# Fate and Inevitability in Histories

> Theme guide for Histories by Herodotus.

Events are frequently portrayed as destined or guided by divine will, such as the fall of kings or the outcomes of battles, with oracles and omens playing a key role in shaping human actions.

## Where it surfaces

- [Histories](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/histories_se/chapters/histories): Herodotus suggests that the conflict was driven by a cycle of retribution and divine will, as seen in the abductions and subsequent revenge.
- [Book I: Clio](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/histories_se/chapters/book-i-clio): Croesus's fate is tied to the sin of his ancestor, and the Pythia declares that even a god cannot escape destiny.
- [Book VI: Erato](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/histories_se/chapters/book-vi-erato): The Chians receive ominous signs—a plague among youths and a school roof collapse—foreshadowing their defeat by Histiaios and the Persians.
- [Book VII: Polymnia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/histories_se/chapters/book-vii-polymnia): Despite warnings from Artabanos and ominous signs, Xerxes proceeds with the invasion, suggesting a sense of inevitable conflict and doom.
- [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/histories_se/chapters/endnotes): Notes on oracles and divine signs (e.g., the eclipse interrupting battle) reflect themes of fate.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/histories_se/themes/fate_and_inevitability
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/histories_se/themes