The present invention relates to mesogen compounds that include first, second, and third mesogens, in which the first and second mesogens are connected by a first linking group (-L1-), and the second and third mesogens are connected by a second linking group (-L2-), as represented by the following Formula (I), and as graphically illustrated by Formula (Ia) of FIG. 1 of the drawing:

(Mesogen-1)-L1-(Mesogen-2)-L2-(Mesogen-3)  (I)

At least one of Mesogen-1, Mesogen-2, or Mesogen-3 include at least four cyclic groups. The linking groups -L1- and -L2- are each free of mesogen properties (are each non-mesogenic) and each independently have an average chain length of at least 20 bonds. The mesogen compounds are optionally polymerizable. The present invention also relates to liquid crystal compositions that include such mesogen compounds, and to optical elements that include such mesogen compounds, such as in one or more mesogen-containing layers.