The Moirai, also known as the Fates, are figures from Greek mythology, known for their role as the goddesses of destiny, fate and the natural order of things. They are significant figures in Greek mythology, known for their role in determining the destiny of all living things, including the gods and mortals.
According to mythology, the Moirai were the daughters of Nyx, the goddess of night, and were born at the beginning of time. They were Clotho who spins the thread of life, Lachesis who measures the thread of life and Atropos who cuts the thread of life with her “abhorred shears.” They were believed to control the threads of life and were responsible for deciding how long a person would live, what kind of life they would have, and how they would die.
The Moirai are often associated with themes of destiny and fate, as they were believed to control the course of people’s lives and to be responsible for the inevitable events that happen to them. They are also associated with the natural order of things, as they were believed to ensure that everything happens according to the will of the gods.
Modern Appearances
Literature
- Theogony by Hesiod – The Moirai control destiny as daughters of Nyx or Zeus.
- Mythos by Stephen Fry – Discusses the Fates’ power over gods and mortals.
Video Games
- God of War – The Fates appear as boss encounters who control the threads of destiny.
- Hades – References to fate permeate the narrative.