triad

In religion and mythology, a group of three associated gods. The Hindu Triad (Trimurti) consists of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva; the Christian Trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Triads occur in many belief systems.

The Sumerians had a triad: Anna, Enlil, and Enki. These gods were the originals of the Babylonian triad: Anu, lord of heaven, Bel, lord of Earth, and Ea, lord of the abyss, dividing the universe between them. In ancient Greek mythology, Zeus, Poseidon, and Pluto formed a triad. In Japan, Amida Buddha is often accompanied by the bodhisattvas Kwannon and Seishi.

Ancient Egyptians placed gods in formations of triads and enneads (of nine deities). The triad in any district usually consisted of a goddess, a god, and their son. Since the gods were mortal, the son was destined to take his father's place and was his exact counterpart.

At the centre of a Taoist temple are the three manifestations of the Tao: Da I (‘the Great Unity’), Ling Bao (‘the Heavenly One’), and Dao De Tian Zun (‘the Human One’).