You will have seen our mission statement on the first page of this site. Whilst this by it's very nature can only be the briefest summary of what we do, it is a distillation of why we do it.

Brython considers itself a 'clan', a group of people with a mutual bond and reliance. The mutual bond of Brython is the deep connection to the traditions of mainland Britain , the so-called Brythonic tradition. We rely on each other for our development within the spiritual tradition of Britain . We are drawn to the pre-Christian traditions, and whilst we do not deny the later traditions of the Germanics and Romans for example, it is the 'Celtic' which draws our focus and forms the common purpose of our researches.

The concept of Brython has existed for a number of years as a mutual respect and understanding between the founder members, all who had been active in various areas of the 'neo-pagan' traditions. The decision to create a tangible manifestation of 'Brython' was a reaction against the increasingly eclectic nature of modern 'Celtic' based neo-paganism and neo-Druidic groups which  brought together aspects of many traditions in a form becoming increasingly detached from any inspiration they may have had in their naming. The exceedingly rich aspects of the Brythonic tradition were being eclipsed by the more immediate writings of the Irish and post-Christian.

We do not claim the title of 'Druid' so prevalent in the neo-pagan scene. We aspire to this, and indeed many of our members will address each other as such as recognition of their respect towards each other. On occasion we may often describe ourselves as 'Druids', Bards or smiths to outsiders as a convenient method of describing what we do to others. But we recognise the achievements of our ancestors can not be measured directly with ours. We do not call ourselves Druid through reading a book, deciding we are one, or paying a subscription to a mail order course.

We may aspire, but we do not claim.

We are re-constructionists, but we a re not re-enactors. We have no desire to live in a roundhouse, however enigmatic they may be to us. Some of us even like the telly. We are not anachronistic in that our reconstructionism looks to apply the tradition to the 21^st century. The traditions of our ancestors have a place today, even if the law does not allow us to place heads on our door posts.

If we can begin to understand a little of our ancestors ways, we honour them. If we can apply a little of their ways to our lives, their memory lives.

The Founders

Within the founders of Brython you will find many of the aspects that defined the society of pre-Christian Britain . The Bard, the smith, the natural philosopher, the teacher. These do not form any kind of ‘ruling party’, it merely represents those who wish to bring into greater focus the uniquely British traditions. The vision of these people is to bring the Brythonic tradition back to the forefront of paganism today.

BlackBird - Harper par excellence, Blackbird s’ bird headed harp has become a well-known voice at events around Britain . A frequent contributor to pagan publications and editor of the journal of the ‘Association of Polytheist Traditions’, Blackbird s writings are becoming necessary reading for those on the path. A renowned European martial arts instructor, Blackbird combines the ancient skills of song and sword in a manner that would not be out of place in a kings hall.

Brochfael - Performance historian extraordinaire. A reconstructive archaeologist of many years experience, Brochfael has made many appearances at Castell Henllys Iron age hillfort in Pembrokeshire, Flag Fen and the Glastonbury Peat Moors centre, informing and education the general public on the richness of the history of Britain they may not be aware of. Brochfael has appeared on television on a number of occasions, including Time Team for channel 4, 'Boudicca' for the History Channel and HTV.

Craig - well known purveyor of self-deprecating ‘dodgy doggerel’, Craig's’ talents in the art of the stanza are a joy to many. Originator of the increasingly familiar term ‘feral Druidry’ representing an individuals instinctive path in the native traditions, Craig's deep understanding of the landscape he lives in is a revelation to those he shares it with. An inspiration to those of us who sometimes forget that the ‘doing’ is the point of it all, not simply the ‘knowing’.

Hawkwind - is a traditional blacksmith and armourer. Taught the secrets of his ancient craft in the traditional manner, the Pengash have become an increasingly common sight at public events in recent years. The armed and armoured honour guard of the Pengash is a sight straight from the time of the Bear protector of Britain . But these are not costumes, these are genuine. If anyone living could have forged the blade of the Mound, Hawkwind could be that smith.

Little Raven - A student of occult lore in the Brythonic context, Little Ravens search for the ‘Truth’ leads him down many avenues, and indeed some blind alleys. Of particular interest he has studied Druidry both ancient and modern and two streams of traditional witchcraft. Of particular interest to Little Raven are the ways in which the practices of our ancestors can be adapted and applied to life in the 21^st century.