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{{Group Infobox
  
{{Group Infobox
 
|image = Hercules-br-disneyscreencaps.com-948.jpg
  
|image = Hercules-br-disneyscreencaps.com-948.jpg
−
|name = The Fates
 +
|name = The Fates<br>Μοῖραι
 
|films = ''[[Hercules (film)|Hercules]]<br>[[Mickey's House of Villains]]''
  
|films = ''[[Hercules (film)|Hercules]]<br>[[Mickey's House of Villains]]''
 
|shows = ''[[Hercules (TV series)|Hercules]]<br>[[House of Mouse]]''
  
|shows = ''[[Hercules (TV series)|Hercules]]<br>[[House of Mouse]]''
 
|games = ''[[Hercules (video game)|Hercules]]''
  
|games = ''[[Hercules (video game)|Hercules]]''
−
|rides = ''[[Villains Tonight!]]''
 +
|rides = [[Villains Tonight!]]
−
|inspiration = [[Wikipedia:Fates|Fates]] and [[Wikipedia:Graeae|Graeae]] of Greek mythology<br>Norns in Norse mythology
 +
|inspiration = {{WikipediaLink|Fates}} and {{WikipediaLink|Graeae}} of Greek mythology<br>{{WikipediaLink|Norns}} of Norse mythology<br>[[The Grim Reaper]]
⚫
|alignment = Bad/Neutral
  
−
|alas = The Norms
  
 
|members = Lachesis<br>Clotho<br>Atropos
  
|members = Lachesis<br>Clotho<br>Atropos
  +
|occupation = Fortune Tellers
−
|affiliation = [[Hades]]
 +
|affiliation = [[Hades]]<br>[[Disney Villains]]
 
|goal = To determine a person's lifeline, decide their fate, and eventually send them to the Underworld
  
|goal = To determine a person's lifeline, decide their fate, and eventually send them to the Underworld
−
|home = [[Underworld]]}}{{Quote|We Know.|The Fates' catchphrase}}
 +
|home = [[Underworld]]
  ⚫
|alignment = Bad/Neutral
⚫
The '''Fates''' are a group of deities in [[Walt Disney Animation Studios|Disney]]'s [[1997]] movie ''[[Hercules (film)|Hercules]]''. These three sisters share one eye, which they use to see the future. They also determine the deaths of mortals, cutting a mortal's '''Thread of Life''' to send them to the Well of Souls in the [[Underworld]]. They have extreme psychic abilities, knowing everything that has happened, is happening and will happen, and are an authority above the gods in this respect, though the one thing they cannot do is kill a god.
  
  +
}}
  +
{{Quote|We Know.|The Fates' catchphrase}}
  +
  ⚫
The '''Fates''' are a group of deities in [[Walt Disney Animation Studios|Disney]]'s [[1997]] animated feature film, ''[[Hercules (film)|Hercules]]''. These three sisters share one eye, which they use to see the future. They also determine the deaths of mortals, cutting a mortal's '''Thread of Life''' to send them to the Well of Souls in the [[Underworld]]. They have extreme psychic abilities, knowing everything that has happened, is happening and will happen, and are an authority above the gods in this respect, though the one thing they cannot do is kill a god.
   
 
==Background==
  
==Background==
 
===Development===
  
===Development===
−
Lachesis was voiced by [[Carole Shelley]], Clotho by Amanda Plummer, and Atropos by the late [[Paddi Edwards]]. The Fates were animated by [[Nancy Beiman]].
 +
Lachesis was voiced by the late [[Carole Shelley]], Clotho by [[Amanda Plummer]], and Atropos by the late [[Paddi Edwards]]. All three of The Fates were animated by Nancy Beiman.
   
−
Like all characters in ''Hercules'', the Fates were designed by [[Gerald Scarfe]] who, known for his drawings of the deformed and grotesque, enjoyed designing characters such as the Fates and Hades more than 'beautiful' characters such as Hercules and Meg. One of Scarfe's early drawings for the Fates depicted Clotho wearing a cowl, which was at such an angle, that one of her eye sockets was covered. Beiman took this to mean that Clotho had only one eye socket; ultimately, it is Atropos (perhaps the most 'mysterious' Fate who appears with a single eye socket in the film).
 +
Like all characters in ''Hercules'', the Fates were designed by [[Gerald Scarfe]] who, known for his drawings of the deformed and grotesque, enjoyed designing characters such as the Fates and Hades more than 'beautiful' characters such as Hercules and Meg. One of Scarfe's early drawings for the Fates depicted Clotho wearing a cowl, which was at such an angle, that one of her eye sockets was covered. Beiman took this to mean that Clotho had only one eye socket; ultimately, it is Atropos (perhaps the most 'mysterious' Fate) who appears with a single eye socket in the film.
   
 
As design progressed, the Fates' bodies became less and less human, with little suggestion of any form under their clothes. Scarfe initially did not like this idea and drew the Fates in the nude as a key for Beiman to follow, but ultimately [[Ron Clements]] and [[John Musker]] approved of the 'nonhuman' nature of these bizarre, deformed characters, and they appear accordingly in the film. Beiman commented that the Fates have no feet.
  
