The Triad.
The Triad
Ah, the power of three! It is a motif that echoes throughout the pages of
mythology. In the land of the Pharaohs, the Great Ennead tells of Geb and
Nut, progenitors of the gods. From their divine loins, came forth a trinity
of great importance - Osiris, Isis, and Set. These three deities held sway
over fundamental aspects of life itself. The verdant Osiris may have been
venerated as the patron of agriculture and greenery, while the fair Isis
embodied the very essence of female fertility. The harsh, unforgiving Set,
in stark contrast, ruled over the barren, arid desert - a place where even
the hardiest vegetation withers and dies, parched and emaciated. Such was
the power of the Egyptian triad, a balance of forces that sustained the
fabric of life.
In the beginning, there was naught but the endless void of Chaos, a vast
expanse of darkness and formlessness from which all things were to emerge.
It was from this unfathomable abyss that the great goddess Earth first
emerged, a being of immense power and boundless potential. From her very
being sprang forth Uranus, the mighty king of the heavens, whose dominion
stretched far and wide over the infinite expanse of the sky. Together, Earth
and Uranus produced a host of powerful and godlike offspring, known as the
Titans, each one a master of their own realm and possessed of immense power
and wisdom. And so it was that Earth, the mother of all creation, took her
rightful place among the pantheon of gods, revered and worshiped throughout
the ages as a symbol of the enduring power and majesty of the natural world.
In the time before the Roman Empire was even a twinkle in the eyes of its
founders, the people of Rome worshiped a triad of deities, each holding
their own unique place in the pantheon. The first was Jupiter, the
thunderous ruler of the heavens and a god of great power and majesty, often
equated with the Greek god Zeus. Mars, on the other hand, was a fierce and
fearsome deity, presiding over the art of war and revered by soldiers and
generals alike. His influence was so strong that he even surpassed his Greek
counterpart, the impulsive and bloodthirsty Ares. Finally, there was
Quirinus, a god whose role was less defined but no less important, as he was
seen as a protector of the common people and a symbol of the Roman citizen's
identity. When the Greeks arrived on the scene, they brought with them their
own pantheon of gods and goddesses, but they had no equivalent to Quirinus,
making the Archaic Triad a uniquely Roman creation.
Three-folded divinities held great significance in the ancient Roman
religion, with the Capitoline Triad occupying a prominent place in Roman
mythology. The transition from the Archaic Triad to the Capitoline Triad
marked a significant shift in Roman religious beliefs. The Romans held
Jupiter, the king of the gods, as the foremost god of their pantheon, with
his abode being the Capitoline Hill in Rome. Juno, the goddess of marriage,
and Minerva, the goddess of wisdom, both found their place in the new triad.
The Romans associated Juno with the Greek goddess Hera, while Minerva was
identified with Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom. The worship of the
Capitoline Triad was at the heart of Roman religious life, with the temple
of Jupiter serving as its centerpiece.
In the vastness of Teutonic mythology, the presence of a triad becomes
apparent through the epic tales of creation. It all began before the
emergence of life, where two realms existed, Muspelheim and Niflheim.
Muspelheim was the realm of fire, while Niflheim was one of ice and fog.
Ginnungagap, the great void, lay between them, where heat and ice collided.
From this void, a young giant named Ymir emerged as the first living being.
The arrival of Audhumla, a cow, was the next event. Ymir fed on her milk,
allowing him to grow to adulthood. Three more beings were born from him, the
first divine family. While this was happening, Buri, a second giant, was
frozen in Niflheim. Audhumla licked the ice around him, freeing him. Buri
then gave birth to Bor, who went on to marry Bestla. Together they bore
three sons, Odin, Ve, and Vili. The three sons of Bor and Bestla became the
creators of the first race of gods. The tree that supported all creation was
the giant ash known as Yggdrasil, which had three roots. One of these roots
reached Niflheim, another grew upwards in Asgard, while the third extended
to Jotunheim, the land of the giants. Through these epic stories, the triad
emerges as a recurring theme in Teutonic mythology, woven into the very
fabric of their beliefs.
In the ancient world, the notion of a trinity of powerful entities was
far-reaching, extending beyond the mythologies highlighted earlier.
