How many Norns control fate?

The story behind the answer

Correct answer: 3. In Norse myth, fate is guided by three Norns—Urðr (Past), Verðandi (Present), and Skuld (Future). They dwell by the Well of Urðr at the roots of Yggdrasil, tending the World Tree and inscribing destinies, even those of the gods.

To remember: think of time’s three parts—past, present, future—mapping perfectly to the three Norns. Like the Greek Fates, they spin and shape the threads of life, but in Norse lore their power underlines a central theme: even Odin cannot escape destiny.