As design progressed, the Fates' bodies became less and less human, with little suggestion of any form under their clothes. Scarfe initially did not like this idea and drew the Fates in the nude as a key for Beiman to follow, but ultimately [[Ron Clements]] and [[John Musker]] approved of the 'nonhuman' nature of these bizarre, deformed characters, and they appear accordingly in the film. Beiman commented that the Fates have no feet.
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===Physical appearance===
  
===Physical appearance===
−
The Fates resemble demonic hags and are dressed in simple black cloaks. They seem rather proud that they 'know everything', and never hesitate to emphasize this claim. This is only challenged at one point in ''Hercules'', perhaps for the purposes of dramatic effect.
 +
The Fates resemble demonic hags dressed in simple black cloaks. They seem rather proud that they 'know everything', and never hesitate to emphasize this claim. This is only challenged at one point in ''Hercules'', perhaps for the purposes of dramatic effect.
   
−
*'''Lachesis''' is the tallest of the three, with blue skin and a long nose. Her role is to measure out a mortal's Thread of Life, and she knows all of the past. She appears to have a spider living in her nose; at one point, it makes a bid for freedom, but she sends it back up her nostril with a sniff. She seems to be the grumpiest and most disapproving of the three.
 +
*'''Lachesis''' is the tallest of the three, with blue skin and a long pointed nose. Her role is to measure out a person's Thread of Life, so she knows all of the past. She appears to have a spider living in her nose; at one point, it makes a bid for freedom, but she sends it back up her nostril with a sniff. She seems to be the most grumpy and disapproving of the three.
−
*'''Clotho''' is green-skinned, with a large chin and yellow worm-like hair. Her role is to spin the Thread of Life, and she knows all of the present. She is the most friendly of the three with Hades, and her readiness to provide him with information is frowned upon by Lachesis and Atropos.
 +
*'''Clotho''' is the middle-sized one with green-skin, yellow worm-like hair, and a long pointed chin. Her role is to spin the Thread of Life, so she knows all of the present. She is the most friendly of the three with Hades, and her readiness to provide him with information is frowned upon by Lachesis and Atropos.
−
*'''Atropos''' is short and stout, with purple skin, green serpent-like hair, and a single eye socket. Her role is to cut the Thread of Life, and she can see the future.
 +
*'''Atropos''' is short and plump with purple skin, green serpent-like hair, and a single eye socket. Her role is to cut the Thread of Life, so she can see the future.
   
 
===Powers and abilities===
  
===Powers and abilities===
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==Appearances==
  
==Appearances==
 
===''[[Hercules (film)|Hercules]]''===
  
===''[[Hercules (film)|Hercules]]''===
−
Following the celebration of the god [[Hercules (character)|Hercules]]' birth, Hades calls the Fates to the Underworld, where he asks them whether Hercules will interfere with his plan to take over Mount Olympus. They reveal some of the future to him (reluctantly, on the part of Lachesis and Atropos). Clotho reveals that, in eighteen years, the planets will align; Lachesis reveals that Hades will then release the [[Titans]] from their prison. Clotho says that Hades will overthrow [[Zeus (Hercules)|Zeus]] with their power, but Atropos reveals that he will only succeed if Hercules does not interfere.
 +
Following the celebration of the god [[Hercules (character)|Hercules]]' birth, Hades calls the Fates to the Underworld, where he asks them whether Hercules will interfere with his plan to take over Mount Olympus. They reveal some of the future to him (reluctantly, on the part of Lachesis and Atropos). Clotho reveals that, in eighteen years, the planets will align; Lachesis reveals that Hades will then release the [[Titans]] from their prison. Clotho says that Hades will overthrow [[Zeus (Hercules)|Zeus]] with their power, but Atropos warns that he will only succeed if Hercules does not interfere.
   
  ⚫
They are later shown cutting [[Megara]]'s Thread of Life, a while after she, saving Hercules, is crushed by a pillar. After Hercules defeats the Titans at Olympus, Hades angrily returns to the Underworld; Hercules, after witnessing Megara's death, goes to Hades to plead for Megara's soul. Hades lets him dive into the Well of Souls to recover Meg's soul, knowing that a mortal will die quickly in the vortex.
⚫
Their role in ''Hercules'' is perhaps similar to that of the Witches in Shakespeare's ''{{WikipediaLink|Macbeth}}''; not only do they resemble hags, but they also reveal the events of the future in verse (much to Hades' annoyance), and do not reveal all of the truth (they do not say whether or not Hercules will fight, making it unclear whether Hades will succeed or fail).
  
−  
⚫
They are later shown cutting [[Megara]]'s Thread of Life, a while after she, in saving Hercules, is crushed by a pillar. After Hercules defeats the Titans at Olympus, Hades angrily returns to the Underworld; Hercules, after witnessing Megara's death, goes to Hades to plead for Megara's soul. Hades lets him dive into the Well of Souls to recover Meg's soul, knowing that a mortal will die quickly in the vortex.
  
   
 
While Hercules swims after Meg' soul, the Fates prepare to cut his Thread of Life. However, the thread turns golden and unbreakable, leaving Atropos unable to cut the thread, indicating Hercules' transformation from mortal human to immortal god. The fact that the Fates don't realize this at first suggests either that they ''don't'' in fact know everything, or that they're sometimes forgetful. It may also indicate that it is possible to change one's fate.
  
While Hercules swims after Meg' soul, the Fates prepare to cut his Thread of Life. However, the thread turns golden and unbreakable, leaving Atropos unable to cut the thread, indicating Hercules' transformation from mortal human to immortal god. The fact that the Fates don't realize this at first suggests either that they ''don't'' in fact know everything, or that they're sometimes forgetful. It may also indicate that it is possible to change one's fate.
   
