Mummers used it in mid-winter fertility rite plays. Chieftains in ancient times had their own distinctive cadence or marching tune. When they went out to war, it is easy to believe the bodhran was used to produce this rhythm, and instill fear in the hearts of the enemy. Although still a rather primitive instrument, the bodhran can be complicated to learn to play. Modern versions have been made with special pegs that allow it to be tuned, but the more traditional ones still require moisture to loosen or tighten the head to produce the different tones.
Most people know the haunting sound of the bagpipe.
Similar in sound, but less well known is the Irish uillean pipe. The uillean pipe uses the same idea, indeed is technically considered a bagpipe in that it is an air bag pushing air through pipes to produce the sound. But the uillean pipe differs from Scottish bagpipes in several ways. For one, it is smaller and much quieter. Highland bagpipes were originally a war instrument, made to be played outside in the open, standing or marching.