Zelda: the Triforce and the Sierpinski triangle [closed]

The Triforce artifact found in many Legend of Zelda games bears a great deal of resemblance to the fractal known as the The Sierpinski triangle (Triforce on top, Sierpinski triangle below):

They are each a single equilateral triangle (typically) composed of three equilateral triangles joined at the corners. The difference is that the Sierpinski triangle repeats this pattern repeats in each progressively smaller triangle, while the triforce. The triforce is basically the second iteration of the Sierpinski triangle:

My question is whether there is any reason to think that the triforce was intentionally based on the Sierpinski triangle, or whether it was a coincidence. I can imagine scenarios either way, so I was wondering if there is any statements or evidence (such as file names, concept art, off-the-cuff comments, etc.) one way or the other.

legend-of-zelda-series the-legend-of-zelda

Best Answer

Speculation exists that it originates from Japanese clans, in particular, the Hojo clan.

Wikipedia image for Hojo clan crest:

This site covers this theory. Image below of related crests, from the same site.

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Zelda: the Triforce and the Sierpinski triangle [closed] - A Triangle Sign Surrounded by Crystals on a Black Surface

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Why does the Sierpinski triangle work?

A Sierpinski Triangle is outlined by a fractal tree with three branches forming an angle of 120\xb0 and splitting off at the midpoints. If the angle is reduced, the triangle can be continuously transformed into a fractal resembling a tree.

How many triangles are there in Sierpinski?

This leaves us with three triangles, each of which has dimensions exactly one-half the dimensions of the original triangle, and area exactly one-fourth of the original area. Also, each remaining triangle is similar to the original.

What type of triangle is the Triforce?

The Triforce consists of three equilateral triangles, which are joined to form a large equilateral triangle. In the lore of the series, it represents the essence of the Golden Goddesses who create the realm of Hyrule and is able to grant godlike power to the character who holds all three pieces.

What does the triangle in Zelda mean?

In The Legend of Zelda, there is a great power: the Triforce. Far from being a plot device, the Triforce is a symbol that represents a path towards growth and harmony both in the myth and in the real world. The three triangles of the Triforce represent the virtues of Power, Wisdom, and Courage.

Legend of Zelda 🏹 Triforce Flicker🌄 Illusion Cube 🧊 Flying Rocket 🚀 Pure Origami

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