 
===''[[Hercules (TV series)|Hercules: The Series]]''===
  
===''[[Hercules (TV series)|Hercules: The Series]]''===
−
The Fates appeared in a few episodes of the animated series. Their largest role in the series was the episode "[[Hercules and the Tapestry of Fate]]", Hercules and [[Icarus]] want to go to an Orpheus concert, but they find it sold out, and so seek out the aid of the Fates, when [[Zeus (Hercules)|Zeus]] cannot help. Hercules distracts them while Icarus reweaves fate to allow them to go to the concert. This gives Hades the idea to reweave his own fate, making him king of the gods, Phil a janitor, Icarus the inventor of capable wings, Hercules himself a god and Hades' son, and Zeus guardian of the Tapestry and ruler of the Underworld. Hercules uses his strength as a god to destroy the Tapestry and reweave it back to normal; the Fates give them tickets as a reward, only for them to find the concert has been canceled.
 +
The Fates appeared in a few episodes of the animated series. Like the [[Muses]], they are the only characters in the series that interact, bicker, and banter with Bob the Narrator. Their largest role in the series was the episode "[[Hercules and the Tapestry of Fate]]", Hercules and [[Icarus]] want to go to an Orpheus concert, but they find it sold out, and so seek out the aid of the Fates, when [[Zeus (Hercules)|Zeus]] cannot help. Hercules distracts them while Icarus reweaves fate to allow them to go to the concert. This gives Hades the idea to reweave his own fate, making him king of the gods, Phil a janitor, Icarus the inventor of capable wings, Hercules himself a god and Hades' son, and Zeus guardian of the Tapestry and ruler of the Underworld. Hercules uses his strength as a god to destroy the Tapestry and reweave it back to normal; the Fates give them tickets as a reward, only for them to find the concert has been canceled.
  ⚫
In the episode ''[[Hercules and the Visit From Zeus]]'', Hades learns from the Fates that Zeus was in the form of a teenager. In an attempt to be rid himself of Zeus once and for all he sends his troublesome dog Cerberus after Zeus while he's still mortal.
   
−
In "[[Hercules and the Big Kiss]]", Hades tries to use the Fates all seeing eye to see his future regarding [[Aphrodite]] causing the Fates to be cross with him. Still desperate to learn his future Hades makes a deal with [[Cassandra]] for her soul on weekends once he has successfully stopped Icarus from kissing her.
 +
In "[[Hercules and the Big Kiss]]", Hades tries to use the Fates all seeing eye to see his future regarding [[Aphrodite]] causing the Fates to be cross with him. Still desperate to learn his future Hades makes a deal with [[Cassandra (Hercules)|Cassandra]] for her soul on weekends once he has successfully stopped Icarus from kissing her.
   
 
In "[[Hercules and the Twilight of the Gods]]", the Fates are revealed to be double dipping Greek and Norse mythology. However, they deny being the Fates and insists that they are the Norns.
  
In "[[Hercules and the Twilight of the Gods]]", the Fates are revealed to be double dipping Greek and Norse mythology. However, they deny being the Fates and insists that they are the Norns.
   
−
In "[[Hercules and the Big Sink]]", the Fates accidentally weave Atlantis onto the Tapestry of Fate, causing it to sink. The Fates make a cameo in the episode "[[Hercules and the River Styx]]" during Hades song "[[My Town]]". In the episode "[[Hercules and the Underworld Takeover]]", The Fates appear alongside [[Cerberus]] and Hades' monstrous underling during [[Hecate]]'s hostile takeover of the Underworld.
 +
In "[[Hercules and the Big Sink]]", the Fates state that [[Atlantis City]] will not sink in order to disprove Cassandra's prediction of it sinking. However, the fight between Herc and Scylla causes the Fates to accidentally cut Atlantis City out of the Tapestry of Fate, causing it to sink. The Fates make a cameo in the episode "[[Hercules and the River Styx]]" during Hades song "[[My Town]]". In the episode "[[Hercules and the Underworld Takeover]]", The Fates appear alongside [[Cerberus]] and Hades' monstrous underling during [[Hecate]]'s hostile takeover of the Underworld.
−  
⚫
In the episode ''[[Hercules and the Visit From Zeus]]'', Hades learns from the Fates that Zeus was in the form of a teenager. In an attempt to be rid himself of Zeus once and for all he sends his troublesome dog Cerberus after Zeus while he's still mortal. They also doubled as the Norse Norns in "[[Hercules and the Twilight of the Gods]]". Like the [[Muses]], they are the only characters in the series that interact, bicker, and banter with Bob the Narrator.
  
   
 
===''[[House of Mouse]]''===
  
===''[[House of Mouse]]''===
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In "[[Clarabelle's Big Secret]]", Atropos is surprised when Clarabelle declares that she is discontinuing "Main Street Gossip," commenting that not even she, with her ability to know all that will happen in the future, had expected Clarabelle to do so.
  
In "[[Clarabelle's Big Secret]]", Atropos is surprised when Clarabelle declares that she is discontinuing "Main Street Gossip," commenting that not even she, with her ability to know all that will happen in the future, had expected Clarabelle to do so.
   
