THE PHENOMENON OF A TRIPLE TRIPLING (3X3X3) OF GODDESSES IN ARCHAIC SYMBOLISM AND FOLK ORNAMENTS

Abstract

In archaic symbolism, folk ornaments, myths and fairy tales, there are often present three female images (three goddesses) or three symbols that replace them. It points to the close connection of the number three with the goddesses. The triplet of goddesses attracted the attention of researchers of archaic symbolism (A. Golan, M. Gimbutas). Analyzing the symbolics, ornaments and fairy tales, the author came to the conclusion that in addition to the three goddesses, there is a phenomenon of a triple tripling of goddesses (three «generations» of three goddesses) in them. In our opinion the first triplet (the first «generation») were the goddesses of the dungeon, the spheres of life and heaven, that were formed as a result of the division of the Cosmos Goddess into seven spheres, of which four male spheres were excluded. The division of each of these goddesses into their own triplets led to the emergence of the second «generation» – the goddesses triplet of heaven, the life spheres triplet and the dungeon triplet. The division of the last ones into their own triplets led to a third «generation». The increase in the number of goddesses with the change of «generations» also led to a change in the structure of the Cosmos. (The Cosmos Goddess was structured according to the number of deities-spheres). The first «generation»  (three  goddesses) corresponded to the seven-membered Cosmos (Сosmos of seven spheres). The second «generation»,  which included the triplets of heavens, life sphere and dungeon goddesses, corresponded to the 28-membered Cosmos, and the third one was the 88-membered Cosmos. The research of the phenomenon of the triple tripling of goddesses can shed light on the understanding of theogony in the mythology of ancient people.