The Norns in Norse mythology serve the vital purpose of determining the fates of gods and humans. These three sisters—Urd, Verdandi, and Skuld—represent the past, present, and future, respectively. They weave the threads of fate at the base of the world tree, Yggdrasil, symbolizing the interconnectedness of all beings and the inevitability of destiny. Their influence reflects the Norse understanding of time and fate, highlighting the belief that one's life path is predetermined yet may still involve personal choices and consequences.