In Norse mythology, the Norns serve the purpose of determining the fate of all beings, much like the Fates in Greek mythology. They are three female deities: Urd (what has happened), Verdandi (what is happening), and Skuld (what will happen). The Norns weave the threads of destiny at the base of the World Tree, Yggdrasil, shaping the lives of gods and humans alike. They represent the inescapable nature of fate, emphasizing the themes of time and inevitability.