Stories main page -- Amergin Press

Thirdly, two important concepts which are uniquely Celtic need to be explained for the stories to make sense. The first is the concept of the eric; an eric was a fine to settle an honor debt. Honor was more important to the Celtic warrior than his life (remember they believed in reincarnation and had little fear of death). The price of the eric would vary according to the status of the individual or object injured. Second is the concept of the geis; this is an obligation which must be fulfilled regardless of the circumstances. Lugh assists the Sons of Tuirenn because of his geis to grant the second request made him by any person. Fergus is forced to leave Deidre and Sons of Usnech in care of lesser warriors because his geis requires him to attend any banquet held in his honor.

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