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Fate and Moirai ( the three fates) in greek tradition

Μελετήματα

• Οικονομίδης, Δημήτριος Β.

In his study the author first discusses ideas of fate, or the destiny of human beings, and of the Three Fates (Moires) that appear in the oral tradition of Modern Greece and recall earlier beliefs in popular Greek culture. These beliefs are inextricably bound to similar beliefs in Fortune. The study of Fate and the Three Fates certainly deserves researchers’ attention, not so much in order to investigate cultural continuity, as to reflect on modem Greek cosmology and worldview.The topic of this article is analysed in seven sections: 1.) language and expressions relating to Fate and the Three Fates; 2.) couplets; 3.) legends, beliefs and actions; 4.) certain folktales; 5.) relevant proverbs; 6.) Fate and the Moirai in ancient Greek and Byzantine culture; 7.) a short reference to similar beliefs in other cultures, especially those of Greece’s neighbouring peoples.To conclude, it seems that Fortune is identified with Fate and modem Greek beliefs in the three demonic sisters directly parallels those of ancient and Byzantine Greeks. The concept of Fate seems to refer generally to fortune, the destiny of all people, but also to the individual fortune of each person.

• Other Humanities
• Languages and Literature

• Λαογραφία
• Mythology
• Folk literature