−
In ''[[Mickey's House of Villains]]'', they were amongst the [[Disney Villains]] that took over the club.
 +
In ''[[Mickey's House of Villains]]'', they were amongst the [[Disney Villains]] that took over the club. The Fates also thwart Donald's attempt to scare them by literally keeping their eye on him.
   
−
===''[[Kingdom Hearts II]]''===
 +
===''[[Once Upon a Time]]''===
  ⚫
The Fates don't appear in the series but are mentioned in the episode "[[Street Rats]]".
−
In Kingdom Hearts II, there is a tournament called the [[w:c:kingdomheart:Goddess of Fate Cup|Goddess of Fate Cup]] based on the Fates from ''Hercules''.
  
   
  +
==Video games==
 
===''[[Hercules (video game)|Hercules Playstation Game]]''===
  
===''[[Hercules (video game)|Hercules Playstation Game]]''===
−
The Fates make a small cameo appearance on one of the menus in the Hercules PlayStation Game, with a Fate standing underneath each menu category.
 +
The Fates make a small cameo appearance on one of the menus in the Hercules PlayStation Game, with a Fate standing underneath each menu category. The highlighted category causes the Fate underneath to snatch the eye from the Fate next to her.
−  
−
===''[[Once Upon a Time]]''===
  
⚫
The Fates don't appear in the series but are mentioned in the episode "[[Street Rats]]".
  
   
 
==Differences from the source material==
  
==Differences from the source material==
−
The Fates in the film are a combination of the Fates of Greek Mythology (also known as the '''[[Wikipedia:Moirai|Moirae]]''') and the '''[[Wikipedia:Graeae|Graeae]]''', three hag-like creatures featured in the story of Perseus. While the Fates take their inspiration greatly from the Moirae, their physical appearances and trait of owning one eye are borrowed from the Graeae. Conversely, the Fates seen in the film and their role as weavers of fate is faithful to the Moirae. However, neither the Graeae or the Moirae appear in the original Hercules myth.
 +
The Fates in the film are a combination of the Fates of Greek Mythology (also known as the '''{{WikipediaLink|Moirae}}''') and the '''{{WikipediaLink|Graeae}}''', three hag-like creatures featured in the story of Perseus. While the Fates take their inspiration greatly from the Moirae, their physical appearances and trait of owning one eye are borrowed from the Graeae. Conversely, the Fates seen in the film and their role as weavers of fate is faithful to the Moirae. However, neither the Graeae or the Moirae appear in the original Hercules myth.
  +
  ⚫
==Trivia==
  ⚫
*[[Chaos]] once stated even he doesn't like playing cards with Fate. Considering the crossover between the two franchises, it is possible these were the Fates he was alluding to. Further confusing the matter is his referring to "Fate" states that Fate is male.
  ⚫
*Their role in ''Hercules'' is perhaps similar to that of the Witches in Shakespeare's ''{{WikipediaLink|Macbeth}}''; not only do they resemble hags, but they also reveal the events of the future in verse (much to Hades' annoyance), and do not reveal all of the truth (they do not say whether or not Hercules will fight, making it unclear whether Hades will succeed or fail).
  +
*[[Paddi Edwards]], the voice of Atropos, was best known to Disney fans as the voice of [[Ursula]]'s Minions [[Flotsam and Jetsam]] in [[The Little Mermaid]] feature film and television series. In addition, she was also known for providing the voice of Gozer in the original ''Ghostbusters'' film.
  +
*In Norse mythology, it is stated that they decide the date of everything. Owing their appearance as the Norns, that would mean that Clotho is Verthandi, Lachesis is Urd, and Atropos is Skuld.
  ⚫
*The Fates' eyes resemble the style of 1930s cartoon eyes and Shy Guys' eyes in ''Mario'' video games.
  +
*In one episode of House Of Mouse, when the fates sings a musical number, Clotho and Lachesis switch their skin colors. This is most likely an animation error.
  ⚫
*As shown in ''[[Mickey's House of Villains]]'', the Fates are capable of have their heads fall off without dying.
  ⚫
*Other than the Muses, the Fates are the only characters in the series that interact with Bob the Narrator.
  +
*While the Fates have not appeared physically in the [[Kingdom Hearts (series)|''Kingdom Hearts'' series]], they have been numerous references of them in some capacity:
  +
**In ''[[Kingdom Hearts II]]'', their likeness and appearance were used in the Goddess of Fate Cup in the Underdome tournaments.
  +
**In ''[[Kingdom Hearts III]]'', they were mentioned by the narrator during the opening narration for Olympus.
   
 
==Gallery==
  
==Gallery==
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===''Hercules: The Animated Series''===
  
===''Hercules: The Animated Series''===
 
<gallery position="center" captionalign="center">
  
<gallery position="center" captionalign="center">
⚫
fates01.gif|The Fates in ''Hercules: The Animated Series''.
  
 
fates02.jpg
  
fates02.jpg
  ⚫
fates01.gif|The Fates in ''Hercules: The Animated Series''.
−
Cerberus-Hercules and The Visit From Zeus02.jpg
  
 
</gallery>
  
</gallery>
   
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Hercules char line up253.jpg
  
Hercules char line up253.jpg
 
</gallery>
  
</gallery>
−  
⚫
==Trivia==
  
−
*The highlighted category causes the Fate underneath to snatch the eye from the Fate next to her.
  
⚫
*[[Chaos]] once stated even he was subject to fate. Considering the crossover between the two franchises it is possible these were the Fates he was alluding too.
  
