The Eternals, new Persian warrior-poets

Phase I - Part D [The Song of Persia]: "

On examining the fact that both Celtic and Persian were warrior cultures, I discovered that there was an identical bottom line for warriors in both. In an Irish epic, we find these words, 'We, the Fianna (warrior bands) never told a lie, falsehoods were never imputed to us.' Then I found the ancients reported that a Persian youth is taught three things, to ride, to shoot a bow, and not to lie. It seemed to me to be regarded as an ultimate kind of evil. If I remember correctly, Cyrus even went to war with two or three lesser rulers in the Persian Empire 'because they lied.' Of course, among the more famous of Persian warriors were the Immortals. As I'm given to understand, so called because their number was always maintained at ten thousand. The Irish Fianna Warrior Code may be found and reconstructed from various epic narratives and tales of warriors, and I'll share a sampling of two with you:

(The qualities of a true warrior,) 'though youthful, are demonstrated in one who is

• Responsive to instruction and leadership,
• Unpretentious and of restrained spirit,
• Compliant in following directives and guidance,
• Sincere and aware in matters of conscience,
• Solemn and heartfelt in the path of spirit,
• True in word to self and others.

Such will be loved in their youth, and honored in old age. Though youthful they will be mature. Though lowly, they will be of noble appearance.' -based upon Cormac mac Airt

(These are the behaviors desirable in young warriors,) 'and are observed in one who

• Is attentive to the cycles of nature,
• Is observer of the heavens,
• Is investigator of mysteries,
• Is silent in the wilderness,
• Is friendly in social occasions,
• Is kind in friendship,
• Is attendant of the sick,
• Is gentle to the feeble,
• Is strong against wrongful power,
• Is ready to give to the needy.
• Though strong, is not unkind,
• Though adaptable, is not subservient,
• Though intelligent, is not a know-it-all,
• Though quick, is not reckless,
• Though assertive, is not arrogant,
• Though observant, does not talk about anyone in his absence,
• Though young, does not ridicule the elderly,
• Nor the poor,
• Nor the ragged,
• Nor the lame,
• Nor the blind,
• Nor the weak,
• Nor the demented,
• Nor the foolish,
• Is not sulky, hot-tempered, lazy, stingy, idle or jealous. For those who are sulky, hot-tempered, lazy, stingy, idle and jealous are repulsive to the people and all true warrior bands.

It is through these practices that youths may toughen into true and noble warriors, and so prove an honor to themselves and the people.'

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