The Story of Lachesis
Lachesis was one of the three Fates, or Moirai, who governed the course of every life. Her name means the one who allots, because she assigned each person a share of life and destiny. Her sisters were Clotho, who spun the thread of life, and Atropos, who cut it.
Lachesis measured out each person's thread, deciding how long it would be. In Plato's story of Er, a soldier who saw the afterlife, she sings of the past, and souls about to be reborn receive their lots and choose their next lives from her lap. The Fates also appeared to Althaea when her son Meleager was born, and told her he would die when a log in the fire burned away.
Lachesis was often shown with a measuring rod or a scroll. Along with her sisters, she was worshipped in a few places, sometimes beside Zeus as the leader of the Fates. The Greeks saw the Fates as powers that even the gods could not easily overrule.
Famous Myths About Lachesis
The Life of Meleager
Soon after Meleager was born, the Fates told his mother Althaea that the baby would die when a log in the fire burned away. She pulled the log out and kept it safe, until she later threw it back into the flames.
Apollo's Trick
To spare his friend King Admetus from death, Apollo plied the Fates with wine. They agreed to let Admetus live on if someone else would die for him, and his loyal wife Alcestis offered herself.
Lachesis's Family Tree
Partners of Lachesis
Children of Lachesis
Frequently Asked Questions About Lachesis
Who is Lachesis in Greek mythology?
Lachesis is one of the three Fates, or Moirai. She measures the thread of life and decides how long each person will live.
What does the name Lachesis mean?
Lachesis means the one who allots, because she assigns each person a share of life and destiny.
Who are Lachesis's sisters?
Lachesis's sisters are Clotho, who spins the thread of life, and Atropos, who cuts it.
What is Lachesis's Roman name?
The Romans called Lachesis Decima, one of their three Fates, the Parcae.
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