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Parcae

Parcae

1 9.9
Three Roman goddesses who spin, measure, and cut the thread of people's lives
  • noun
  • /ˈpɑrki/
  • Literature
: Parcas
  • Writers sometimes invoke the Parcae as symbols of destiny beyond human control.

Examples

  • The Parcae control fate.

  • In ancient Roman art, the Parcae are often depicted as solemn women holding tools of fate.

  • The Parcae were believed to spin, measure, and cut the thread of human life.

  • The Parcae are powerful.

  • The ancient Greeks believed that the Parcae determined the length of each person's life.

  • In Roman mythology, the Parcae spun the thread of fate for all humans.

  • Many tales describe how the Parcae would decide the destiny of heroes and mortals alike.

Synonyms

Moirai
vsParcae
  • Literature
1 9.9

Three goddesses who decide the lives and fates of people and gods

is the Roman equivalent name for the same three fate goddesses
Moirae
vsParcae
  • Literature
9.9

Three Greek goddesses who decide how long people live and what happens to them

is the Roman equivalent name for the same trio of fate goddesses

Surface Forms

Parcae singular
Parcae plural

Etymology

Parcae comes from Latin and names the three Roman goddesses who 'spin', 'measure', and 'cut' the thread of a person's life. That's why Parcae are used as symbols of 'fate' or 'destiny' and show forces beyond human control.