The 3-Circuit Classical Labyrinth

The labyrinth in its simplest form is one with 3 circuits. For some people it is not a “real” labyrinth because the path is leading directly into the centre without being closer and then farther away from it.
As there is no universally valid definition for the labyrinth, we may nevertheless consider this labyrinth as a real one.

The labyrinth with 3 circuits

How do we get one?

The basic pattern to make a 7-circuit classical labyrinth is known, in the meantime, probably by all readers of this blog. (If not, please take a look here.)

No 3-circuit historical labyrinths are known, it is made from a reduction of the basic pattern. If one omits the four angles, only the cross and the four dots are remaining.

The pattern

This reminds a little: Dot, dot, comma, dash – smiley face in a flash :-). However, it is really so simple to make a labyrinth, and this is why it is a child’s play to draw one this way.

The first arc

The second arc

The third arc

The fourth arc

However, there are still other methods to draw the labyrinth: In two lines, from one end of the line to the other end. Try to draw it on a sheet of paper. So often that you can do it by heart.
Tip for right hander: Begin at the left end. Left-handed persons are beginning at the right end. The lines may become crooked.

With two lines

An other variation would be to begin in the central intersection point and to draw to all four directions. This has practical meaning if one would build a labyrinth with different material for example.

With four lines

The most elegant method is to draw the labyrinth in one line. Therefore we take the path, the famous thread of Ariadne. We can begin on the inside or from the outside.

Ariadne's Thread

Who realises this by heart, maybe even for the 7-circuit labyrinth, may be called labyrinth expert.

Here a few examples of 3-circuit labyrinths:

Ceramic

Artwork

Graphic art

The first picture shows a gem of Alexander Lautenbacher.

The central picture shows the shoe labyrinth from Schwäbisch Hall. The four “shoe lines” are beginning in the central intersection point.

The last picture shows the graphic on the invitation card from the Labyrinth Society for the Gathering this year.