To understand what I mean by the phrase “the Indo-European expression”, we must look back into our history. Our ancestors emerged from the Pontic-Caspian steppe many millennia ago. Therefore, to understand ourselves we must understand these enigmatic peoples.
These trailblazers went on to become the progenitors of tribes who have had a tremendous effect on the modern world. We know their descendants through DNA, linguistic studies and other classifications. However, there are characteristics that us, their descendants embody, which defines them against all other peoples. Let’s look at these characteristics together, this is what I call the “Indo-European Expression”.
The Indo-European Expansion
Let’s first go back. The Indo-European expansion refers to the spread to languages belonging to the Indo-European family across Europe and Asia. This spread, shaped the linguistic and cultural landscape of much of Eurasia. The Indo-European language family includes most European languages as well as many South Asian languages. All evidence suggests this expansion began in the region where modern-day Ukraine and southern Russia are today, occurring around 4,000 to 3,000 BC.
The origin of the Indo-European expansion theory begins with “Steppe Hypothesis” or “Kurgan Hypothesis.” According to this theory, Proto-Indo-European speakers, possibly semi-nomadic pastoralists spread from the steppes into surrounding regions through migrations, conquests and cultural exchanges. With the advent of horses and wheeled vehicles, they could travel farther and faster, aiding in their dispersal. By around 2,500 BC, they had moved into Europe, spreading their language and cultural traits, including certain burial practices, across a vast area.
In the centuries that followed, these Indo-European speakers diversified into different groups as they migrated further. Over time, distinct Indo-European languages emerged, including Celtic, Germanic, Italic, Slavic and Indo-Iranian branches, influenced by interactions with local cultures and environments. In the Indian subcontinent, the Indo-Iranian branch gave rise to languages like Sanskrit, which profoundly influenced Indian culture, religion and philosophy.
This Indo-European expansion has led to one of the largest and most lasting language families in the world, as Indo-European languages became dominant across Europe and South Asia. However, it was not only language that spread. The Indo-Europeans also spread their worldview during this expansion.
The Longing for Exploration
The Indo-European drive for exploration and expansion has manifested in various forms over centuries, reflected in the lifestyles and mindset of the Vikings, Crusaders and even American cowboys. Each of these groups, though separated by time and geography, embodied a spirit of adventure and the desire to conquer or settle new lands that traces back to ancient Indo-European cultures.
The Vikings, seafarers from Scandinavia during the 8th to 11th centuries, are often seen as iconic explorers within the Indo-European tradition. The longing for new lands, resources, and trade routes pushed them across the North Atlantic to places as far as Iceland, Greenland and even North America. The legendary voyages weren’t solely for plunder; they were also driven by a desire to settle and establish new communities, illustrating a deep-seated cultural urge to expand and explore.
Similarly, the Crusaders of medieval Europe carried the Indo-European zeal for exploration and conquest into the Near East. Religiously motivated campaigns driven by a desire to experience distant lands and bring back wealth, knowledge and territory to Europe. Their expeditions resulted in cultural exchanges between Europe and the East. This resulted in the development of medieval European society and contributed to the rise of trade networks.
The American cowboys of the 19th century western frontier represent a later echo of this Indo-European spirit of exploration. The early pioneers were of European ancestry. Survival needs, economic opportunity and the allure of the unknown were the driving factors in the expansion. This movement epitomised the age-old Indo-European pattern of seeking new frontiers and left an indelible mark on American identity.
Their Rugged Individualism
Individualism is a defining trait in Indo-European cultures, prominently seen in legendary figures like Beowulf, the Vikings and American Cowboys. This characteristic values personal honour, courage and the ability to stand alone in the face of challenges, forging identities centered on independence and self-reliance.
In the Old English epic Beowulf, the hero embodies Indo European individualism. Beowulf faces formidable monsters not with an army, but largely through his own strength and bravery, seeking personal glory and a lasting legacy. His story celebrates the heroic individual who achives greatness through personal valour, a characteristic resonant throughout Indo-European mythology.
The Vikings further illustrate this individualistic spirit. Rather than operating in large structured armies, Viking warriors often acted in small bands. Individual warriors sought honour and wealth through their own personal feats and explorations. Norse sagas, such as the Prose Edda places its focus on reinforcing a culture where personal valour and self-reliance are highly esteemed.
American cowboys later carried this Indo-European tradition into the western frontier. Life demanded resilience and independence. Therefore, cowboys lived by a code valuing personal honour, integrity and freedom, often working alone or in small, close-knit groups. This ethos, emphasising self-sufficiency and individual strength, became a defining aspect of American identity, deeply rooted in Indo-European ideals of individualism and freedom.
Their War-Like Qualities
The Indo-Europeans were renowned for their warlike qualities, which became defining characteristics across various cultures, from the Romans to the Celts. Indo-European societies often placed a strong emphasis on martial skill, personal bravery and honour gained through combat. This way of life shaped their worldview and social structures.
For example, the Romans developed a highly organised military that enabled them to expand their empire across vast territories. Roman soldiers trained with intense discipline, building a culture that valued martial prowess and strategic skill. Their military conquests and engineering innovations in warfare, like fortified roads and siege weaponry, allowed them to dominate much of Europe, the Mediterranean and beyond.
Now, lets look at the Celts, the tribes in direct opposition to the Romans for a period of time. The Celts embodied a fierce warrior ethos. They were renowned by their enemies for their courage and tenacity in battle. However, they were not as organised as their southern counterparts, but rather relied on individual heroism on occasion. Interestingly, Celtic warriors were famous for their intimidating appearance, with elaborate body paint and fearsome weaponry. This symbolised their commitment to personal and communal honour in warfare.