⚫
*The Fates' eyes resembles to the 1930s carton eyes and Shy Guys' eyes in ''Mario'' video games.
  
⚫
*As shown in ''[[Mickey's House of Villains]]'' the Fates are capable of have their heads fall off without dying.
  
⚫
*Other than the Muses, The Fates are the only characters in the series that interact with Bob the Narrator.
  
   
 
{{Hercules}}
  
{{Hercules}}
  +
{{Disney Villains}}
 
[[Category:Hercules characters]]
  
[[Category:Hercules characters]]
 
[[Category:Goddesses]]
  
[[Category:Goddesses]]
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[[Category:Neutral characters]]
  
[[Category:Neutral characters]]
 
[[Category:Characters in the Disney animated features canon]]
  
[[Category:Characters in the Disney animated features canon]]
−
[[Category:Once Upon a Time characters]]
  
 
[[Category:Villains]]
  
[[Category:Villains]]
  +
[[Category:Olympian Gods]]
  +
[[Category:Characters in video games]]
  +
[[Category:Henchmen]]
  +
[[Category:Characters in Disney parks]]

Revision as of 15:01, 17 July 2020

“We Know.”
―The Fates' catchphrase


The Fates are a group of deities in Disney's 1997 animated feature film, Hercules. These three sisters share one eye, which they use to see the future. They also determine the deaths of mortals, cutting a mortal's Thread of Life to send them to the Well of Souls in the Underworld. They have extreme psychic abilities, knowing everything that has happened, is happening and will happen, and are an authority above the gods in this respect, though the one thing they cannot do is kill a god.

Background

Development

Lachesis was voiced by the late Carole Shelley, Clotho by Amanda Plummer, and Atropos by the late Paddi Edwards. All three of The Fates were animated by Nancy Beiman.

Like all characters in Hercules, the Fates were designed by Gerald Scarfe who, known for his drawings of the deformed and grotesque, enjoyed designing characters such as the Fates and Hades more than 'beautiful' characters such as Hercules and Meg. One of Scarfe's early drawings for the Fates depicted Clotho wearing a cowl, which was at such an angle, that one of her eye sockets was covered. Beiman took this to mean that Clotho had only one eye socket; ultimately, it is Atropos (perhaps the most 'mysterious' Fate) who appears with a single eye socket in the film.

As design progressed, the Fates' bodies became less and less human, with little suggestion of any form under their clothes. Scarfe initially did not like this idea and drew the Fates in the nude as a key for Beiman to follow, but ultimately Ron Clements and John Musker approved of the 'nonhuman' nature of these bizarre, deformed characters, and they appear accordingly in the film. Beiman commented that the Fates have no feet.

Personality

They appear to relish ending mortal's lives, each looking on with glee as Atropos cuts each thread (though they will only cut at each designated time and will not kill a mortal prematurely). They are not allied with Hades, and are not denizens of the Underworld; however, they seem to prefer Hades to the gods on Mount Olympus, at one point referring to Hercules as a 'bouncing baby brat' though this is probably because they live in Underworld, making Hades their landlord of sorts.

The three sisters bicker among themselves. They often snatch their single eye from one another quite aggressively and do not always agree on matters.

Physical appearance

The Fates resemble demonic hags dressed in simple black cloaks. They seem rather proud that they 'know everything', and never hesitate to emphasize this claim. This is only challenged at one point in Hercules, perhaps for the purposes of dramatic effect.

  • Lachesis is the tallest of the three, with blue skin and a long pointed nose. Her role is to measure out a person's Thread of Life, so she knows all of the past. She appears to have a spider living in her nose; at one point, it makes a bid for freedom, but she sends it back up her nostril with a sniff. She seems to be the most grumpy and disapproving of the three.
  • Clotho is the middle-sized one with green-skin, yellow worm-like hair, and a long pointed chin. Her role is to spin the Thread of Life, so she knows all of the present. She is the most friendly of the three with Hades, and her readiness to provide him with information is frowned upon by Lachesis and Atropos.
  • Atropos is short and plump with purple skin, green serpent-like hair, and a single eye socket. Her role is to cut the Thread of Life, so she can see the future.

Powers and abilities

  • As goddesses, the Fates possess the natural abilities and strength of an Olympian goddess such as immortality, omnipresence, omniscience, superhuman strength, metamorphosis, and teleportation.
  • As the goddesses of destiny, the Fates watch over and weave the tapestry of fate and destiny. They are also able to see into the future and therefore know the outcome of all event to come. However the weaving of the tapestry is not something only they can do, anyone who can use the loom the tapestry is created with is able to weave it and alter fate, however, this can have catastrophic results and only the Fates can properly weave the tapestry and maintain order and balance in the cosmos.

Appearances

Hercules

Following the celebration of the god Hercules' birth, Hades calls the Fates to the Underworld, where he asks them whether Hercules will interfere with his plan to take over Mount Olympus. They reveal some of the future to him (reluctantly, on the part of Lachesis and Atropos). Clotho reveals that, in eighteen years, the planets will align; Lachesis reveals that Hades will then release the Titans from their prison. Clotho says that Hades will overthrow Zeus with their power, but Atropos warns that he will only succeed if Hercules does not interfere.

They are later shown cutting Megara's Thread of Life, a while after she, saving Hercules, is crushed by a pillar. After Hercules defeats the Titans at Olympus, Hades angrily returns to the Underworld; Hercules, after witnessing Megara's death, goes to Hades to plead for Megara's soul. Hades lets him dive into the Well of Souls to recover Meg's soul, knowing that a mortal will die quickly in the vortex.