Egyptian, Greek, and Roman belief systems contained prominent triads, with
gods and goddesses grouped into threes, each with their unique powers and
spheres of influence. The Celts believed in a triple goddess, representing
maiden, mother, and crone, as well as a triple god, symbolizing the sun, the
sky, and the underworld. In Norse mythology, three Norns, female figures who
controlled destiny, lived beneath the great ash tree, Yggdrasil. In
Hinduism, the Trimurti consisted of three forms of Brahman, while in
Christianity, the Holy Trinity is the foundation of the religion, with God
the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit united as one. Such a belief
in the power of three has persisted throughout history, influencing the art,
literature, and culture of countless civilizations.
In the grand tapestry of Hindu mythology, the Trimurti is a crucial aspect,
for it encompasses the three supreme deities who have long been revered in
the Indian subcontinent. Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva form the triad,
representing the different facets of cosmic existence. Brahma, with his four
faces, signifies creation, Vishnu, with his ten incarnations, embodies
preservation, and Shiva, with his third eye, stands for destruction. Their
divine powers interweave and interact, creating a never-ending cycle of
creation, preservation, and destruction. This cycle of rebirth and renewal
is believed to continue indefinitely, as the Trimurti continues to guide and
govern the cosmic balance of the universe. Together, these three gods were believed to control the destiny of all living beings, from the smallest insect to the mightiest god. The Trimurti was revered as the ultimate expression of the divine power and wisdom that governed the universe, and was worshiped throughout India and beyond.
In the tales of the Norse, the trinity of Odin, Thor, and Freyja are held in
the highest esteem. Odin, the all-knowing god, is the wise and powerful
ruler of Asgard, and a skilled magician who can communicate with the dead.
Thor, the mighty thunder god, is renowned for his brute strength and courage
in battle, his hammer Mjolnir is a symbol of his power. Freyja, the
enchanting goddess, rules over love and fertility, and is a symbol of beauty
and pleasure. These three deities embody different aspects of existence, but
all work together to preserve the balance of nature. The Norns are also
highly regarded in Norse mythology, as they spin the threads of fate and
weave the tapestry of the future, ultimately determining the destiny of
every living being.
Nonetheless, in Celtic mythology, the trinity of the goddess is an integral
theme. She embodies the cycle of life, death, and rebirth, and is often
depicted as a triad of three different aspects. The Maiden represents youth
and potential, the Mother symbolizes nurturing and abundance, while the
Crone embodies wisdom and transformation. These aspects reflect the eternal
ebb and flow of nature's cycles. The three goddesses, Brigid, Macha, and
Morrigu, represent various facets of the divine feminine. Brigid is known as
the patroness of healing, poetry, and smithcraft, while Macha personifies
the warrior spirit. Morrigu, on the other hand, is the goddess of death and
fate, who represents the inevitable conclusion of all life's journeys.
In the ancient Germanic and Celtic regions of Europe, the worship of the
Matres/Matronae was deeply rooted and widespread, with many altars dedicated
to them found in the Rhineland and Danube regions of the Roman Empire. The
cult of the Matres/Matronae was closely linked to fertility, motherhood, and
abundance, and many votive altars bore inscriptions with the names of those
who dedicated them, often women but sometimes also men. The Matres/Matronae
were commonly depicted as three seated women holding baskets of fruit or
cornucopias, although the exact nature of their divine status is unclear.
Some scholars believe that they may have been considered more of a local and
regional cult, rather than as major deities like the gods and goddesses of
other mythologies. Nonetheless, the worship of the Matres/Matronae persisted
for centuries, surviving well into the Christian era, and even some
Christian saints, like Saint Ursula, were associated with them, further
highlighting their continued importance and influence.
In the vast field of mythology and belief systems, the concept of the triad
of powerful forces is woven throughout history. In Norse mythology, the
three most important gods are Odin, Thor, and Freyja, while the three Norns,
Urðr, Verðandi, and Skuld, control the destiny of humans. In Celtic
mythology, the threefold goddess represents the different stages of a
woman's life and the phases of the moon, embodied by the goddesses Brigid,
Macha, and Morrigu. Meanwhile, Greek mythology features the three Fates who
weave the thread of life, and in Roman mythology, the three Capitoline
deities, Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva, reign supreme. In Slavic mythology, the
three-headed god Triglav stands tall, while in Finnish mythology, the
Syväjärvi sisters are the three goddesses of fate. The Baltic Laimas are
also three goddesses of fate. Christianity's Holy Trinity represents the
three persons of God and the unity of the divine, and Taoism's three jewels
of compassion, moderation, and humility are considered the keys to living a
balanced and harmonious life. In indigenous cultures, the triad of the sky,
earth, and underworld represents different aspects of existence and the
interconnectedness of all things, revealing a deep reverence for the natural
world.
