The Fates: goddesses who decreed
what would happen to men and gods.

FATES, in Greek mythology, the three goddesses who determined human life and destiny. Known as Moirae in Greek and Parcae in Latin.

The fates may be the daughters of Zeus and Themis - "daughters of the just heavens," (Or their bridal attendants) another version they were there before most of the gods. as the daughter of Night (Nyx) to indicate the darkness and obscurity of human destiny.

the Fates' primary job is to control human destinies, they often function against the will of the gods.
Their existence seems to be part of the order of the universe which even the gods cannot disturb. The decisions of the Fates could not be altered, even by the gods.



Portrayed as stern old women
Fates: Goddesses of destiny
  1. Clotho (Spinner of thread of life)
  2. Lachesis (Determiner of length)
  3. Atropos (Cutter of thread)

the Fates were always
thought of as weavers.
Not vindictive
Just doing what
they had to do

The Fates were often depicted as ugly hags, cold and unmerciful.
But the Fates were not always deaf to the pleading of others.
When Atropos cut the thread of King Admetus, who happened to be Apollo's friend, Apollo begged the Fates to undo their work.
It was not in their power to do so, but they promised that if someone took Admetus' place in the gloomy world of Hades' domain, he would live.
The king's wife, Alcetis, said she would take his place.

My HomePage

Last Modified on: