moirae

The Moirae, often known in English as the Fates, were three sister goddesses in Greek mythology who determined the destinies of all living beings. They were typically depicted as old women, embodying the inescapable nature of fate. Their names were Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos.

Clotho, the youngest, was responsible for spinning the thread of life. She would begin the process, casting the lot for each individual's existence. Lachesis, the middle sister, measured the length of the thread. She determined how long a life would be, allocating the amount of time allotted to each person. Atropos, the eldest and most fearsome, was the cutter of the thread. She would sever the thread with her shears, bringing an end to a life, regardless of its length or circumstances.

The Moirae were considered to be more powerful than the gods, even Zeus, the king of the gods, could not alter their decisions. Their pronouncements were absolute and unchangeable. They represented a fundamental aspect of the cosmos, the idea that everything has a predetermined course. While often depicted as stern and unyielding, they were not inherently malicious, but rather impartial arbiters of destiny. Their presence underscored the Greek belief in a universe governed by cosmic order and the inevitability of fate.