Definition

Noun: 1. One of the three Fates in Norse mythology: In Norse mythology, a "weird sister" is one of the three goddesses (often named Urðr, Verðandi, and Skuld) who personify destiny and control the fate of both gods and humans. The term "weird" here derives from the Old English "wyrd," meaning "fate" or "destiny." 2. A witch or supernatural woman (archaic/literary): In later, especially Shakespearean, usage, the term can refer more generally to a witch or a woman with prophetic or supernatural powers.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Mythological):
  • The Norns, the weird sisters of Norse myth, weave the threads of fate at the base of Yggdrasil.
  • In the legend, the hero sought the counsel of the weird sister to learn his destiny.
• Noun (Literary/Archaic):
  • The three weird sisters in Shakespeare's "Macbeth" prophesy his rise to power.
  • The old tale spoke of a weird sister living in the woods who could see the future.

Advanced Usage

• Capitalization: When referring specifically to the Norse goddesses, "Weird Sisters" is often capitalized.
  • The Weird Sisters are comparable to the Greek Fates.
• Modern Figurative Use: The term is sometimes used figuratively to describe a group of women who seem to have an uncanny, mysterious, or controlling influence.
  • The three board members, often called the weird sisters by the staff, made all the important decisions behind closed doors.

Variants and Related Words

• Wyrd (n.): The Old English concept of personal destiny or fate, from which the word "weird" is derived.
• Norn (n.): The more common name for any of the three fate goddesses in Norse mythology.
• Fate (n.): A general term for the supposed force, principle, or agency that predetermines events.

Synonyms

• Fate (specifically as a personified being)
• Norn
• Prophetess (in the literary sense)
• Sibyl (a woman in ancient times supposed to utter the oracles and prophecies of a god)
• Hag or Crone (when emphasizing the witch-like, archaic sense)

Related Idioms and Phrases

• The Weird Sisters: This specific phrase is strongly associated with both the Norse Norns and the witches in Shakespeare's . It is often used as a proper noun.
  • "By the pricking of my thumbs, Something wicked this way comes." — A famous line spoken by one of the Weird Sisters in Macbeth.

Noun

1. (Norse mythology) any of the three goddesses of destiny; identified with Anglo-Saxon Wyrd; similar to Greek Moirae and Roman Parcae