The words fates, fetes sound the same but have different meanings and spellings. Why do fates, fetes sound the same even though they are completely different words?
The answer is simple: fates, fetes are homophones of the English language.
The supposed force, principle, or power that predetermines events.
The inevitable events predestined by this force.
A final result or consequence; an outcome.
Unfavorable destiny; doom.
A festival or feast.
An elaborate, often outdoor entertainment.
An elaborate party.
To celebrate or honor with a festival, a feast, or an elaborate entertainment.
Definitions from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Edition and Wordnik.
Homophones (literally "same sound") are usually defined as words that share the same pronunciation, regardless of how they are spelled.
If they are spelled the same then they are also homographs (and homonyms); if they are spelled differently then they are also heterographs (literally "different writing").