In Greek mythology, the Fates, or Moirae, fulfill a crucial function by determining the destinies of all beings. They are usually depicted as three sisters: Clotho, who spins the thread of life; Lachesis, who measures its length; and Atropos, who cuts the thread. Together, they represent the inevitable nature of fate, illustrating the belief that individual lives are part of a preordained cosmic order that cannot be altered.