The Fates

Lore & Background

In The Last Olympian, after Luke dies defeating Kronos, the Fates carry his body away.

Reader's Guide

In Rick Riordan’s universe, the Fates represent the absolute ceiling of mortal agency. They embody the central theme of free will versus predestination: characters often believe they are making choices, only to realize those choices were part of a larger design woven by the sisters. Attempting to defy fate—such as trying to avoid a prophecy—often results in walking directly into destiny’s trap. Understanding the Fates is crucial for understanding the stakes of the series. While heroes can change how events unfold, they cannot change the final outcome if it has been cut by Atropos. This adds a layer of tragic inevitability to many storylines, reminding readers that even with godly powers and magic, some boundaries are absolute.

Did You Know?

• In The Lightning Thief, Percy and Grover encounter the Fates at an old-fashioned fruit stand.
• The Fates tied Frank Zhang's life force to a piece of firewood when he was a baby, so that if the wood burned up he would die.
• In The Blood of Olympus, the giant Thoon, who opposes the Fates, is beaten to death by the Fates themselves with clubs.