Atropos

[ a-truh-pos ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

, Classical Mythology.

Atropos

/ ˈætrəˌpɒs /

Origin of Atropos¹

< Greek: literally, not turning, hence, inflexible. See a- ⁶, -trope

Origin of Atropos¹

Greek, from atropos that may not be turned, from a- ¹+ -tropos from trepein to turn

Clotho draws the thread, Lachesis turns the wheel, and Atropos cuts the string asunder when spun to a due length.

The common forms found in collections are Atropos divinatorius and Clothilla pulsatoria.

Lachesis is represented with a spindle, Clotho with the thread, and Atropos with shears, with which she cuts it off.

In spite of its ominous livery, the Atropos does not come from Hades; it is no envoy of death, bringing sadness and mourning.

The Acherontia atropos plays a great part in the superstitions which are believed in by the country folk in England.

April 19, 2024tortuous

[tawr-choo-uhs ]

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