tridents

A trident is a three-pronged spear that has been used as a fishing tool, a weapon, and a symbolic emblem. The name comes from Latin tridens or tridens, formed from tri- meaning three and dens meaning tooth. A typical trident features a long shaft with three tines at the business end; the central prong is often longer, and the outer two may be curved or barbed.

Historically, tridents were employed in ancient Mediterranean societies for fishing and combat. Gladiators known as retiarii fought with a trident and a net. In mythology, the sea god Poseidon in Greek tradition and Neptune in Roman tradition is commonly depicted wielding a trident to control water and storms. Variants of three-pronged spears appear in other cultures as well; for example, the Hindu trishula is a ceremonial three-pronged symbol associated with the god Shiva, though it serves religious rather than weapon purposes in many contexts.

In modern times, the trident persists as a symbol and as a practical tool. It remains part of heraldry and iconography, most notably as the national emblem of Ukraine, where the Tryzub is a stylized trident. Beyond symbolism, tridents are used in fishing and diving contexts and appear in the branding and insignia of various organizations, teams, and products. The term can also describe three-pronged spear designs used in decorative or ceremonial settings.