The Moirai – or Fates – are a group of three gods who weave and assign individual destinies to mortals at their birth. Their names are Clotho (the Clote), Lahesis (the Alote) and Atrotos (the Rigid). In the oldest myths, they were her daughtersNyx, but later, they are more often depicted as descendants of Zeus and Themis. InOrphic cosmogonyTheir mother is said to have been the Need.
«Fate leads those willing and drags those who are unwilling.» (An interpretation of the stoic era summarizing the general theme of fate and destiny in Greek mythology).
Presented consistently as three female weavers, each of the three Fates had a different mission, as revealed by her own name: Clostom nodded the thread of life, Lachesi measured its length and Atros cut it with her scissors. Sometimes, each of the Fates corresponded to a certain period of time: Atropos – the past, Clotho – the present and Lachesis – the future.
Only once the Fates were deceived by someone, and that someone was no other thanApollo. Once he learned that Admitus, his beloved, was doomed to die, Apollo got the Fates drunk and persuaded them to spare Hadmitus' life if he could find a replacement. He didn't. But the wife of Hadmit, Alceste, always the epitome of faith and love, came forward voluntarily and eventually saved her husband's life.
TheMoiraiThey are one of the oldest, deepest and philosophically most important deities of Greek mythology. They are chthonic and secular forces that incarnatenecessity, thedestinyandthe fate of every mortal and immortal being. No deity – not even Zeus – can fully violate their authority.
The Fates are not just personifications of chance, butcustodians of the secular order, regulating birth, duration and end of life.
Name and Etymology
The wordMoiracomes from the verbShare(«I get my share.») and means:
share
allotment
destined measure of life
Etymology reveals the deep ancient Greek perception that each being receivespreordained share of existence.That's what he deserves.
Origin and Genesis
The origin of the Fates shows variety in ancient sources:
Hesiodic Tradition
TheTheogonyof Hesiod, the Fates are:
The second version emphasizes the connection between fate andJustice and institutional order.
Pre-Οlympian Character
Regardless of genealogy, the Fates maintainpre-Olympic and super-divine character, falling within the meaning ofAnanke (Necessity)..
Number and Names of Fates
Three Fates are established in classical tradition:
Clotho
weaves the thread of life
symbolizes the birth and beginning of existence
Lachesis
determine the length and quality of the filament
represents the share of life
Atropos
cutting the thread of life
personifies irrevocable death
Atropos is the most terrifying form, as her decision isadmits no reversal.
Form and Iconography
The Fates are depicted:
as mature or elderly women
with a serious and unexpressed face
holding:
spindle or distaff (Clotho)
measuring rod or scroll (Lachesis)
scissors or knife (Atropos)
Their form is simple, without exaggeration, suggestingInflexible nature of fate.
Role and Function
1. Life and Death Regulators
The Fates:
determine the life span
define critical events
oversee the end of all existence
2. Supreme World Authority
Even theOlympian gods:
know fate
But they can't always change it.
Zeus himself often appears asExecutorNot a creator of fate.
3. Moral and Philosophy Dimension
The Fates don't punish for revenge, but:
require necessity
ensure the balance of the world
The Fates in Literature and Tragedy
The Fates appear:
In tragedy:
operate as invisible force
guide events towards the inevitable end
The concept oftragic destinyIt is directly connected to the Fates.
Symbolism
The Fates symbolize:
the time
the necessity
the limits of human freedom
the conflict of will and destiny
They are the foundation of the ancient Greek philosophy of freedom.
Relationship with Other Fatal Forces
They are closely linked to:
Worship and Sacred Places
The cult of the Fatals was limited and modest:
local shrines
related to births and deaths
desisting and appraising ceremonies
The approach wasrespectful and phobiaNot triumphant.
Educational and Cultural Value
The Study of Fates
illuminates the ancient conception of the world
links mythology, philosophy and tragedy
is a key theme in classical studies
Discover moreGreek deitiesin our collection.
George Bibas
Written by George Biba — Researcher and creator of Mythoi.org, on the subject of Greek mythology, ancient religion and heroic myths.