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Trilogy

2 stages from Greek to English.

Today it means a group of three related works

Where does the word "trilogy" come from? It comes from Greek trilogia, adopted directly into English (1660s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
trilogia
Greek · ancient
"set of three plays"
three tragedies performed together at the Athenian festival of Dionysus; Aeschylus' 'Oresteia' is the only one that survives
2
Stage 2 of 2
trilogy
English · 1660s
"set of three works"
used for any three related novels, plays or films
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Trilogy’s story begins in Greek: trilogia meant “set of three plays.” Three tragedies performed together at the Athenian festival of Dionysus; Aeschylus' 'Oresteia' is the only one that survives. It reached English by 1660s as trilogy. Used for any three related novels, plays or films. Today, trilogy means a group of three related works.