In the ancient land of Mesopotamia, the concept of a powerful triad of gods
was a fundamental aspect of the Babylonian mythology. The Anunnaki, meaning
"the ones who came from heaven to earth", were a group of three primary gods
- Anu, Enlil, and Ea. Anu, the god of the sky, was believed to be the father
of all gods and had the power to control the fate of humanity. Enlil, the
god of earth, wind, and storms, was the one who brought forth the floods and
winds that could both destroy and renew life. Ea, the god of water and
wisdom, was the one who brought knowledge to humans and helped them in their
times of need. Together, the Anunnaki formed a powerful triad that ruled
over the cosmos, and their power was believed to be so immense that they
were responsible for the creation and management of the universe itself.
Amidst the colorful mythology of ancient cultures of Chinese mythology, the
concept of Sancai or the "Three Powers" has been revered for centuries.
According to ancient Chinese beliefs, the universe is governed by three
fundamental forces: Heaven, Earth, and Humanity. These three powers are
intricately intertwined, and their harmonious balance is essential to
maintain cosmic order. The Sancai concept is deeply ingrained in Taoist
philosophy, where it is known as the "Three Treasures" or "Three Jewels."
These treasures represent the keys to a balanced and harmonious life, and
are embodied by the principles of compassion, frugality, and humility. The
Sancai concept has played a significant role in Chinese culture, inspiring
everything from art and literature to religion and philosophy. Still in
Chinese mythology, there are three powerful deities known as the Three Pure
Ones. They are considered to be the highest gods in the Taoist pantheon, and
are associated with the creation and governing of the universe.
In Taoism, the Three Pure Ones represent the highest principles of Taoist
philosophy: heaven, earth, and humanity. Jing, Qi, and Shen, the three
treasures in Taoist alchemy, are regarded as the foundation of physical and
spiritual well-being.
In the mythology of Hawaii, the number three holds a sacred place in their
legends and beliefs. According to the Hawaiian creation story, the world was
formed by three powerful gods, Kane, Ku, and Lono. Kane was the creator, Ku
was the god of war, and Lono was the god of fertility and peace. These gods
represented the fundamental forces of creation, destruction, and balance
that governed the universe.
Additionally, the Hawaiian pantheon includes a trinity of goddesses known as
the "Three Sisters of Fire." These powerful goddesses are Pele, Hi'iaka, and
Namaka. Pele is the goddess of fire, volcanoes, and lightning. Hi'iaka is
the goddess of hula and the forest, while Namaka is the goddess of the sea.
These goddesses are said to embody the natural elements that are vital to
the survival of the Hawaiian people and the harmony of the land.
The legend of the three fishermen who became demigods is another important
part of Hawaiian mythology. Maui, Kana, and Kauila were the three legendary
fishermen who possessed great skill and knowledge in the art of fishing.
Maui, the most famous of the three, was said to have fished up the islands
of Hawaii from the depths of the ocean using a magical hook. Kana was known
for his ability to fish with a hook made from his own bone, and Kauila was
known for his exceptional fishing canoe made from a single tree trunk. These
three demigods embody the importance of fishing to Hawaiian culture and
their deep connection to the ocean.
In the ancient mythologies of Africa, the number three was also highly
revered, and the Yoruba people of Nigeria had their own trinity of deities
known as the Orishas [orisa meta]. These three divine beings held immense
power over the universe and its creation, and were deeply intertwined with
the Yoruba religion. Obatala, the wise and pure creator god, was one of the
Orishas, along with Shango, the thunderous and masculine god of lightning,
and Ogun, the god of iron, technology, and war. Together, they were believed
to govern the three realms of existence - heaven, earth, and the underworld
- with their divine power and wisdom.
