The Triskele: An Ancient and Enduring Symbol

The triskele is an ancient symbol, and although it isn’t uniquely Irish, it features in some of the oldest artwork found on the island of Ireland. Used in Ireland for thousands of years, the elemental and enduring form of the triskele is apparent in other beloved Irish symbols like the Trinity Knot or Brigid’s Cross.

What is a triskele?

Confusion can crop up as this symbol goes by several names besides triskele! Triskelion, a Celtic Triskele, a Celtic Triskelion, a Celtic Spiral, a Triple or Tri spiral, or even a Celtic Spiral Knot are just a few of the names for this ancient symbol.

Despite the many names and although the design may vary, at its simplest, the triskele is a repeating spiral, with three “limbs” that radiate out from a common centre. Indeed the name derives from the Greek words "Tri" meaning three and "Skelos," meaning legs - so quite literally, three legs!

When were triskeles used in Ireland?

Contrary to some of the names above, the triskele is much much older than Celtic culture. The oldest surviving examples of the triskele in Ireland can be found at Neolithic wonders like Newgrange that are over 5000 years old, older than Stonehenge or the pyramids of Giza!

The imposing entrance stone of this neolithic structure is famously decorated with numerous painstakingly hand carved triskeles.

It is also present at the similarly aged Cairn T at Loughcrew, an imposing structure built on the top of a hill in Co. Meath in alignment with the rising sun on the March Equinox.

This design crops up thousands of years later in the 1st century BC on a nearby dolmen, and was enthusiastically adopted in Celtic La Tène' culture, adorning the Turoe Stone in Co Galway and numerous ancient monuments and artefacts. This is perhaps why many associate the symbol with the Celts - this enigmatic and enduring motif was adopted and used in a variety of ways. It adorns ancient pottery and jewellery, as well as early Christian treasures like the Book of Kells.

What is the Symbolism of a Triskele?

Given the huge expanse of time over which it was used and the diverse applications, it is impossible that the triskele could have just one meaning.

Motion, Movement and Progress

For many, the triskele is a representation of perpetual motion or movement which could extend to the cyclicity of life, astronomical cycles, eternity and interconnectedness. The prevalence of the triskele at Newgrange, a monument built in alignment with the rising solstice sun has led some to suggest these spirals, at least in this instance, represent solar movements.

Interconnectedness and Spirituality

Given its association with astronomical sites like Newgrange, some view the triskele as a representation of three interconnected states or realms: birth, life and death, or the earth, the heavens, and underworld. This is a theme that is shared with another beloved ancient symbol, the Trinity Knot.

The three interlocking leaves of the Trinity Knot mirrors the tripartite design of the triskele, both symbols sharing overlapping meaning.

Celtic Culture

This would seem to chime with this symbol appearing in association with the Celtic God of the Sea and ruler of the Underworld in the Tuatha De Dannan, Manannán mac Lir. And this tripartite form can also be seen in the triple deities of Celtic mythology like the goddess Brigid. Indeed many pre-christian versions of the Brigid’s Cross have three legs rather than four, mirroring the form of the Triskele.

The Triskele Today

A beautiful form with a symbolism that bends in the eye of the beholder, its not surprising to find that this 5000 year old + design, the so-called first spiritual symbol, is still popular in Ireland to this day. You will find it used in pottery and fine jewellery, even cropping up as inspiration for designs of logos and symbols for diverse organisations like the Irish Air Corps and the Heritage Council of Ireland.