| Notes on History: |
| The Celtic Supernatural: Triads |
| A particular aspect of
the Celtic dieties, both male and female, is that of
triplism. It is not a tendancy to trinitarian concepts or
the union of the three discinct supernatural beings into
one. It is an expression of the extreme power of any one
diety. It may be likened to the "power of
three" a sacred number far beyond the Celtic world;
Indian parallels can be found. One example if the triad of Morrigan (Queen of Demons) [Often related to Morgan Le Fay], Nemain (Panic), and Badb Catha (Raven of Battle). Morrigan appears frequently in Irish text but the same name is interchangeable with the other two and as a whole, is equivalent with Morrigana (the plural form). The goddess triad in Ireland is mirrored in teh Gallo-Roman dedications to the Mothers. These Matres or Matronae are usually depicted as three figures bearing symbols of fecundity. They sometimes possess territorial names demonstrating their identity with the territorial nature of goddess. The concept of the triad is apparent in many of the stories surrounding King Arthur, an indication of the source of the legend and the desire by authors to continue keeping the feel of the Celtic myth. At Arthur's death, he is born onto a ship to Avalon accompanied by three women, Morgan Le Fay being one. This triad likely refers to the Three Mothers of the Gallo-Roman tradition. But looking throughout the legend, the "power of three" appears as knights and kings search for adventure. Frequently, they will break into groups of three or will be part of a triangle of three acting characters. We have the three queens, two love triangles, and three knights successfu in seeing the Grail. Considering the number of times 3 appears in one form or another in the legend, I think it's safe to say that this is more than just a coincidence [But probably more a similar pattern than a source]. Powel, T.G.E., The Celts, New York: Thames and Hudson Ltd., 1983. |
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