Similarly, the Ashanti people of Ghana also had their own trinity of
deities, known as the Abosom. Nyame, the sky god, was considered the
ultimate creator and controller of destiny, while Asase Ya, the earth
goddess, was responsible for fertility and growth. Nana Nyame, the god of
the sun, represented the very essence of life and vitality. These three
Abosom were believed to have the power to shape and control the world around
them, and were worshiped with great reverence and awe by the Ashanti people.
In the intricate web of mythological lore of Ancient Egypt, the number three
held a profound significance. One of the most celebrated examples is the
triad of Memphis, which consisted of the god Ptah, his consort the goddess
Sekhmet, and their son Nefertum. Ptah was the master artisan, creator of the
world, and patron of craftsmen and architects. Sekhmet was the fierce
goddess of war, known for her restorative powers, and Nefertum was the
divine patron of perfumes, beauty, and sunrise.
Moreover, the Theban triad was another significant grouping in Egyptian
mythology, which included the god Amun, his wife the goddess Mut, and their
son, the moon god Khonsu. Amun, the hidden one, was the god of creation and
the king of the gods. Mut was the mother goddess, the wife of Amun and the
queen of the gods, while Khonsu was the youthful lunar deity, who was
associated with timekeeping and healing.
Additionally, the ancient Egyptians believed that the human soul was
composed of three elements: the ka, the ba, and the akh. The ka was the
vital force of the individual, the ba was the unique personality, and the
akh was the immortal spirit that continued on after death. This tripartite
concept of the soul was central to Egyptian funerary rituals and practices,
which placed great importance on the afterlife and the journey of the soul
through the underworld to the realm of the gods.
In Africa, the number three holds a significant place. Among these, the
Dogon people of Mali worship a trinity of deities known as Amma, Nommo, and
Binu. Amma, the creator god, is revered as the supreme being who created the
universe. Nommo, the mediator between humans and the divine, communicates
with the gods on behalf of humanity. Binu, the messenger between the human
and spiritual worlds, serves as the bridge between the physical and the
divine. The Dogon people also believe in another trinity of gods: Amma,
Binu, and Gu. This triad symbolizes the creative force, the force of
division, and the force of balance.
The Fon religion of Benin also reveres a triad of gods known as Mawu-Lisa,
the balance between male and female aspects of the universe. Mawu, the
goddess of the moon, fertility, and creation, represents the feminine
principle. Lisa, the god of the sun, the sky, and order, represents the
masculine principle. And Legba, the intermediary god who communicates with
humans, bridges the gap between the mortal and divine realms.
The Lugbara people of Uganda and Congo believe in a triad of creator gods
named Adroa, Gborogboro, and Dribidu. Adroa represents the sky, Gborogboro
the earth, and Dribidu the underworld. Meanwhile, the Dinka people of Sudan
worship three deities: Nhialic, Garang, and Deng. Nhialic is the creator
god, Garang is the god of sky and rain, and Deng is the god of fertility and
prosperity.
Among the Kikuyu people of Kenya, there are three creator gods named Ngai,
Mwene Nyaga, and Mukuru. Ngai is the most powerful god who created
everything, while Mwene Nyaga is the god of rain and agriculture, and Mukuru
is the god of thunder and lightning. The Ashanti people of Ghana worship
three main gods: Nyame, the god of the sky, Odomankoma, the creator god, and
Ananse, the god of storytelling and wisdom.
Finally, the Zulu people of South Africa believe in three creator gods,
Unkulunkulu, Nomkhubulwane, and Umvelinqangi. Unkulunkulu, the highest god,
created humans, while Nomkhubulwane is the goddess of rain and agriculture,
and Umvelinqangi is the god of the sky and thunder. The San people of
southern Africa also worship a trinity of creator gods: Kaggen, the
trickster god, ||Gaona, the god of healing and rain, and ||Kabbo, the god of
hunting and animals.
In the ancient annals of Japanese mythology, the Three Divine Generals stand
proud as the watchful guardians of Japan. These deities, known as the Sanshu
no Jingi, are revered for their ability to safeguard Japan from natural
disasters and preserve the land's vitality. As the embodiment of Japan's
triumvirate of virtues, the Three Divine Generals represent courage, wisdom,
and benevolence. They have been worshiped by the Japanese people for
centuries, and their legends continue to inspire reverence and awe to this
day.
