Background on The Fates from Ancient Greek Mythology
In Greek mythology, the three Fates (Moirae or Moirai) were the goddesses of fate who personified the inescapable destiny of man. The Fates were among the eldest goddesses in ancient Greek mythology. The word “Moira” means “a share” or “allotted portion,” as these goddesses assigned to every man his fate or his allotted share in life.
The Fates (Moirae) were the spinners of the thread of life, determining the span of human life of every mortal from birth to death. At the birth of a man, the Fates spinned out the thread of his future life, followed his steps, and directed the consequences of his actions according to the counsel of the gods. No other god had the right or the means to alter their decisions. The Fates were the personifications of destiny; nevertheless, no human could blame the fates, since there were times he was the only one responsible for his failures.
There were three Fates in Greek mythology:
… , (Klotho ) whose name means “spinner,” is the youngest of the three Fates. She spins the thread of life and determines the time of birth for each individual.
…, (Lakhesis )whose name means “apportioner of lots,” weaves the thread into the fabric of one’s actions. She also determines the length of the thread and thus the period of one's life.
, (Atropos )whose name means “she who cannot be turned,” cuts the thread of life, determining an individual’s time of death.
The Moirai were described as ugly old women. They were severe, inflexible and stern. Klotho carries a spindle or a roll (the book of fate), Lakhesis a staff with which she points to the horoscope on a globe, and Atropos a scroll, a wax tablet, a pair of scales, or a cutting instrument. At other times the three were shown with staffs or sceptres, the symbols of dominion, and sometimes even with crowns. At the birth of each man they appeared spinning, measuring, and cutting the thread of life. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1x7j_mqgLEA (Many Misrepresntations in Film/Pop Culture )