The Ceremony of Sovereignty

In Gaelic tradition, the concept of sovereignty is deeply intertwined with the relationship between the king and the land, where a ceremonial marriage, known as the banasri, symbolizes this bond. Historically, the king committed to live in harmony with the goddess of the land, which ensured the prosperity and well-being of the people. When this promise is broken, the repercussions are significant, often resulting in the land turning into a wasteland or suffering from catastrophic events like floods. This mythology emphasizes the importance of maintaining balance and harmony with nature, illustrating that actions have profound consequences.