The triquetra is an ancient symbol that can be described as a three-sided knot that has been present in many Tamrielic cultures. Evidence of its earliest known usage comes from an Ebony fox totem depicting Shor with the blending of Snow Elf and Atmoran artisan techniques. This totem features the standard triquetra along with a variation of it seen in Snow Elf equipment.[1] However, the symbol is most commonly used by the Bretons in the modern day. The origins of Bretonic usage dates back to around 1E 330 on the Systres Archipelago: the Druids of Galen dissolved due to a religious schism and split into the Stonelore, Eldertide, and Firesong Circles. The three druidic circles thus began shaping knot-work into the triquetra, to symbolize their shared goals and ultimate unity.[2][3][4] When mainland Bretons adopted the triquetra is unknown, but today it can be found emblazoned on many things associated with Bretons, such as their armor, weapons,[5] furniture,[6] and clothing.
The Clever Women of Skyrim are keepers of an ancient ceremony whereby blood is bound to the tides through the use of runes, thereby transforming one's skin to mirror the sea's restless waters. They are the only group known to possess that knowledge and the secrets of the Runic Seabrume. One of the symbols engraved on the skin is the triquetra.[7]
The triquetra was also used as a symbol by the Ayleids. For them, it symbolized land, sea, and sky. It served as the emblem of House Dynar, the royal house of Nenalata; the symbol of a triquetra carved into meteoric iron has been found on torcs made by the Ayleid jewelcrafters of Nenalata.[8] The symbol is also present in Eld Angavar, an abandoned realm created by a clan of Barsaebic Ayleids.[9]
By the end of the Third Era, the triquetra was also used on Cyrodilic shortswords.[10]
GalleryEdit
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Ebony Fox Totem, a blending of Atmoran and Snow Elf techniques
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Snow Elf Boots with a triquetra variation
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Various Breton armors with the symbol
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Braided strip circlet
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On a Cyrodilic steel shortsword circa 3E 433
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On High King Emeric's crown, chest, and belt
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On a Blessing of Production
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Bearers of Runic Seabrume, with a runic triquetra on their forehead
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Meteoric iron triquetra
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Triquetra in Eld Angavar
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Legacy of the Bretons Ouroboros orbs covered with triquetras
ReferencesEdit
- ^ Ebony Fox Totem antiquity codex entry in ESO
- ^ Druidic Knotwork Body Tattoos body markings description in ESO
- ^ Druid Ryvana's dialogue in ESO: High Isle
- ^ Systres History: Volume 1 — Trilam Heladren, Associate Dean of Eltheric History, University of Gwylim
- ^ Crafting Motif 93: Ancestral Breton Style — Serge Serlyn, "Military Scholar of Much Renown"
- ^ Triquetra's prominence in Breton Furnishings in ESO
- ^ Runic Seabrume description in ESO
- ^ Torc of the Last Ayleid King's Meteoric Iron Triquetra antiquity codex entries in ESO
- ^ Eld Angavar's appearance in ESO
- ^ Steel Shortsword's appearance in Oblivion