Poetry was an important and respected part of Celtic culture. One's social rank depended on their poetry skills, and soldiers and members of the elite fighting force Fianna had to demonstrate poetry abilities. Poets, called Bards, held a high status similar to warriors and were believed to have special powers. Celtic society viewed learning poetry as a way to connect with nature, and they believed the gods favored those who memorized and recited poetry. Poems and songs were traditionally passed down orally from generation to generation.