In the neighborhood of Surfside, WA, residents are seeing a remarkable creature wandering through the streets and backyards—essentially a  three-legged deer with one bad leg affectionately nicknamed “Triskele the Wanderer.”(Pronounced TRY skell). Her story is one of resilience, survival, and the enduring spirit of life against all odds. Photo taken by Candace Carteen.

Triskele’s journey began on a seemingly ordinary day when, as a young fawn, she attempted to leap a fence alongside her mother. The jump, however, did not go as planned. She miscalculated the height and came crashing down, breaking one of her delicate legs. For most animals, such an injury could spell the end, but not for Triskele. Her story took a different turn—a turn that would inspire those who observed her quiet, persistent presence.

As the injured fawn struggled to find her footing, she slowly adapted to her new reality. With time, the wounded leg, leaving her with only three good legs to navigate the world. Yet, Triskele persevered. She learned to balance on her remaining limbs, her body adjusting to the newfound challenge with grace and determination. She continued to wander, a testament to her will to survive.

The name “Triskele” is  after the ancient Celtic symbol known as the triskele. The triskele, or triskelion, is a symbol that consists of three interlocking spirals, or sometimes three bent legs, and is rich with meaning. It is an emblem of resilience, representing the cycle of life, death, and rebirth, or the interconnectedness of the physical, mental, and spiritual realms. In Triskele the Wanderer, the symbol found a living embodiment—a creature who, despite a broken  limb, continued her journey with steadfast resolve.

As Triskele wanders through the neighborhood, she has become  a  reminder of the power of resilience. Residents should  spot her grazing in their yards or ambling through the forested edges of Surfside, always moving, always surviving. Her presence brought a sense of wonder and reverence, as we marvele at her ability to adapt and thrive despite her physical limitations.

Triskele’s story has became a symbol of hope for many. Her life, marked by an unfortunate accident, transformed into a tale of survival and endurance. Her ability to navigate the world with only three good legs resonated deeply with those who witnessed her quiet perseverance.

In Triskele the Wanderer, we find more than just a deer with an unusual gait. We see the essence of the triskele—the power of life to overcome obstacles, to find balance and harmony even when things fall apart. Her story is a reminder that, like the ancient symbol, we too can find strength in our struggles, and that our journeys, no matter how difficult, can be beautiful and meaningful in their own way.

As she continues to roam the neighborhood of Surfside, Triskele the Wanderer leaves behind a legacy of resilience. She reminds us all that even in the face of adversity, life finds a way to continue, to wander, and to thrive. You can wipe away the tear now.