While Hercules swims after Meg' soul, the Fates prepare to cut his Thread of Life. However, the thread turns golden and unbreakable, leaving Atropos unable to cut the thread, indicating Hercules' transformation from mortal human to immortal god. The fact that the Fates don't realize this at first suggests either that they don't in fact know everything, or that they're sometimes forgetful. It may also indicate that it is possible to change one's fate.

Hercules: The Series

The Fates appeared in a few episodes of the animated series. Like the Muses, they are the only characters in the series that interact, bicker, and banter with Bob the Narrator. Their largest role in the series was the episode "Hercules and the Tapestry of Fate", Hercules and Icarus want to go to an Orpheus concert, but they find it sold out, and so seek out the aid of the Fates, when Zeus cannot help. Hercules distracts them while Icarus reweaves fate to allow them to go to the concert. This gives Hades the idea to reweave his own fate, making him king of the gods, Phil a janitor, Icarus the inventor of capable wings, Hercules himself a god and Hades' son, and Zeus guardian of the Tapestry and ruler of the Underworld. Hercules uses his strength as a god to destroy the Tapestry and reweave it back to normal; the Fates give them tickets as a reward, only for them to find the concert has been canceled. In the episode Hercules and the Visit From Zeus, Hades learns from the Fates that Zeus was in the form of a teenager. In an attempt to be rid himself of Zeus once and for all he sends his troublesome dog Cerberus after Zeus while he's still mortal.

In "Hercules and the Big Kiss", Hades tries to use the Fates all seeing eye to see his future regarding Aphrodite causing the Fates to be cross with him. Still desperate to learn his future Hades makes a deal with Cassandra for her soul on weekends once he has successfully stopped Icarus from kissing her.

In "Hercules and the Twilight of the Gods", the Fates are revealed to be double dipping Greek and Norse mythology. However, they deny being the Fates and insists that they are the Norns.

In "Hercules and the Big Sink", the Fates state that Atlantis City will not sink in order to disprove Cassandra's prediction of it sinking. However, the fight between Herc and Scylla causes the Fates to accidentally cut Atlantis City out of the Tapestry of Fate, causing it to sink. The Fates make a cameo in the episode "Hercules and the River Styx" during Hades song "My Town". In the episode "Hercules and the Underworld Takeover", The Fates appear alongside Cerberus and Hades' monstrous underling during Hecate's hostile takeover of the Underworld.

House of Mouse

The Fates appeared in various episodes of House of Mouse, each voiced by Tress MacNeille.

In "Clarabelle's Christmas List", Clarabelle Cow borrows their eye to guard Santa's Naughty or Nice list from the rest of the staff who wants to see where they ended up.

In "Clarabelle's Big Secret", Atropos is surprised when Clarabelle declares that she is discontinuing "Main Street Gossip," commenting that not even she, with her ability to know all that will happen in the future, had expected Clarabelle to do so.

In Mickey's House of Villains, they were amongst the Disney Villains that took over the club. The Fates also thwart Donald's attempt to scare them by literally keeping their eye on him.

Once Upon a Time

The Fates don't appear in the series but are mentioned in the episode "Street Rats".

Video games

Hercules Playstation Game

The Fates make a small cameo appearance on one of the menus in the Hercules PlayStation Game, with a Fate standing underneath each menu category. The highlighted category causes the Fate underneath to snatch the eye from the Fate next to her.

Differences from the source material

The Fates in the film are a combination of the Fates of Greek Mythology (also known as the Moirae) and the Graeae, three hag-like creatures featured in the story of Perseus. While the Fates take their inspiration greatly from the Moirae, their physical appearances and trait of owning one eye are borrowed from the Graeae. Conversely, the Fates seen in the film and their role as weavers of fate is faithful to the Moirae. However, neither the Graeae or the Moirae appear in the original Hercules myth.

Trivia

  • Chaos once stated even he doesn't like playing cards with Fate. Considering the crossover between the two franchises, it is possible these were the Fates he was alluding to. Further confusing the matter is his referring to "Fate" states that Fate is male.
  • Their role in Hercules is perhaps similar to that of the Witches in Shakespeare's Macbeth; not only do they resemble hags, but they also reveal the events of the future in verse (much to Hades' annoyance), and do not reveal all of the truth (they do not say whether or not Hercules will fight, making it unclear whether Hades will succeed or fail).
  • Paddi Edwards, the voice of Atropos, was best known to Disney fans as the voice of Ursula's Minions Flotsam and Jetsam in The Little Mermaid feature film and television series. In addition, she was also known for providing the voice of Gozer in the original Ghostbusters film.
  • In Norse mythology, it is stated that they decide the date of everything. Owing their appearance as the Norns, that would mean that Clotho is Verthandi, Lachesis is Urd, and Atropos is Skuld.
  • The Fates' eyes resemble the style of 1930s cartoon eyes and Shy Guys' eyes in Mario video games.
  • In one episode of House Of Mouse, when the fates sings a musical number, Clotho and Lachesis switch their skin colors. This is most likely an animation error.
  • As shown in Mickey's House of Villains, the Fates are capable of have their heads fall off without dying.
  • Other than the Muses, the Fates are the only characters in the series that interact with Bob the Narrator.
  • While the Fates have not appeared physically in the Kingdom Hearts series, they have been numerous references of them in some capacity:
    • In Kingdom Hearts II, their likeness and appearance were used in the Goddess of Fate Cup in the Underdome tournaments.
    • In Kingdom Hearts III, they were mentioned by the narrator during the opening narration for Olympus.

