How many Fates control destiny?

The story behind the answer

3. In Greek myth, destiny is governed by the three Fates (Moirai): Clotho spins the thread of life, Lachesis measures its length, and Atropos cuts it, determining when a life ends. Their trio divides the work of fate—beginning, duration, and end—so three is the canonical number.

The Fates are so powerful that even Zeus respects their decrees. They appear across myths, from Achilles’ foretold doom to Meleager’s life tied to a burning log. Roman myth calls them the Parcae. Memory tip: think of a tailor’s trio—spin, measure, cut—or remember “C-L-A”: Clotho (Create), Lachesis (Length), Atropos (Axe).