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Smiths were sacred in the old days. We know that they made…

“Smiths were sacred in the old days. We know that they made a secret of their trade which overrode the bounds of district, tribe, and race. A smith was welcome in any village, his person safe on the road. In fact, the roads themselves were under the protection of the gods; there was peace on them…” quote by Andre Norton
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““Smiths were sacred in the old days. We know that they made a secret of their trade which overrode the bounds of district, tribe, and race. A smith was welcome in any village, his person safe on the road. In fact, the roads themselves were under the protection of the gods; there was peace on them for all wayfarers. The land was wide then, and it was empty. The tribes were few and small, and there was plenty of room for the hunter, the farmer, the trader. Life was not such a scramble of man against man, but rather of man against nature—””

Andre Norton

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

In ancient times, smiths were universally respected and protected, embodying cooperation beyond tribal divisions.

In simple terms: Smiths were trusted and safe everywhere.

Key Takeaway

Value skilled tradespeople and foster cross‑cultural respect.

Themes

respect trade community cooperation

Mood

reflective hopeful

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • craft guilds
  • modern workplaces
  • international trade
  • community building

Key Concepts

anthropology economics social cohesion

Questions to Reflect On

  • What modern roles mirror ancient smiths?
  • How can we protect essential workers today?
A Different Perspective

Modern societies often prioritize profit over communal respect for artisans.

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