Clotho

Statue in Druid Ridge Cemetery, near Baltimore, Maryland, that represents the Greek fate Clotho
The Triumph of Death, or The Three Fates. Flemish tapestry (probably Brussels, ca. 1510–1520). Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Clotho, 1893 by Camille Claudel

Clotho (/ˈklθ/; Greek: Κλωθώ) or Klotho, is a mythological figure. She is the youngest goddess of the Three Fates or Moirai. In ancient Greek mythology, she spins the thread of human life, her sisters draw out (Lachesis) and cut (Atropos) the thread. Her Roman equivalent is Nona. She also made major decisions, such as when a person was born, thus in effect controlling people's lives. This power enabled her not only to choose who was born, but also to decide when deities or mortals were to be saved or put to death. For example, Clotho resurrected Pelops when his father killed him.

As one of the three fates, her influence in Greek mythology was significant. Along with her sisters and Hermes, Clotho was given credit for creating the alphabet for their people. Even though Clotho and her sisters were worshiped as goddesses, their representation of fate is more central to their role in mythology. Thread represented human life and her decisions represented the fate of all people in society.


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