The Latin term "Triquetra" refers to a triangular motif with interlacing lines. The earliest examples of this symbol date back to the European Iron Age. In this blog, we explore the origins of the triquetra and examine the meaning of this symbol.
Triquetra in Archaeology
he term "triquetra" is used in archaeology to describe any figure consisting of three arcs, including designs such as the windmill-like triskelion. Triquetras appear from the 4th century BCE, often as decorations on pottery from Greece, Anatolia, and Persia. They are also found on early Lycian coins. In pre-Christian art, the triquetra is less common than the triskelion. The symbol may have an Eastern origin and could have been adopted by the Greeks. Although the triquetra might have a Proto-Indo-European origin, conclusive evidence is lacking.
The triquetra also appears on rune stones in Northern Europe, such as the Funbo rune stones, and on early Germanic coins. In form, it resembles the Valknut, a symbol consisting of three interwoven triangles found in similar contexts.
The Triquetra in Insular Celtic Art
Insular Celtic art was strongly influenced by Germanic art styles from the Migration Period (300–900 CE). These styles merged in Hiberno-Saxon art with the Celtic La Tène style, which persisted in Ireland even after the Roman conquest of Britain. Hiberno-Saxon art was heavily influenced by Christianity, and the triquetra likely represented the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).
In this early medieval art style, the triquetra often appeared in illuminated manuscripts, such as the Book of Kells, and on Anglo-Saxon coins from 710–760 CE. A notable example of early medieval stonework featuring the triquetra is the Anglo-Saxon frithstool in Hexham Abbey.
The Triquetra on Rune Stones
The Viking rune stone from Funbo U 937 depicts a triquetra. This rune stone, originally part of a larger group, mentions the names of deceased family members. The triquetra here may symbolize the continuity of the family or familial bonds. This draws parallels with the meaning of the Valknut, which might represent the eternal bond with Odin.
The Triquetra, Triskelion, or Valknut of Snoldelev
The Snoldelev Rune Stone in Denmark features several symbols combined with runic script. The script mentions that Gunnvaldr is a Þulʀ, a title possibly indicating a priest or skald (bard). In Old Norse, þula means "litany" and refers to a wise man, chieftain, or king. The stone depicts both the swastika and a triquetra, with the triquetra formed by interwoven drinking horns. The way the symbol is depicted raises questions about whether it is a Valknut, triquetra, or triskelion.
Drinking horns were ceremonial objects used during feasts, sacrificial rituals, or oath-bound practices. In this context, the swastika may symbolize the immortal sun bringing fertility to the earth, while the triquetra might express eternal loyalty to the stone's founder, Gunnvaldr.
The Number Three in Pagan Context
The numbers three and nine frequently appear in Indo-European paganism. In Old Norse tradition, the World Tree Yggdrasil connects three realms, and its branches link nine worlds. The Norns of fate are always three, and there are three phases of Ragnarok. Similarly, many Old Irish Brehon laws contain three or nine exceptions. The number three plays a vital role in the mythologies of Indo-European cultures. Thus, the Valknut symbol consists of three triangles, and the triskelion has three arms. These numbers were likely used to structure cosmic order.
Conclusion
The triquetra is a symbol that has been in use since the 4th century BCE. It may have broader Proto-Indo-European origins, though this is uncertain. The symbol resembles the Old Norse Valknut (from the Iron Age) and the triskelion (from the Neolithic). The meaning of this symbol varies depending on belief systems. In European paganism, it likely represented eternal connection, immortality, or loyalty. In Christianity, it symbolized the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). Today, Neo-Pagan groups interpret the symbol in various ways, depending on their reconstructive approach.
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