Thetriquetra (/traɪˈkwɛtrə/try-KWEH-truh; from the Latin adjectivetriquetrus "three-cornered") is a triangular figure composed of three interlaced arcs, or (equivalently) three overlappingvesicae piscis lens shapes. It is used as an ornamental design in architecture, and in medieval manuscript illumination (particularly in theInsular tradition). Its depiction as interlaced is common in Insular ornaments from about the 7th century. In this interpretation, the triquetra represents the topologicallysimplest possible knot.
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The termtriquetra in archaeology is used of any figure consisting of three arcs, including a pinwheel design of the type of thetriskeles. Such symbols become frequent from about the 4th century BC ornamented ceramics ofAnatolia andPersia, and it appears on earlyLycian coins.[1]
The triquetra is found onrunestones in Northern Europe, such as theFunbo Runestones, and on earlyGermanic coins.[citation needed] It bears a resemblance to thevalknut, a design of three interlacing triangles, found in the same context.
The triquetra is often found ininsular art, most notably metal work and inilluminated manuscripts like theBook of Kells. It is a "minor though recurring theme" in the secondary phase of Anglo-Saxonsceatta production (c. 710–760).[2] It is found in similar artwork on early ChristianHigh Crosses and slabs. An example from early medieval stonework is theAnglo-Saxonfrithstool atHexham Abbey.[3]
The symbol has been interpreted as representing the HolyTrinity, especially since theCeltic revival of the 19th century. The original intention by the early medieval artists is unknown and experts[who?] warn against over-interpretation.[2] It is, however, regularly used as a Trinitarian symbol in contemporary Catholiciconography.
The triquetra has been a known symbol in Japan calledMusubi Mitsugashiwa.[citation needed] Being one of the forms of theIakšaku dynasty signs, it reached Japan with the dynasty'sKāśyapīya spreading technology andBuddhism via theKingdom of Khotan,China, andKorea.[citation needed]
The triquetra is often used artistically as a design element whenCeltic knotwork is used, especially in association with the modernCeltic nations. The triquetra, also known as a "Irish Trinity Knot", is often found as a design element in popular Irish jewelry such ascladdaghs and other wedding or engagement rings.[4][page needed] Some Christians use the triquetra as a symbol for theTrinity.[5]
Celtic pagans orneopagans who are not of a Celtic cultural orientation may use the triquetra to symbolise a variety of concepts and mythological figures. Due to its presence in insular Celtic art,Celtic Reconstructionists use the triquetra either to represent one of the various triplicities in theircosmology andtheology (such as the tripartite division of the world into the realms of Land, Sea, and Sky),[6] or as a symbol of one of the specific Celtictriple goddesses – for example the battle goddess,The Morrígan. The symbol is also sometimes used by Wiccans, White Witches, and someNew Agers to symbolise theTriple Goddess, or as a protective symbol.[7]
In the 1998–2006 American fantasy dramaCharmed, that ran on the now-defunctThe WB network, the triquetra was prominently used as a symbol on the Halliwells'Book of Shadows, the book of spells, potions, and other information the sisters used to fight evil. The triquetra was also used as a symbol of theCharmed Ones and their collectivePower of Three. The triquetra on theBook of Shadows would be seen to fracture and pull apart when their bond was temporarily broken by a demon. It was also featured prominently in the opening credits of each episode throughout its eight-season run. The symbol was also used in the2018 reboot that ran onThe CW.
In the TV seriesThe Walking Dead (2010),Michonne'skatana features a triquetra, chosen for its meaning as a "triple goddess symbol".[8][9]
In the German Netflix seriesDark (2017), it symbolizes the caves' closed time loops with each loop being 33 years apart, with the past affecting the future and the future influencing the past. The Triquetra is of significant symbolic value to the time travelers. This symbol can be seen on the Cave's metal door, on theEmerald Tablet, in The Stranger's papers, and in the Sic Mundus photo.[10]
The Triquetra is shown onThor's hammer,Mjölnir, in the 2011 filmThor. AfterOdin utters to Mjölnir the words "Whosoever holds this hammer, if he be worthy, shall possess the power of Thor", the Triquetra vanishes. It representsAsgard,Midgard, andUtgard.[11]
The Triquetra is also used onTreyarch logo, used in many ofCall of Duty games (Such asWorld at War), which can be seen here[1].
![Four triquetras forming a "Carolingian cross" in the church of Santa Susanna in Galicia (11th/12th century[cite?]).](/mt/?noimg=&dark=on&url=http%3a%2f%2fen.wikipedia.org%2fwiki%2fFile%3aCruz_de_Santa_Susana.JPG)
We put a trinity on there – mind, body, soul. That's important to who Michonne (Danai Gurira) is. We put some squares around it. And (executive producer) Robert Kirkman wanted a symbol that was like the biohazard symbol … so we put a triple goddess on there, which looks exactly like it.