Gallery

Film

Hercules: The Animated Series

House of Mouse

Concept Art


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Hercules logo
Media
Films: Hercules (video/soundtrack) • Hercules: Zero to Hero • Hercules (live-action film)

Shows: TV series • House of Mouse • Chibi Tiny Tales
Video games: Hercules Action Game • Animated Storybook: Hercules • Hades Challenge • Kingdom Hearts • Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories • Kingdom Hearts II • Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days • Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep • Kingdom Hearts coded • Kingdom Hearts χ • Kingdom Hearts Unchained χ/Union χ • Kingdom Hearts III • Disney Emoji Blitz • Disney Heroes: Battle Mode • Disney Sorcerer's Arena • Disney Speedstorm

Disney Parks
Disney Animation Building • It's a Small World • Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom • Hercules in the Underworld

Entertainment: Animazment: The Musical • Disney Dreams: An Enchanted Classic • Disney's Wishes • Fantasmic! • Hercules: The Muse-ical • Mickey's Gift of Dreams • Once Upon a Mouse • Villains Tonight!
Parades: Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade • Hercules Victory Parade • The Hercules Electrical Parade • The Wonderful World of Disney Parade
Fireworks: Happily Ever After • Harmonious • Momentous • Wishes: A Magical Gathering of Disney Dreams • Wonderful World of Animation • Illuminate! A Nighttime Celebration • Wondrous Journeys
Summer: Stitch and Friends Summer Surprise
Halloween: Disney's Not So Spooky Spectacular • Disney Villains Wicked Gathering • Frightfully Fun Parade • Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular • House of De Vil-lains • Maze of Madness: The Nightmare Experiment Continues • Mickey's Boo-to-You Halloween Parade • Re-Villains! Halloween Parade • Rock on With The Disney Villains • Scream and Shout Halloween Parade • The Villains World • Villains Night Out! • World of Color: Villainous!
Christmas: A Christmas Fantasy Parade

Characters
Original: Hercules • Hades • Pegasus • Philoctetes • Megara • Pain and Panic • Fates • Muses • Zeus • Hera • Hermes • Hephaestus • Athena • Ares • Poseidon • Aphrodite • Artemis • Apollo • Olympian Gods • Thebans • Dionysus • Titans • Cerberus • Hydra • Minotaur • Stheno • Nemean Lion • Nessus • Nymphs • Amphitryon and Alcmene • Harpies • Cetus • Caledonian Boar • Charon • Bob the Narrator • Griffins • Cupid • Demeter

TV Series: Chipacles • Hestia • Icarus • Cassandra • Adonis • Helen of Troy • Tempest • Circe • Triton • Galatea • Pandora • Medusa • Echidna • Typhon • Echidna's Children • Furies • Hecate • Canis and Lupus • Nemesis • Mr. Parentheses • Homer • Fear and Terror • Ibid • Antaeus • Prometheus • Daedelus • Morpheus • Kronos • Gaia • Amphitrite • Achilles • Theseus • Orion • Nestor & Meleager • King Midas • Melampus • Lavina • Andromeda • Syrinx • Mr. Griff • Tivius • Orthos • Queen Hippolyte • Momalus • Arachne • Caucasian Eagle • Sphinx Martindale • Gegeneis • Otus

Episodes
Season One: "Hercules and the Apollo Mission" • "Hercules and the King of Thessaly" • "Hercules and the Secret Weapon" • "Hercules and the Assassin" • "Hercules and the Big Kiss" • "Hercules and the River Styx" • "Hercules and the Techno Greeks" • "Hercules and the World's First Doctor" • "Hercules and the Pool Party" • "Hercules and the Prince of Thrace" • "Hercules and the Tapestry of Fate" • "Hercules and the Living Legend" • "Hercules and the Return of Typhon" • "Hercules and the Owl of Athena" • "Hercules and the Girdle of Hippolyte" • "Hercules and the Bacchanal" • "Hercules and the Underworld Takeover" • "Hercules and the Comedy of Arrows" • "Hercules and the Hostage Crisis" • "Hercules and the Disappearing Heroes" • "Hercules and the Argonauts" • "Hercules and the Drama Festival" • "Hercules and the Phil Factor" • "Hercules and the All Nighter" • "Hercules and the Song of Circe" • "Hercules and the Trojan War" • "Hercules and the Dream Date" • "Hercules and the Big Games" • "Hercules and the Jilt Trip" • "Hercules and the Falling Stars" • "Hercules and the Golden Touch" • "Hercules and the Minotaur" • "Hercules and the Son of Poseidon" • "Hercules and the Twilight of the Gods" • "Hercules and the Griffin" • "Hercules and the King For a Day" • "Hercules and the Pegasus Incident" • "Hercules and the Big Sink" • "Hercules and the Big Lie" • "Hercules and the Prom" • "Hercules and the Spartan Experience" • "Hercules and the Complex Electra" • "Hercules and the Long Nightmare" • "Hercules and the Arabian Night" • "Hercules and the Aetolian Amphora" • "Hercules and the Romans" • "Hercules and the Yearbook" • "Hercules and the Odyssey Experience" • "Hercules and the Grim Avenger" • "Hercules and the Spring of Canathus" • "Hercules and the Big Show" • "Hercules and the Tiff on Olympus"

