May 1, 2017

According to ancient Greek and Roman mythology, human destiny is often controlled by the whims of three witchy weavers. Known in English as the Fates (from the Latin word fatum, meaning prophetic declaration, oracle, or destiny), these three powerful goddesses spun and cut the thread of life. They were called Moirai (MOY ry)—”the apportioners”—among the Greeks and Parcae (PAHR see)—”the sparing ones”—among the Romans.

The Fates in Greek mythology were, from left to right, Clotho, Atropos, and Lachesis. They ruled people’s lives and decided how long they would live. Credit: © Shutterstock

In Greek mythology, Clotho (KLOH thoh), called Nona among the Romans, was the spinner of the thread of life, and Lachesis (LAK uh sihs), called Decima by the Romans, decided how long it was to be. Atropos (AT ruh puhs), called Morta by the Romans, cut the thread. They were the daughters of Zeus (Roman Jupiter) and Themis (Roman Justitia).

Ancient artists sometimes represented Clotho as holding a spindle of thread. Lachesis carries rods that she shakes to decide a person’s fate. Atropos holds a tablet on which she records the decision.

The Fates were usually described as stern, gloomy, elderly goddesses. But in ancient Greece, the Moirai were also worshiped sometimes as goddesses who helped with childbirth and a successful harvest.

In northern Europe, the Scandinavians had their own version of the Fates. They were three sisters called the Norns: Urd (Past), Verdandi (Present), and Skuld (Future). They lived around the base of a giant ash tree that supported all creation. Urd was old and looked toward the past. Verdandi faced straight ahead into the present. Skuld represented the future, and looked in a direction opposite from that of Urd. The fate of people and gods was decided by the Norns. The early Scandinavians believed that there were many lesser Norns, and one for each person.