In the Shinto religion, the Three Divine Beings reign supreme as the deities
of creation. Izanagi and Izanami, the divine husband and wife, are credited
with bringing forth the islands of Japan and giving birth to the gods and
goddesses that inhabit them. Amaterasu, their granddaughter, is the radiant
goddess of the sun and the ancestor of the imperial family. She is believed
to have brought light and life to the world and is revered as one of Japan's
most important deities. Through their divine acts of creation and their
benevolent guidance, the Three Divine Beings continue to shape the spiritual
landscape of Japan and inspire the hearts and minds of the Japanese people.
In the mythological tales of Korea, there exists a triumvirate of celestial
beings known as the Three Kingdoms, who are revered as the lords of the
three realms - the heavens, the earth, and the underworld. According to
Korean legends, these divine beings, each with their unique powers, stand
guard over the cosmos and its inhabitants, maintaining the delicate balance
between the worlds. The Three Kingdoms are also believed to have played a
crucial role in the establishment of the Korean nation, with each deity
bestowing its blessings upon the land and its people. Though their origin
stories vary, the Three Kingdoms remain a central pillar of Korean
mythology, embodying the principles of balance, harmony, and divine
protection. These Three Sovereigns, Hwanin, Hwanung, and Dangun, are the
three important gods who are believed to have created the world and founded
the first kingdom of Korea. They are revered and honored as the divine
rulers of Korea.
In the ancient mythology of Vietnam, there exist three divine beings, widely
known as the Three Mothers, whose powers are beyond human comprehension. The
Three Mothers are highly venerated goddesses in Vietnamese folklore and
religion, known to possess incredible abilities to heal the sick, protect
children, and create human life. According to Taoist beliefs, these deities
represent the cosmic trinity of heaven, earth, and humanity and are regarded
as the ultimate creators of the world. Legend has it that the goddesses
emerged from the great void, bringing forth life and order to the universe.
Their names are Linh Nữ, Thánh Nữ, and Mẫu Thượng Thiên, each with unique
attributes and responsibilities in maintaining the harmony of the world.
In the ancient myths of the Mongolian people, there were three great and
mighty spirits who were known as the Three Supreme Eternal Ones. These
mighty beings were revered as the guardians of the universe, who held the
power to regulate the natural forces of wind and rain. According to
Mongolian folklore, the Three Supreme Eternal Ones were the source of all
life on Earth and were considered the most powerful gods. In Mongolian
mythology, there were three gods who were revered above all others: the
Three Eternal Blue Skies. These powerful deities were said to have created
the world and were associated with the celestial bodies of the sky, the sun,
and the moon. It was believed that they were responsible for the harmony of
the universe and the natural balance of all things.
In the rich tapestry of Tibetan mythology, there exist three protectors,
known as the Three Protecting Deities. These mighty beings are the revered
guardians of the three realms of existence, and their power is said to be
great enough to dispel even the most malevolent evil spirits. In the deeply
spiritual realm of Tibetan Buddhism, the Three Jewels reign supreme. These
jewels consist of Avalokiteshvara, the embodiment of compassion, Manjushri,
the embodiment of wisdom, and Vajrapani, the embodiment of power. Together,
they form an unbreakable trinity that illuminates the path towards
enlightenment for all who follow it.
In the rich and vibrant mythology of Thailand, there exists a trio of
formidable and revered kings, known as the Three Guardian Deities. These
magnificent beings are said to possess the power to govern the very elements
themselves, controlling the weather and ensuring the continued prosperity
and protection of their beloved kingdom. The Three Guardian Deities are held
in the highest esteem by the people of Thailand, and are regarded as the
foremost defenders of their land, standing stalwart against all threats to
its safety and sovereignty. Such is the strength and might of these
legendary rulers that even the most formidable of foes would tremble at the
mere mention of their names, for they are truly the living embodiment of the
indomitable spirit of the Thai people.
In Indonesian mythology, the Trimurti, a trinity of deities, are considered
to be the threefold aspects of the supreme god who possesses the power of
creation, sustenance, and destruction. Their collective powers are thought
to ensure the continuous cycle of the universe.
In Maori mythology, there is a triad of gods known as the Three Baskets of
Knowledge, which represent the three levels of knowledge: spiritual,
intellectual, and physical. These three levels of knowledge are considered
essential for understanding the universe and one's place in it.
