The Fates, better known as the Three Fates, are the mysterious triplet daughters of Nyx, responsible for controlling the threads of fate that govern the world of Hades.
The Three Fates are Clotho (Red), the eldest and apparent leader (the Spintress, who weaves the thread of fate); Lachesis (Blue), the middle sister (the Apportioner, who determines the length of the thread of fate); and finally, Atropos (Yellow), the youngest (the Cutter, who cuts the thread of fate). They are the creators of the Nocturnal Arms, alongside their mother, Nyx. The Infernal Arms, likewise, were commissioned by the Fates.
Characteristics and Personality[]
The Fates are seen as cold, inflexible, unjust, and even cruel by mortals and gods, but, as described by their brother Moros, each one is a goddess with her own qualities. Clotho is described as the talkative and decisive one, Lachesis as the most pleasant and Atropos as the one who focuses only on cutting the threads of destiny. Furthermore, weaving is their passion, according to him. The Fates speak bluntly, marked by their distinctive accent and act collectively, with Clotho assuming the dominant role, leading and speaking on behalf of her younger sisters. Lachesis follows Clotho and concurs with everything she states, when she laughs, a distinct and awkward 'huhuh!' like a pig snort is heard; while Atropos, possessing a more imposing presence, responds only with groans, much like her brother Charon.
Despite their often silent and enigmatic natures, they do not seem above begging for help if and when necessary, as they sent a message to Melinoë requesting her help when Chronos was able to capture them and hide them somewhere. The Fates are proud enough after their first personal encounter to convince themselves that they were not “trapped” and that they had the situation under control, and to convince themselves that they were above even Chronos, although Nyx mentions that they would not have found their way back so quickly without Melinoë.
Even though the Fates are generally sharp-tongued, and be indisputable and show indifference, they do show willingness to grant requests, such as when their mother Nyx asked them to bring Zagreus back to life, despite their mother’s insistence. The aspects can be seen as “gifts” to their siblings in the Nocturnal and Infernal Weapons. They also demonstrate true affection for their younger brother, Moros, when they divert him from Chronos's route, leaving only themselves to be captured, and through the "predestined lists," they encourage him to approach other "goddesses" and abandon his isolation. Although accused of manipulating destiny and having a cruel sense of humor, the Fates never desired this role; they are merely fated to maintain the balance of the world. When confronted by Melinoë, they reveal that they hate this function: they are tired, overburdened, and prefer to relieve the burden whenever possible. At the end of Hades II, they decide to take a vacation, take a break from the endless work and enjoy the moment, indifferent to the future of mortals and deities and leaving the world to move forward alone into a "New Era," without their interference.
Physical description[]
The Fates are dark silhouettes illuminated in trichromatic colors, with very long hair and rustic dresses. Their arms are made of glowing strands.
Clotho (red) is the smallest Fate, with a childlike appearance, glowing red eyes, and a confident expression. Her hair is kinky and goes to the right, and she holds a spindle.
Lachesis (blue) is the medium Fate in height and appearance, with glowing blue eyes, a joyful expression, and straight hair falling to the left, holding a measuring ruler.
Atropos (yellow) is the tallest Fate, with an old and wrinkled appearance, glowing yellow eyes, an intimidating expression, and her wavy hair parted in the center, holding a pair of scissors.
Background[]
The Fates, Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos, were born of Nyx, among her oldest children, conceived before her separation from Chaos, and tasked with weaving the destinies of all mortals and gods.
For greater purposes, the Fates commissioned the ancient Cyclopean master forgers to create the Infernal Arms, which were used by the Olympians to overthrow the Titans. Together with their mother Nyx, they were also responsible for creating the counterparts of the Infernal Arms, the Nocturnal Arms, which they entrusted to Hecate to be used in the defense of the Underworld.
Nyx entrusted her son Moros to the Fates, where he became their apprentice and emissary, serving as the only physical conduit through which most beings can reach them.
Before the events of Hades, Nyx caused the Fates to break their own prophecy that Hades would have no living heirs by resurrecting his son, Zagreus. Later, the Fates foresaw another prophecy in which Hades’ second child, Melinoë, would defeat the Titan Chronos.
Hades[]
The Fates do not appear in person in Hades. However, they can interact with Zagreus through the Fated List of Minor Prophecies and are frequently mentioned by other characters, particularly by their mother Nyx or by other characters lamenting their cruelty or indifference.
Hades II[]
Once again, the Fated List of Minor Prophecies appears in Hades II after they are invoked during a ritual. Until the epilogue, they still do not make a physical appearance and are only mentioned by other characters, mostly Moros, their brother and emissary. During the events of the game, they have been captured by Chronos and seek the aid of Melinoë through the Fated List.
Finally, some time after Chronos's defeat, the Fates use the Fated List to lead Melinoë to them. They appear for the first and only time, telling Melinoë of their intention to retire from weaving so that gods and mortals alike will be free from their influence. Their final prophecy foretells of a new golden age in which the gods too step down from leadership and finally allow mortalkind to truly govern itself. Before they leave, the Fates imply to Melinoë that Hecate has been keeping secrets from her.
Book of Shadows entry[]
Trivia[]
- The Fateful Twist item from the Well of Charon is a reference to them.
- In the Early Access of Hades II, the Arcane Card art of The Fates, before their full in-game appearance, their designs and roles may have been altered. Clotho kept her maiden-like appearance but her role would have been the Measurer; Lachesis would have had an elder appearance, with the role of Spinner; and Atropos would have had an intermediate appearance, with the role of Cutter.
- In Greek mythology, Moros sometimes leads and directs the Fates, being seen as the elder sibling. In the games The Fates, however, are portrayed as Moros' elder siblings and leaders.
- Some sources suggest that Atropos was supposedly the leader of the Fates and generally the oldest and "smallest” of the three. However, in the game’s canon, she is depicted as the “tallest" and possibly the youngest, with Clotho serving as the apparent leader of the Fates.
- Clotho and Lachesis speak with a New Jersey accent.
- The arms of The Fates, made of lines, are very similar to Theseus's arm when he was the conceptual protagonist of "Minos."
Gallery[]
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The Fates featured on 'Had to Happen' Achievement (Hades) -
The Fates featured on 'The Fates' Arcana Card
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The Fates portrait in Book of Shadows entry
Additional notes[]
For additional information on Fates that does not pertain to Hades, see Wikipedia's article: Fates
