Otherworlds or reincarnation?

[Blackbird]

Or both? ;D

We often make the assumption that the pre-Christian Britons believed in reincarnation. But is that assumption actually supported in the source material and archaeological evidence? Over the years, I've come to think that they certainly believed in the continuation of life - but in a world other than this one, possibly a place to which the ancestors are waiting.

Aside from what the ancient Britons believed, what do you believe personally? Have you had experiences which support the idea of reincarnation? Do you believe in some kind of karmic return in future lives? Or do you hope to travel to a distant shore where you may greet departed friends and family?

[Brochfael]

Caesar mentions that the Gaulish Druids beleive the soul to be indestructible and to pass from one body to another at death.

This is commonly interpreted as reincarnation but could equally refer to an eternal body in the otherworld.

Personally I'm up for reincarnation after a good old knees up with my ancestors in the otherworld.

[Blackbird]

*roots through stuff for a translation...*

"In particular they wish to inculcate this idea, that souls do not die, but pass after death from one body to another... the fear of death being despised."

Ammianus Marcellinus, says of the Gauls:

"... and with grand contempt for mortal lot they professed the immortality of the soul."

And Strabo:

"Both these and the others (speaking of Druids, Bards and Uatis) assert that the soul is immortal..."

As you say, ambiguous as to whether the soul is reincarnating or not. And of course, we're making pan-Celtic assumptions here

[Brochfael]

Other european traditions seem not to go for the reincarnation option. Germanic peoples seem to have had their heroes go to Valhalla and the rest to Hel. The Romans seem to believe that their ancestors watch over them (Lares and Penates etc). The Greek tradition is a little ambiguous, there is some suggestion that after some time in Hades, you drink from the river of forgetfulness (Lithe?) before being reborn.

Hindus of course are well known proponents of reincarnation but they also have heavens and hells you go to in between lives