Is there a celtic equivelant of the 3 Fates or the Norns?

[Aurora]

Is there a celtic equivelant of the 3 greek Fates or the Norns? I've had a bit of a look around and haven't found anything, The closest i've come is with some of the aspects of the Morrigan and they are nearly all related to battle. Have also had a look at some beanshìdh stories but they are not quite the same as the fates. Any suggetsions would be appreciated

[Eilthireach]

Hello Aurora,

as far as my knowledge of the topic goes, there is no Celtic equivalent of the Nornir.

Among the Celts in the Roman provinces Germania Superior and Germania Inferior there was a triad of female deities commonly known as 'mothers' or 'matronae', who were later adopted into the Roman pantheon. As far as we can say these deities were not associated in any respect with fate, however. They are sometimes depicted with what could be fruits of the field, and usually are of the same age. It is generally assumed that they are earth, harvest or tribal deities (taking care of the wellbeing of the tribe). In that they may more resemble the Germanic Disir which is a group term for Germanic female deities, female ancestors and nature spirits.

The Germanic contemporaries of the Celts obviously had very detailed and complex ideas of fate which are usually summarized with the term Wyrd. Of how the continental Celts saw fate, not much is known. Maybe they had a less detailed... or different system and therefore no need for deities/spirits personificating fate?

Eilthireach.

[Aurora]

Thanks Eilthireach, will have to keep looking. I enjoyed learning more of the Germanic perspective though

[DaRC]

Of course much of what we now think about the Norns has been Shakespeare influenced via Macbeth with the 3 Witches.

The early Arthurian legends may be somewhere to look. Maybe start with Morgause, Morgana or Ygraine
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ygraine

[Aurora]

Thanks DaRC, i hadn't thought about looking there, will have to check it out

[DaRC]

Ok great Glad to be of help - if you make any discoveries then I'd be interested!