Three gods A, B, and C are called True, False, and Random, in some order. True always speaks truly, False always speaks falsely, and Random speaks truly or falsely at random. Determine the identities of A, B, and C by asking three yes-or-no questions, each addressed to one god.

Why this works

At first glance, this riddle seems to wrap you in a web of logic that could easily lead you astray, but it cleverly reveals the identities of the gods through a single, carefully crafted question. By asking A, "If I asked you whether B is Random, would you say yes?" you're employing a technique that capitalizes on the nature of their truth-telling: regardless of whether A is True, False, or Random, their answer will guide you toward the truth about B's identity. If A is True, they will honestly convey what they would say; if False, they will invert their answer, leading to a consistent truth about B. This riddle taps into deeper concepts of logic and self-reference, inviting you to explore the nuances of truth and falsehood. It effectively demonstrates how language can be structured to reveal complex relationships—like a beautiful tapestry woven from threads of certainty and uncertainty. The "aha moment" comes when you realize that, despite the randomness of one god, you can still discern the truth through strategic questioning. Interestingly, this type of riddle has roots in ancient philosophical puzzles and paradoxes, often used to explore the nature of truth itself—think of the famous Liar Paradox where a statement refers to itself in a way that challenges our understanding of truth. Engaging with riddles like this not only sharpens our critical thinking but also reminds us that beneath the surface of language lies a rich world of logic just waiting to be uncovered.