Participants in the games were assigned to one of three teams, each led by one of three important figures from folklore.

Brigid, described as the Poet, is associated with wisdom, healing, and protection.

A win for the team assigned to Brigid was thought to herald a new year occupied with rest and recuperation.

Scáthach, referred to as the Shadow, is renowned as a trainer of other warriors.

A win for the team assigned to the Scáthach was thought to herald a new year occupied with development and education.

The Cailleach, otherwise known as the Hag, personifies the elemental powers of nature.

A win for the team assigned to the Cailleach was thought to herald a new year occupied with change and upheaval.

While the 19th century iteration of the Triskelion simply used teams as a ludic component of the game [1], the ancient Triskelion may have been something closer to a summoning ritual [2], intended to steer the next year in a particular direction based on the winning team.

There is some evidence that suggests that the 19th century iteration fell out of favour when participants began to feel that the Triskelion was once again heading in that direction [3], which was at odds with the Christian beliefs of most of those involved [4]. This remains one of the clearest links we have between the ancient and 19th century iterations.

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