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- Norns - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)
In Norse mythology, the Norns were three wise women spinners who determined every allotted life span. One spun out the thread of each life, another measured its length, and the third decided when the thread should be snapped. Their names were Urd (also spelled Urdr, or Weird, meaning "Past"), Verdande ("Present"), and Skuld ("Future"). They were depicted as aged, gray-headed hags, and they were respected by all for the immense power they possessed over the destinies of gods and humans alike. Once the Norns had decided someone’s fate, that destiny could not be changed. Even the principal god, Odin, was subject to their power.