The Traditional Structure
The Indo-European expression is heavily affected by the traditional social structure present within every historical Indo-European society. For instance, Indo-European society functioned within a tripartite system. This system was made up of priests, warriors and workers. This model emphasised social harmony and balance through distinct roles and responsibilities. This hierarchical structure is evident in various Indo-European cultures, from ancient India and Persia to the Celts and Romans.
At the top of this structure were the priests, who played an active role in the the religious and spiritual aspects of life. Therefore, they were responsible for performing rituals and preserving sacred knowledge. They would act as intermediaries between the people and the divine. In Vedic India, for example, Brahmins held this role, conducting rituals to ensure cosmic order. Similarly, in early Celtic societies, the Druids served as priests, lawgivers and scholars.
Next in line were the warriors. This class was responsible for defence and conquest. They protected the community, upheld laws and expanded territory. For instance, warriors were often celebrated for their courage and honour, embodying the values of loyalty and bravery central to Indo-European culture. In early Roman society, the equites or cavalry represented this warrior class, while in Vedic society, the Kshatriyas (warriors) were the ruling and military elite.
The third and final group were the workers and producers. This sub-stratum of society formed the economic foundation of Indo-European society. This class included farmers, craftsmen and labourers. Known as the Vaishyas in the Hindu caste system or as the plebeians in Rome, the worker class was essential to economic stability and growth, supporting the needs of both priests and warriors.
Spirituality & Nature
The Indo-Europeans had a deep spiritual connection to nature, viewing it as a living sacred force that permeated their lives and beliefs.
And We have sent down blessed rain from the sky and made grow thereby gardens and grain from the harvest.
Sūrat Qāf Ayat 9
This reverence for nature is evident in many Indo-European cultures, including the Germanic peoples and the Gaels, who wove the elements of earth, water, sky and trees into their spiritual traditions.
The Germanic peoples saw nature as a source of power and wisdom. Their mythology featured ‘gods’ closely associated with natural forces. For instance, Thor and Freyr are both associated with natural phenomena. However, it was not only archetypal personalities that were considered blessed. Sacred groves and trees were revered. For example, Yggdrasil, the World Tree, symbolised the Universe’s structure and the interconnection between all realms and beings.
Similarly, the Gaels of Ireland and Scotland held the natural world in high spiritual regard. They considered the rivers, hills and trees blessed. Therefore, they were honoured through rituals and offerings. Gaelic festivals like Beltane and Samhain marked seasonal shifts, celebrating the earth’s cycles.
Their Individual Particularities
The Indo-European groups of the Gaels, Anglo-Saxons, Romans and Vikings, while sharing ancestral roots, developed distinct cultures and identities influenced by their environments, beliefs and historical circumstances. Each group contributed uniquely to the broader Indo-European legacy, displaying cultural divergences that defined their place in history.
The Gaels of Ireland and Scotland, were deeply rooted in a nature-centric spirituality and rich oral tradition. Their culture was marked by a strong connection to the land, expressed through reverence for sacred sites and seasonal festivals like Samhain and Beltane. Gaelic society was organised into clans, with a warrior ethos and complex kinship ties that emphasised loyalty and honour. The Druids, held significant influence, guiding both religious practices and legal judgements.
The Anglo-Saxons, originating from Germanic tribes who migrated to England, created a unique blend of Germanic warrior culture and already present local traditions. They established small kingdoms and emphasised loyalty to local chieftains and kin. The Anglo-Saxon poetic tradition, with works like Beowulf, reflects their values of heroism and personal valour. Interestingly, when the Anglo-Saxons accepted Christianity, the result was an integration of Christian themes with traditional beliefs. This event produced a distinct culture that bridged pagan and Christian elements.
The Romans, known for their unparalleled organisational skills and empire-building, were driven by a structured, hierarchical society. Their culture emphasised law, governance and engineering. Therefore, they were able to conquer and unify vast territories. However, Roman society differed from the Gaels and Anglo-Saxons in the sense that it was highly centralised. Roman religion was state-oriented, blending with local customs to integrate diverse cultures within the empire.
The Vikings, from Scandinavia, were primarily seafaring explorers and traders known for their maritime prowess. Their culture valued independence, individual honour and exploration. Therefore, they travelled across Europe, Greenland and even North America. Viking society was decentralised, organised around clan loyalty and chieftains. Their mythology celebrated adventurous, bold heroes like Odin and Thor, reinforcing a culture of exploration and resilience.
The Indo-European Expression
To conclude, the Indo-European expression is undoubtedly apparent throughout the history of all Indo-European people groups. It is the individuals who manifest this expression. I find it incredibly interesting to observe a common theme running through all peoples who carry DNA from the great expansion. Some obviously embody it better than others, this may be due to having more Indo-European DNA. However, it may also be more apparent in individuals who are closer to their nature. Those who adequately strive to return to who they really are.
Each of these groups and the many more present within the Indo-European family possessed distinct characteristics. Gaelic mysticism, Anglo-Saxon kinship loyalty, Roman statecraft and Viking exploration. These distinct characteristics set them apart. However what unified them all and still does, is the ‘Indo-European’ expression.
The individual particularities we can observe from culture to culture within the Indo-European family, may be due to one of two things, or possibly both together. When the Indo-European people settled in new lands they came across local inhabitants. It is possible that an amalgamation took place. However, an alternative theory is to suggest that the ecology and biology or the new lands reached had a cultural affect on the new inhabitants. If I were to suggest a term for this phenomena it would be ‘Bio-Culture’, therefore I am suggesting that the environment had a direct affect on the development of the mythos, culture and collective expression of each Indo-European people group.