In Polynesian mythology, there is a triad of gods known as the Polynesian
Trinity, which consists of Tangaroa, the god of the sea, Tane, the god of
the forest, and Rongo, the god of agriculture. These three gods are said to
be the creators of the world and the source of all life in the universe.
In Indian mythology, the Trimurti, consisting of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva,
are considered the three supreme gods who have the power to create,
maintain, and destroy the universe. These three entities are worshiped and
revered as the ultimate authorities over all aspects of life.
In the grand tapestry of Persian mythology, the Amesha Spentas hold a place
of utmost importance. These are the Bounteous Immortals, a divine triad
tasked with safeguarding the very fabric of the universe. Through their
embodiment of lofty principles such as order, truth, and justice, they
ensure that chaos never reigns supreme. Each of the Amesha Spentas has a
distinct role to play, from the wise and benevolent Vohu Manah, who brings
good thoughts to the minds of mortals, to the strong and steadfast
Haurvatat, who represents health and wholeness. Together, they stand as a
bulwark against the forces of darkness, upholding the pillars of creation
and keeping the world in harmony.
In Buddhist mythology, the Triple Gem, which comprises the Buddha, Dharma,
and Sangha, are considered essential components for attaining enlightenment.
The Buddha represents the enlightened one, the Dharma signifies his
teachings, and the Sangha represents the community of monks and nuns who
follow his teachings.
In the grand design of Confucian thought, the Three Treasures stand as
pillars of righteousness, enlightening the path to living a life of virtue.
Compassion, moderation, and humility are the hallowed virtues which guide
one to become a paragon of moral excellence. Confucianism held these virtues
in high esteem and considered them fundamental for building a harmonious
society. The notion of compassion, which is the first of the Three
Treasures, was deemed necessary to engender the moral courage to put oneself
in the shoes of others, while the second Treasure of moderation upheld the
virtue of self-control and promoted a sense of balance in all aspects of
life. The last and perhaps the most critical Treasure, humility, was
believed to be the bedrock of all virtues, for only with it could one reach
a level of self-awareness and self-cultivation.
In Native American mythology, triads abound. The Mayans, for example, spoke
of a trio of deities known as the "three hearthstones." Among these were
Itzamna, the divine creator, Ixchel, the goddess of fertility and healing,
and Chaac, the lord of thunder and rain. Similarly, in the mythology of the
Azetcs, a trio of gods called the "three celestial houses" are revered.
These include Huitzilopochtli, the god of war and the sun, Tlaloc, the god
of rain and fertility, and Quetzalcoatl, the deity of knowledge and wind.
In Maya mythology, there is a concept known as the Triad of Creation. This triad consists of three gods: Itzamna, the god of creation and knowledge; Ixchel, the goddess of fertility and medicine; and Chac, the god of rain and agriculture. Together, these three gods were believed to be responsible for the creation and sustenance of the world.
Itzamna was often depicted as a wise old man with a long beard and a staff, and was associated with knowledge, writing, and divination. Ixchel, on the other hand, was often depicted as a young woman, and was associated with childbirth, medicine, and the moon. Chac was often depicted as a fierce warrior, and was associated with rain, lightning, and agriculture.
The Triad of Creation was central to Maya religious beliefs, and was often depicted in art and architecture. The three gods were believed to work together to maintain the balance and harmony of the natural world, and were often invoked in rituals and ceremonies to ensure good harvests, fertility, and protection.
Among the Incas, a triad of gods known as the "three levels" exist, which
consist of Hanan Pacha, the upper world of the gods, Kay Pacha, the realm of
the living, and Uku Pacha, the underworld. The Hopi people also have their
own triad of Masau'u, the Spider Woman, and the Twins, responsible for the
creation and maintenance of the world.
In many cases, these triads embody distinct aspects of the natural world,
such as the sky, earth, and underworld, or the elements of air, water, and
fire. They may also represent distinct facets of human experience, such as
birth, life, and death, or the stages of initiation into adulthood.
It's important to note that the concept of a triad or trinity of gods is not
unique to any one culture or religion. Many ancient cultures and religions,
including those in Egypt and Mesopotamia, had their own versions of triads
or trinities. It's also worth mentioning that the idea of a triad or trinity
is not necessarily a direct copy or plagiarism, as it could simply be a
result of shared human experiences and patterns of thought.
