thríreglur

Thríreglur is an Icelandic term that translates to "three rules" or "rule of three." It is a concept primarily associated with the Icelandic Sagas, particularly in relation to storytelling structure and character development. While not a rigid literary theory in the modern sense, the idea suggests a recurring pattern where significant events, character traits, or plot points are often presented in groups of three. This can manifest as three distinct instances of an action, three key arguments in a dispute, or three defining characteristics of a person.

The presence of tríreglur is believed to have contributed to the memorability and impact of saga narratives for their original audiences. By repeating or emphasizing elements in threes, storytellers could create a sense of balance, progression, or heightened significance. For example, a hero might face three challenges, or a character's personality might be illustrated through three contrasting anecdotes. This structural device is not exclusive to Icelandic literature but is a particularly noticeable feature in the sagas, lending them a distinctive rhythm and emphasis. Scholars have analyzed various sagas to identify instances of this pattern, understanding it as a fundamental aspect of their artistic construction and thematic development.