman of these tribes looked to connect with the spirits of the animals they hunted to thank them for their sacrifice and ensure a bountiful continuation of their tribe.

As we learn, shamanism was an important aspect of life for these ancient peoples. The shaman would enter into trance states through the use of natural hallucinogenic substances and would communicate with the spirits of animals. They sought guidance and help for their tribe, and saw themselves as mediators between their people and the spirit realm.

The episode then shifts to an archeological excavation where we witness of the discovery of the Temple of the Bison Shaman. The temple dates back over 12,000 years and is believed to have been created by shaman. The temple was discovered through the use of new ground-penetrating technology which could detect hidden structures, and the find is proving to be a significant breakthrough in our understanding of the culture and beliefs of hunter-gatherer tribes during the Ice Age.

We meet researcher Dr. Francis Pryor, who takes us through the temple site and explains the significance of the artifacts that were found there. We learn that the temple was likely used as a place of worship, and that the walls were adorned with intricate carvings depicting animals, such as the bison, which were likely important in shamanistic rituals. The discovery of this temple is hugely important, as it gives us a rare glimpse into the beliefs and practices of ancient cultures, providing insight into the minds of people who lived closer to nature.

The episode also examines the role of the shaman in Ice Age Britain, explaining how they were believed to have special powers that enabled them to communicate with the spirit world. It looks at the various tools that were used by shamans, including bones, feathers, and animal hide, which were used to create costumes and masks used in ceremonies and rituals.

As we learn, shamanism was not limited to Britain during the last Ice Age. The practice was found around the world in many different cultures, including Siberia and North America. The episode explores the similarities between these different cultures and their beliefs, highlighting the universal human desire to connect with something higher than themselves.

The episode draws to a close as we see how the legacy of shamanism in Ice Age Britain lives on to this day in the form of modern paganism. We meet a group of pagans who follow the ancient traditions and beliefs of their ancestors, celebrating the natural world and connecting with the spirits of animals through ritual and ceremony.

In conclusion, Mystic Britain season 1 episode 8, "Ice Age Shaman," is a fascinating and informative exploration of the magical world of ancient Britain. It provides insight into the beliefs and practices of hunter-gatherer tribes during the last Ice Age, and the important role that shamanism played in their lives. The discovery of the Temple of the Bison Shaman provides an exciting new breakthrough in archeology, giving us a rare glimpse into a world long since gone. Overall, this episode is a must-see for anyone interested in history, archeology or ancient spirituality.