It's tricky to categorically state that the entire history of Christianity
is a plagiarism of previous mythologies, a researcher will have to put all
the pieces of this puzzle together and decide for himself what he thinks is
the truth, it's still a touchy subject. In the case of Christianity, the
concept of the Holy Trinity was developed over centuries of theological
debate and discussion within the early Christian church. Is it an idea that
was borrowed directly from other religions or rather a way for early
Christians to articulate their understanding of God as one being in three
persons - the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit?
Of course, it's also possible that early Christian thinkers were influenced
by their exposure to other cultures and religious ideas, as well as the
philosophical concepts of their time.
The First Council of Nicaea was convened by the Roman Emperor Constantine I
in AD 325, and it was attended by hundreds of bishops from around the
Christian world. The Council was called to address various issues that were
causing controversy within the Church at the time, including the
relationship between Jesus Christ and God the Father.
At the Council of Nicaea, the doctrine of the Trinity was officially
formulated [or plagiarized], which states that there is one God in three
persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. The
decision to formulate the doctrine of the Trinity was based on various
scriptural references and theological arguments put forth by the bishops,
and it was ultimately accepted as a fundamental doctrine of the Christian
faith.
As for the history of Christianity, it is a complex and multifaceted subject
that has been studied by scholars and theologians for centuries. While
Eusebius of Caesarea was an important figure in early Christian history and
is known for his extensive writings on the subject, the whole world of
professor philosophers and theologians will say that he did not "invent"
Christian history, rather, the history of Christianity has been shaped by a
wide range of factors, including political and social developments,
theological debates, and the lives and teachings of key figures such as
Jesus Christ, the apostles, and early Church fathers.
In Judaism, there are some references to a triad-like structure in the
Hebrew Torah, particularly in the names of God. In Judaism, the name of God
is considered sacred and not to be spoken aloud. Instead, various substitute
names are used to refer to God, including Adonai, Elohim [אֱלֹהִים], and
YHVH (also known as the Tetragrammaton). The concept of a triad of
omnipotent forces is present, but hidden in Judaism. Judaism is a
monotheistic religion that believes in one God who is all-powerful and
omnipotent. While there are angels and other celestial beings in Jewish
tradition, they are not seen as equal in power or status to God. In fact,
the belief in a triad or any form of polytheism is considered a violation of
the central tenets of Judaism, but when you delve into Jewish esotericism,
especially in the universe of gematria, you begin to find relationships with
the triad, which are not available to the eyes of the goyim [non-Jewish
people].
The concept of gematria is a Jewish method of interpreting Hebrew words and
phrases by associating them with numerical values. Each Hebrew letter has a
corresponding numerical value, and the total numerical value of a word or
phrase can be calculated by adding up the values of its constituent letters.
This technique is used to find hidden meanings in the text.
One example of gematria in the Hebrew Torah is the association of the name
Elohim with the number three. The Hebrew word for "God" is Elohim, which has
a numerical value of 86. When this number is divided by 3, the result is 28.
In Jewish tradition, the number 28 is associated with the concept of a triad
or a grouping of three. [The exact result of dividing 86 by 3 is
28.666666666666668.]
It is worth noting that while the concept of a triad is not as prominent in
Judaism as it is in other mythologies, there are still various
interpretations and associations with the number three in Jewish tradition.
For example, there are three patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) and
three pilgrimage festivals (Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot) in Judaism.
The number 28 is significant in Gematria because it is the value of the
Hebrew word "כח" (koach), which means strength or power. This word appears
frequently in Jewish texts, and its association with the number 28 suggests
that strength and power are closely linked to the concept of a triad or
grouping of three.
Moreover, the number 28 is also associated with the lunar cycle, which has
28 days. In Jewish tradition, the lunar cycle is linked to the cycle of
human life and to the divine presence in the world. Therefore, the number 28
has come to represent the cyclical nature of life, the presence of the
divine, and the power that comes from a grouping of three.
In Jewish tradition, the number 28 is associated with the concept of a triad
because it is the sum of the numbers that represent the Hebrew letters
Aleph, Chet, and Mem. These three letters together form the word "echad,"
which means "one" or "unity." Therefore, the number 28 is seen as
representing the unity of three separate elements, which is a concept
similar to a triad.
