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ATROPOS, ATTROPOS. Atropos was the last and most important of the Three Fates, daughters of Night. Clotho spun the thread of life and was responsible for birth; Lachesis drew out the thread and apportioned the length of life; Atropos cut the thread and decided the time of death (Hesiod, Theogony 217-222; Isidore, Etym VIII.11.93).

Troilus calls on Atropos to prepare his bier, Tr IV.1205-1211, when he learns that Criseyde is to be exchanged for Antenor. Criseyde asks Atropos to break in pieces her thread of life if she is false to Troilus, Tr IV.1545-1546. [Lachesis: Parcas]

Atropos means "not to be averted" or "the inevitable." Both forms are pronounced alike, the doubled consonant indicating an initial unstressed vowel, and may be scribal variants. Atropos occurs in medial position, Tr IV.1208; Attropos occurs also in medial position, Tr IV.1546.


Hesiod, The Homeric Hymns and Homerica, ed. and trans. H.G. Evelyn-White, 94-95; Isidore, Etymologiae, ed. W. Lindsay, I.
From CHAUCER NAME DICTIONARY
Copyright © 1988, 1996 Jacqueline de Weever
Published by Garland Publishing, Inc., New York and London.

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