The three Fates or Moerae (the name "Moira" means fate) decided all human destiny. When a child was born, its life was determined by a thread. Clotho, the spinner, spun out the thread of life on her spindle. Lachesis, the apportioner, measured each thread and Atropos, "The inevitable," cut it off with her scissors. Like the related deity Nemesis, the Fates were sometimes believed to be the daughters of Night; they were not part of te Pantheon (the "family" of Greek gods) but were more powerful than any god. Even Zeus, the chief of the Immortals, had to obey the Fates.
In early myths the Fates were seen as just fulfilling a duty; however, in later stories and paintings they are often portrayed as malevolent, even taking a pleasure in ruining or cutting short human lives. This probably reflects a growing belief that humans can and should control their own destiny.
In early myths the Fates were seen as just fulfilling a duty; however, in later stories and paintings they are often portrayed as malevolent, even taking a pleasure in ruining or cutting short human lives. This probably reflects a growing belief that humans can and should control their own destiny.