Germania Summary and Analysis

Tacitus begins by noting the German people are separated on all sides by water or mountains, making them virtually isolated. Tacitus explains that he believes the Germans to be indigenous to the area, simply because the area is difficult to access. The Germans worship the god Tuisto, whose son Mannus is the father of the race and father to three sons, Ingaevones, Merminones, and Istaevones. Each of these became the name of a tribe within the country. The country is named after the first people to find the area, the Germani. Their songs, Tacitus noted, included reference to Hercules, Ulysses, Laertes, and other Greek-based gods. Tacitus notes the inhabitants have a chant before battle that both terrifies the enemy and kindles courage. He claims them to be of pure blood, with blue eyes, red hair, and large frames. The country is...