'A Terrifying Ancient Sound': The Ancient Instrument That Could Frighten Opposing Armies

The haunting sound of the carnyx echoes through the ages, a window into the world of the ancient Celts. This bronze wind instrument, dating back approximately 2,000 years, was an integral part of Celtic culture, used in both wartime and peaceful settings. The word "carnyx" is derived from the Gaulish language and means "antler" or "horn," an apt name given the instrument's distinctive appearance.

The carnyx is a striking instrument, with its elongated, S-shaped form designed to be held vertically. The opening of the carnyx was typically fashioned in the shape of an animal's roaring mouth, often that of a boar or other fierce creature. The height of the carnyx was impressive, standing as tall as its player, usually around 1.8 meters or nearly 6 feet. This unique shape allowed the carnyx's sound to carry over large crowds, or even armies, making it an ideal instrument for intimidating foes and communicating messages over great distances.

The animal symbolism in the carnyx's design is a fascinating aspect of its history. Historians and archaeologists believe the Iron Age Celts used animal imagery to represent ferocity and aggression. The carnyx's roaring mouth, shaped like that of a wild boar, was a powerful representation of the Celtic warrior spirit. Other examples of animal imagery used in this way include shields adorned with engravings of boars and sword scabbards with dragons etched into them.

Although a limited number of carnyces have been discovered, the question of how they sounded has long intrigued historians and musicologists. While it's impossible to know for certain, scholars have attempted to recreate the carnyx's sound based on the surviving examples...

[noras.]

I’m from Romania; we also have had an instrument like this. It was used by military troups in the ancient time: the name is Dacian draco. The form of a dragon with open wolf-like jaws containing several metal tongues; was held up into the wind and made noise like the wolfs

[abrahamdozer]

Somewhere along the line, we Celts switched them out for bagpipes and became truly terrifying.

[vincentebaez]

The carnyx being discovered and recreated is a fascinating piece of history. Without all the modern day white noise we have around us, it must have been truly awe inspiring; and or terrifying to hear these horns play out in the distance.

[kingdavidapple]

I have two experiences that offer substance to your video: 1) Hearing a pack of wolves howl is unforgettable. Each member begins separately, the howl jumping up a fifth and descending by half tones. Dissonant & yet the hearer is able to track individual voices. 2) Finding lengths of kelp seaweed on the Monterey shore after a storm. Where they break at the holdfast, you find a natural mouthpiece and the 10 foot or longer stem is hollow. Although our lips got sticky from the algin at the break, we were able to blow/buzz as into any other horn to produce several pitches, without prior instruction. Put these together with warriors practiced in playing a range of notes (the higher pitched, the smaller intervals one can make) down to the fundamental and resonating across the landscape, that would impress the coolest heads approaching combat.

[Kelnx]

Surprised that you didn't really talk about the "tongue" of the Carnyx, which would flap when being played or jostled up and down while playing it to produce an otherworldly sound. The somewhat unnatural changes in pitch, tone, and volume added to its effectiveness as an instrument of war, separating it from what might otherwise be seen as merely a tool for communication or a musical instrument. Horns were pretty common in ancient warfare, but the Carnyx set itself apart with its sound.

[jeffreyyoung]

As a trumpet player, I have always heard of brass trumpets being used in battle to instill fear in the opposing armies, and to send commands to the soldiers while fighting to take advantage of the battle changing tactics mid fight. The Carnyx was, and is an example of battle trumpet success for the people who used them!

[lnwolf]

Picture yourself a Roman Legionnaire in Britain. You wake up early in the morning, its cold, there is a heavy fog or mist covering the area. You are confident that the local "savages" will pose no threat to the might of the Legion. Then you hear in the distance, hidden by the fog, first one, then a few more, then perhaps dozens or ever more of these things playing, calling to the Celts to gather for battle. Spine tingling is all I can think to describe it.

[philipplace]

In a time when the world was much quieter the sound would have had an enormous impact...! I remember an experimental reconstruction of an ancient Greek lyre, tuned exactly as it would have been. It was so quiet it could hardly be heard, due to modern hearing being numbed by industrial and traffic noise.

[cristinabutasimon]

Dacian people (now Romanians) also used a similar instrument, the Dacian War wolf. It is also depicted on Traian's Column in Rome, commemorating the Roman-Dacian war.

[valproton]

I made a study of ancient Britain's symbology. The boar was very important, is depicting the shape of south Britain, the front leg is Cornwall, the back leg is Kent that used to be marsh land, the head is Wales, the body is the midlands and the rump is East Anglia. Frey represents the north, Pictland now called Scotland. Frey rode a golden boar (Gullinbursti) to the funeral of Baldr who was Wodens son. It was his favourite steed, it could run through air and water better than any horse. It was thus named on account of the golden bristles/corn that grew on his back. Frey riding Golden Bristles is there for all to see, just look at an atlas map of Britain. Anyone knowing the story, seeing and hearing the carnyx would have the fear of the gods put into them.

[taitano]

I find it fascinating that the same sounds can be terrifying or relaxing depending on the situation.

[mclarenscca]

I absolutely love history! These episodes fullfill my appetite for knowledge! Thank you!

[Traderjoe]

I would think that these instruments would also help the warriors to fund their way back to the safety of their side after getting disoriented in the course of battle. Imagine running wounded right to the enemy front line because you were discombobulated from battle?

[Lone-Wolf]

Our ancestors were at another level in simple terms. Brilliant engineering for such primitive people.

[Timbolic]

My friend, everything you present to us on all of your channels is constantly impressive.
I'm truly thankful for the effort you put into your work for us.
I'm subscribed to all and am always excited to see the bell when a new post hits.
Thank you for all you do.

[rogergoodman]

War horns have fascinated me since I first heard about the Trumpets of Jericho. When most Americans think of war horns they probably imagine a Civil War bugle playing reveille, charge, retreat or taps.

[brisben]

Fun fact, the French word for horn is "corne", a word coming from the ancient gauls.

[coyotemojo]

They always make me think of Cacofonix from Asterix and Obelix

[pantagruel]

I really liked this one. Excellent work, as always.

[stoveone]

War instruments are a very fascinating subject, great video!