Meaning of symbols of fate

The concept of fate is a recurring theme in many different cultures and mythologies around the world. Is life and fate predetermined, or do we have a choice? Since each culture has its own interpretation of fate, there are many symbols that represent different aspects of fate. Here are some notable fate symbols and their meanings as depicted in art, literature, and more.

Things you need to know

  • The Moirai were a trio of Greek goddesses who were believed to have the power to spin and control the fate of humans. They were associated with symbols such as threads, scissors, and spindles.
  • The Web of Wyrd is a Norse symbol associated with the Norns, goddesses of fate. Meanwhile, the Wheel of Fortune is a symbol of the cycle of life and destiny.
  • The red thread of fate is a Chinese concept; it is believed that people whose destinies are intertwined are connected by a red thread.

Symbol of fate

Moirai

Meaning of symbols of fate

The Moirai (also known as the Fates) were a trio of sisters or goddesses in ancient Greek mythology who were said to control the fate of humans. The first, Clotho (“the Spinner”), spun the threads of life. The second, Lachesis (“the Divider”), measured each thread. The third, Atropos (“the Inflexible”), cut each thread. Together, they represented the idea that fate and destiny were predetermined from birth.

Things like spindles, thread, scissors, and doves were all used as symbols representing the Moirai (and in turn, fate).

In fact, the idea of ​​threads or yarn representing fate and life paths is a common motif—it's not just limited to Greek mythology! Likewise, cutting those threads can represent death or a turning point in your destiny.

The Web of Wyrd

Meaning of symbols of fate

In Norse mythology, “wyrd” is the concept of destiny. Therefore, the Web of Wyrd is a symbol that represents the idea of ​​the connection between the past, present, and future. According to Norse mythology, the Norns are three goddesses who control the fate of gods and humans and are responsible for weaving the Web of Wyrd.

  • The 3 Norns are Urd (relating to the past), Verondi (relating to the present), and Skuld (relating to the future).
  • The Web of Wyrd is sometimes called “Skuld's Net”, associated with the Norns because like the Greek Fates, they weave the threads of destiny for all beings.
  • In Norse mythology, the Norns are often depicted as living by the well Urðr at the foot of the world tree (Yggdrasil).

The Wheel of Fortune

Meaning of symbols of fate

The Wheel of Fortune, or Rota Fortunae, is a symbol often depicted as a spinning wheel. It is said to represent the cyclical nature of life, fate, and fortune. It is a reminder that your life circumstances can change in the blink of an eye — so you need to be prepared for both positive and negative changes.

  • The wheel is associated with the ancient Roman goddess of luck and fortune, Fortuna.
  • In Roman mythology, Fortuna would spin a wheel to change a person's fate—some would gain incredible fortunes, while others would lose everything.
  • The concept of the Wheel of Fortune originated in Babylon and was used by the ancient Greeks before it reached Rome. Over time, the Wheel of Fortune also became more popular, no longer limited to Roman mythology.

Red thread

Meaning of symbols of fate

In Chinese and Japanese folklore, it is believed that individuals whose fates intertwine are connected by a red thread. Thus, the red thread of fate has become a symbol of destiny, representing the idea that every encounter in life is predestined.

  • In Chinese legend, a red thread is tied around each person's ankle.
  • In Japanese folklore, the threat is tied around the thumb of men and the pinky finger of women.
  • In Chinese culture, red also symbolizes happiness!

Ankh

Meaning of symbols of fate

The ankh is an ancient Egyptian symbol representing life and immortality, with the wheel at the top of the symbol representing the endless cycle of life and death. It also symbolizes the life-giving power of the gods with the idea that all life is connected to the divine—which, in turn, has led to the ankh being associated with the concept of fate.

In ancient Egyptian mythology, a person's journey through life and the afterlife was part of their destiny.

Owuo Atwedee

Meaning of symbols of fate

The Owuo atwedee is an Adinkra symbol from Africa. It does not directly symbolize the idea of ​​fate; rather, it is a symbol of the certainty of death. Its name literally means “death ladder,” and it is inspired by the belief that death is inevitable for all individuals. Therefore, it can also be a reminder of the fact that death is natural and inevitable for all people.