Additionally, there are other instances in Jewish tradition where the number
3 or triads are significant, such as the three patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac,
and Jacob), the three pilgrimage festivals (Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot),
and the three parts of the Hebrew Bible (Torah, Prophets, and Writings).
In Hebrew, each letter corresponds to a numerical value, and this practice
of assigning numerical values to letters is known as Gematria. The numerical
value of the word "Elohim" in Hebrew is 86, which is the product of two
other important numbers in Jewish tradition: 2 and 43.
The number 2 represents the duality of the universe, such as heaven and
earth, light and darkness, good and evil. Meanwhile, the number 43 is
associated with the concept of "chesed," which means "loving-kindness" or
"grace." This idea of "chesed" is closely associated with the name "Elohim,"
which is often translated as "God" or "Creator."
Interestingly, if we take the word "Elohim" and add the numerical values of
each letter together using Gematria, we get 1 + 30 + 5 + 10 + 40 = 86. This
is the same numerical value we obtained by multiplying 2 and 43.
Furthermore, the number 86 has a special relationship with the number 26,
which is the numerical value of the four-letter name of God, "YHVH" or
"Tetragrammaton." The sum of the squares of the digits of 86 is equal to the
numerical value of the name "YHVH." In other words, 8^2 + 6^2 = 64 + 36 =
100, which is the same numerical value as "YHVH" when each of its four
letters is squared and added together: 10^2 + 5^2 + 6^2 + 5^2 = 100.
This connection between "Elohim" and "YHVH" suggests that the two names are
not separate, but rather two aspects of the same divine entity. The name
"Elohim" emphasizes God's creative power and sovereignty over the natural
world, while the name "YHVH" emphasizes God's personal and ethical
relationship with humanity.
In Hebrew, Adonai is written as אֲדֹנָי. Its gematria value is 65, which is
the same as the word for "year" (שָׁנָה). This connection between Adonai and
the concept of time is significant in Jewish tradition.
Elohim, as previously mentioned, has a gematria value of 86. Interestingly,
when the two values (65 for Adonai and 86 for Elohim) are added together,
the sum is 151. This is the same gematria value as the Hebrew phrase "Ain
Sof," which means "the infinite" or "without end." This suggests a
connection between Adonai and Elohim and the idea of the infinite or
eternal.
YHVH, also known as the Tetragrammaton, has a gematria value of 26. When the
values of Adonai and Elohim are added together, and then the result is added
to the gematria value of YHVH, the sum is 177. This is the same gematria
value as the phrase "HaTeva," which means "nature" or "the natural world."
This connection suggests that Adonai, Elohim, and YHVH represent different
aspects of the natural world and the divine forces that govern it.
While there is no explicit mention of a triad in Jewish tradition, the
connections between Adonai, Elohim, and YHVH through gematria suggest a
possible association between the three as a divine grouping. The concept of
the divine triad is found in other mythologies and could have influenced
Jewish thought, but this is a matter of debate among scholars.
While the gematria of the letters in the name YHVH can be interpreted in
different ways, it is important to note that in Jewish tradition, the
concept of a triad is not necessarily tied to numerical values or gematria.
Rather, the idea of a triad or trinity is seen in the concept of God's unity
and the interconnectedness of God's attributes.
In Jewish theology, God is often described as having three primary
attributes: God's infinite mercy (rachamim), God's infinite power or justice
(din), and God's harmony or balance between these two attributes (tiferet).
These three attributes are seen as different aspects of God's nature, but
they are ultimately unified in God's oneness.
Furthermore, the Jewish concept of the triad can also be seen in the three
pillars of Jewish life: Torah (study of Jewish law and tradition), avodah
(worship or service to God), and gemilut chasadim (acts of kindness and
compassion towards others). These three pillars are seen as essential
components of a meaningful Jewish life, and they are interconnected in a way
that reflects the unity of God's nature.
Therefore, while gematria and numerical values are certainly an important
part of Jewish mysticism and theology, the concept of a triad in Judaism is
ultimately tied to the unity of God and the interconnectedness of God's
attributes and teachings.
Three; three and always three omnipresent forces! Chaos, Order, and
Destruction.
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