Jules wants to be a druid. He had no idea what a druid was, but he found the word to be beautiful. He knew of Panoramix, of course, but he also knew that he was only a comic book caracter. He knew that Panoramix was mixing some ingredients in a big culdron and Astérix and Obélix would drink some of this concuction to become invisinsible.

His parents knew a druid and he, himself was introduced once but never talked to him. He voed to one day go talk to the happy druid. Jules went on the Web and typed « happy druid ». The Happy Druid’s web site was first on the list of his research. He found the Happy Druid email address and he wrote to him: « I would like to become a druid, but I do not know where to start! Would you please teach me how? signed Jules

The druid answered: « Dear Jules, a druid is a person that will transform nature’s elements to produce an added value. Come meet me in my refuge and I can explain it to you. In the mean time, feel free to explore my web site, maybe you can learn something more. « signed The Happy Druid. »

Jules explored the Druid’s web site completely. He wouldn’t stop asking his parents to introduce him to the druid again so he can learn more. His parents had to decide which solstice or equinoxe to bring Jules to the druid’s refuge in Shawinigan. Maybe it could be on his birthday? This could be a great gift and an incredible surprise! Let’s send an email to the Happy Druid right away! The druid told them that Jules birthday was a perfect time to come visit him. In the mean time, let’s ask the druid to tell Jules a tale, maybe about the Bronze Era.

Jules, if you look closely at this painting, you will learn a lot about the Bronze Era. This is the title of the painting. In the beginning, bronze was an alloy of coper and tin. The bronze has two ages, and those are divided in three eras. The first Bronze age can be dated to 3300 years B.C. in Anatolie ( now called Syrie, Mesopotamie and Turkey ). 2000 years later, the Greeks discovered bronze, that was also called brasen. What was the use of bronze then? The liquified bronze is not easy to pour, it’s also hard to mold into shapes. Someone found out that if you add 10% of tin, the alloy becomes more fluid and it becomes easier to fill molds. With this alloy you can create naves for wheels, weapons, jewels, bells and armors.

Metal was then a strategic and sales value. We are now finding metallic objects that can only be for sales value, and nothing more. Some axes and small sconces were found; too soft to be used for anything else than exchanges and were made and sold by street pedlers.

That is what this painting is telling us, Jules. Each and every one of the paintings in my refuge tells a story and it will be my pleasure to tell it to you when we meet. Of course, you can always imagine some stories of your own, and in doing this, you can find your path as an Happy druid.

Until we meet again, live a good life,

Gilles, the Happy Druid.