ATROPOS, in Greek mythology, the eldest of the three Fates. Her name, the "Unalterable," indicates her function, that of ren dering the decisions of her sisters irreversible or immutable. At ropos is most frequently represented with scales, a sun-dial or a cutting instrument, the "abhorred shears" with which she "slits the thin-spun life." Of the two other Fates (Moirai), Clotho is she who spins the thread of life, represented with a spindle, and Lachesis, she who casts lots as to its length, drawing a lot or pointing to the globe (see Also FATE).