The Moirai (also known as the Fates) were the three goddesses of destiny in Hellenic mythology. They were Clotho, Lachesis and Atropos (Greek: Άτροπος).
The role of the Moira is to control the fate of every being. The life of each being is represented by a "thread of life". Clotho spins the thread, beginning the being's life. Lachesis measures it (looks how long it is) and Atropos cuts the thread at the end of the person's life once they have reached their destiny, killing them.
The Moirai are—at times—considered to be above the even the other Hellenic gods. However, they are not omnipotent nor are they absolute as the supreme Deity Zeus, holds absolute authority over even them and can overrule their decisions.
The parents of the Moirai varies in myth. Some said they were the daughters of Zeus and the Titaness Themis, or more likely of primordial beings like Nyx or the Orphic goddess Ananke.
