The Triskelle
The triskelle at first was a symbol but soon it trespassed to the category of sigils. Such trespassing was resulted with existence of swastika that replaced the triskelle as was wide-known all around the world. The triskelle was a symbol of the wheel of life and symbolised its endlessness. In other words it was a symbol of the same meaning with the swastika. Though, the triskelle was rather soon replaced with swastika in that meaning. No matter on that the triskelle didn't disappear but acquired a new meaning and that meaning was the wheel of a history.
The triskelle is translated as tripod and the origin of its name is explained by the image of the triskelle. The triskelle is depicted as three lines that took their beginning at one point. Just like the lines of swastika the triskelle's lines are bended and follow each other. Sometimes those lines are depicted as legs that follow each other. That is why it was a symbol of the wheel of life and latter gained the meaning of the wheel of history. This is a symbol that was wide-known all around the world and was a symbol peculiar for a number of nations and cultures.
The triskelle is not only a symbol but also an amulet. It was an amulet of ancient Celts. They used the triskelle as a protection against evil spirits and everything evil that live in this world. The triskelle amulet implemented the unity of three main powers of nature. Those powers were considered to be the power of earth, air and water. Ancient Celts believed that the unity of those powers will protect them against anything. That is why the form of the triskelle is a tripod the lines of which gather at one point. That point is a symbol of the unity of those powers.
The triskelle soon become the symbol typical for a number of cultures and nations. For example the triskelle is depicted on the flag of Sicilia; it also was a typical symbol for Vikings. Depending on the culture the triskelle is adopted by the image of triskelle underwent certain changes. For example the triskelle may de depicted not as right-sided wheel but like the left-sided one. Though, unlike the meaning of swastika the meaning of triskelle underwent no changes that depend on the side the lines directed towards.
The triskelle may be of different kinds depending on the culture that depicts it though its meaning remains the same. For example, if you compare the triskelle of Celts and Vikings you will notice the difference between those two depictions. Though, the number of lines remains unchanged. The difference between Celtic and Viking triskelle is a direction of lines. The direction of lines is abolished in the triskelle of Vikings' culture. There also no point of confluence of those three lines. There are two kinds of triskelle in the culture of Vikings. Those are the triskelle a symbol of Odin and the triskelle a symbol that is known as Odin's Corn.