Season Two: "Hercules and the First Day of School"" • "Hercules and the Visit from Zeus" • "Hercules and the Driving Test" • "Hercules and the Parent's Weekend" • "Hercules and the Prometheus Affair" • "Hercules and the Hero of Athens" • "Hercules and the Caledonian Boar" • "Hercules and the Epic Adventure" • "Hercules and the Poseidon's Cup Adventure" • "Hercules and the Muse of Dance" • "Hercules and the Kids" • "Hercules and the Gorgon" • "Hercules and the Green-Eyed Monster"

Songs
Original: The Gospel Truth • Go the Distance • One Last Hope • Zero to Hero • I Won't Say (I'm in Love) • A Star is Born • Shooting Star • I Can't Believe My Heart

TV series songs: Send My Boy to School • My Town • Pericles of Athens • Promethean Ditty • The Agora • The Bacchanal • The Man That I Love • Pucker Up or Let Him Snooze • That's How the Story Goes • Aphrodesia Dance • Love Is In The Air • Since the Light Went Away • Ain't Life a Beach • Can-Do King • Kronos Stone • What's a Mother to Do? • Sreamin' Grecian Teenage Blues • Lethe Water on the Brain! • One Good Man • You're My Hero

Locations
Ancient Greece • Mount Olympus • Underworld • Phil's Island • Thebes • Prometheus Academy • Atlantis City
Objects
Skull Pacifier • Armageddon Bow • Lightning Bolts • Mortal Potion • Trident
Miscellaneous
Disney Sing Along Songs: From Hercules • Musical


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Disney Villains Logo
Members
The Evil Queen • Chernabog • Queen of Hearts • Captain Hook • Maleficent • Cruella De Vil • Ursula • Jafar • Scar • Hades • Dr. Facilier

Other Disney Animation Villains: Pete • Big Bad Wolf • Willie the Giant • Lonesome Ghosts • Mortimer Mouse • Magic Mirror • Honest John • Gideon • Stromboli • Monstro • Pink Elephants • Ringmaster • The Headless Horseman • Lady Tremaine • Anastasia Tremaine • Drizella Tremaine • Lucifer • Cheshire Cat • Card Soldiers • Mr. Smee • Si and Am • Aunt Sarah • Diablo • Jasper and Horace • Madam Mim • Kaa • Shere Khan • Edgar • Prince John • Sir Hiss • Sheriff of Nottingham • Heffalumps • Woozles • Madame Medusa • Brutus and Nero • Amos Slade • Horned King • Professor Ratigan • Felicia • Sykes • Flotsam and Jetsam • Percival C. McLeach • Gaston • Iago • Shenzi, Banzai, and Ed • Governor Ratcliffe • Claude Frollo • Pain and Panic • Fates • Shan Yu • Clayton • Sabor • Yzma • Lyle Tiberius Rourke • Captain Gantu • Dr. Jumba Jookiba • John Silver • Scroop • Bowler Hat Guy • Doris • Lawrence • Dr. Facilier's Shadow • Mother Gothel • Stabbington Brothers • King Candy • Sour Bill • Hans • Duke of Weselton • Yokai • Bellwether • Tamatoa • King Magnifico
Pixar Villains: Sid Phillips • Scud • Hopper • Molt • Emperor Zurg • Stinky Pete • Randall Boggs • Henry J. Waternoose III • Syndrome • Chick Hicks • Chef Skinner • AUTO • Charles F. Muntz • Lotso • Miles Axlerod • Professor Z • Mor'du • Thunderclap • Ernesto de la Cruz • Evelyn Deavor • Dragon the Cat
Other Villains: Br'er Fox • Br'er Bear • Oogie Boogie • Winifred Sanderson • Mary Sanderson • Sarah Sanderson • Dr. Hämsterviel • Queen Narissa • Wicked Witch of the West • Ripslinger • Hitchhiking Ghosts

Disney Parks
Celebrate A Dreams Come True Parade • Celebrate the Magic • Cinderella Castle Mystery Tour • Club Villain • Disney's Fantillusion • Disney's Maleficious Halloween Party • Disney's Not-So-Scary Halloween Show • Disney's Once Upon a Dream Parade • Disney Dreams! • Disney's Stars 'n' Cars... As Never Seen Before • Fantasmic! • Feel the Magic • Frightfully Fun Parade • Glow in the Park Halloween Parade • Happy Hallowishes • Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular • Inferno Dance Party • It's Good To Be Bad With The Disney Villains • It's Good to Be Bad Villainous Celebration • It's Party Time... with Mickey and Friends... and the Disney Villains • Mickey's Boo-to-You Halloween Parade • Mickey and his Magic Halloween Night • Momentous • Re-Villains! Halloween Parade • Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom • The Disney Villains Halloween Showtime • The Nightmare Experiment • The Villains World • Unleash the Villains • Villains Gardens • Villainy in the Sky • Villains Mix and Mingle • Villains Night Out! • Villains Tonight! • Wishes • World of Color
Media
Mickey's House of Villains • Once Upon a Halloween • Disney Villains: Simply Sinister Songs • Disney Villains Songbook

Video Games: Disney Villains Challenge • Disney's Villains' Revenge

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