The “Triangle of Light” is an artifact featured in the 2001 film “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider,” starring Angelina Jolie as the iconic adventurer Lara Croft. This artifact plays a central role in the movie’s plot. Here’s a detailed look at the Triangle of Light:

The Triangle of Light: Overview

Origin and Description

1. Artifact Background:
   • The Triangle of Light is an ancient artifact created by a long-lost civilization. It possesses the power to control time, making it an immensely powerful and dangerous object.
2. Physical Appearance:
   • As its name suggests, the Triangle of Light is a triangular object. It is divided into two halves, which need to be combined during a celestial event to unleash its full power.

Plot Significance

1. Lara’s Quest:
   • Lara Croft embarks on a quest to find the two halves of the Triangle of Light before they fall into the wrong hands. Her journey takes her to various exotic and dangerous locations.
2. Villains:
   • The main antagonists are the Illuminati, a secret society that seeks the Triangle of Light to use its power for their own nefarious purposes. Manfred Powell, played by Iain Glen, is the primary villain leading the Illuminati’s efforts.
3. Celestial Event:
   • The Triangle of Light can only be activated during a rare planetary alignment that happens once every 5,000 years. This adds a sense of urgency to Lara’s mission.

Key Events

1. Discovery and Conflict:
   • Lara discovers clues about the Triangle of Light in her father’s study, leading her to various locations, including Cambodia and Siberia. She faces numerous challenges and battles against the Illuminati along the way.
2. Combining the Halves:
   • Lara and the Illuminati race to find both halves of the Triangle. The final confrontation occurs at an ancient temple during the planetary alignment.
3. Resolution:
   • Lara ultimately prevents the Illuminati from using the Triangle of Light, destroying it and ensuring its power cannot be misused. She also gains closure regarding her father’s mysterious death.

Cultural Impact

1. Film Reception:
   • “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider” was a commercial success, further solidifying Lara Croft’s status as a pop culture icon. The film’s portrayal of the Triangle of Light introduced a new artifact to the Tomb Raider mythos.
2. Character Development:
   • The quest for the Triangle of Light helps develop Lara’s character, showcasing her intelligence, bravery, and emotional depth, especially regarding her relationship with her deceased father.
3. Influence on the Franchise:
   • While the Triangle of Light is unique to the film and not part of the original video game series, its inclusion highlights the recurring theme in the franchise of Lara seeking powerful, ancient artifacts.

Conclusion

The Triangle of Light is a central element in the 2001 film “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider.” Its power to control time and the race to prevent it from being used by the Illuminati drive the movie’s plot. This artifact, while specific to the film, embodies the adventurous spirit and high-stakes quests that are characteristic of the Tomb Raider franchise.