Ouroboros

Meaning of symbols of fate

The Ouroboros is an ancient symbol that depicts a snake (or dragon) forming an endless circle by eating its own tail. In fact, it symbolizes the cycle of life, death, and rebirth that many ancient cultures believed in, some of which also associated its meaning with the concept of fate and eternity.

Sign up and earn $1000 a day ⋙

Leave a Comment

Latest Dau Pha Mobile Code and how to enter code

Latest Dau Pha Mobile Code and how to enter code

Dau Pha Mobile brings players codes with a series of attractive rewards, helping you reduce difficulties in the early stages of the game.

DTCL Mage lineup season 12, build Mage season 12

DTCL Mage lineup season 12, build Mage season 12

Mages are an easy-to-play force in every season of TFT, and this season 12 is no exception.

What happens when lightning strikes a lake?

What happens when lightning strikes a lake?

When lightning strikes a body of water, the current travels across the surface rather than penetrating deep into the liquid, similar to the effect when lightning strikes a car or other conductive object.

10 strangest military vehicles in world history

10 strangest military vehicles in world history

Below are 10 military vehicles with quite strange and even bizarre designs, but the combat effectiveness of many of these vehicles has been proven by history.

10+ Best Free Software Uninstaller Tools

10+ Best Free Software Uninstaller Tools

Here are the best free software uninstallers that will help you quickly and cleanly remove installed applications, free up memory, and avoid problems when installing a newer version of the same software later.

How to Use Microsoft Office on Chromebook for Free

How to Use Microsoft Office on Chromebook for Free

As you know, Chromebooks are different from regular Windows laptops and you can't install Windows apps on them. However, there is a way you can run Microsoft Office on Chromebooks for free.

Summary of the latest 3Q Super Hero codes 4/2025

Summary of the latest 3Q Super Hero codes 4/2025

Three Kingdoms is a topic that many game developers take advantage of to create attractive games. This time, Quantrimang will introduce to you the game 3Q Sieu Hung with a series of attractive game codes.

Latest Fruit Battlegrounds Code 04/25/2025 and how to redeem code for rewards

Latest Fruit Battlegrounds Code 04/25/2025 and how to redeem code for rewards

Code Fruits Battleground helps players receive countless gems to use for in-game features.

Latest Tan Douluo Continent Code and instructions for redeeming codes for rewards

Latest Tan Douluo Continent Code and instructions for redeeming codes for rewards

The latest Tan Douluo Dai Luc Code will help you have an easier early game time with many attractive rewards.

What does the penguin icon mean?

What does the penguin icon mean?

The penguin icon is widely used by many young people on Facebook. However, not everyone understands its meaning.

Tips for designing indoor plants to make your living space more beautiful

Tips for designing indoor plants to make your living space more beautiful

Plants can also bring life to your home. These design tips can help you turn indoor plants into a focal point.

Dimensity 9400 Plus vs Snapdragon 8 Elite: Fierce confrontation in the 3nm CPU segment

Dimensity 9400 Plus vs Snapdragon 8 Elite: Fierce confrontation in the 3nm CPU segment

MediaTek has officially announced the Dimensity 9400 Plus as a more premium version of the regular Dimensity 9400. Its direct competitor is the Snapdragon 8 Elite, the flagship processor launched by Qualcomm last October.

AMD Radeon RX 9070 GRE Specs and Performance Leaked: Completely Crushing Nvidia RTX 5060 Ti?

AMD Radeon RX 9070 GRE Specs and Performance Leaked: Completely Crushing Nvidia RTX 5060 Ti?

This week, Nvidia launched the RTX 5060 Ti and RTX 5060 desktop graphics cards with list prices for the versions of $429, $379 and $299 respectively.

Common mistakes in daily planning

Common mistakes in daily planning

A daily plan is the foundation for your success, but even the best intentions can lead to frustration if you make the following mistakes.

Best quotes about December, status to greet loving December

Best quotes about December, status to greet loving December

Welcome December with good and positive quotes to make the end of the year sweeter and luckier. The article will summarize for you the best December statuses.