In the play Macbeth, the Witches play a bigger role than one might expect. The Witches are temptations of evil and with the Witches’ mischief prey upon Macbeth’s ambition like puppeteers. The Witches give Macbeth numerous prophecies that are told to provoke Macbeth towards his doom. The prophecies give Macbeth thoughts of treason against the King, tells Macbeth to secure the kingdom from Banquo’s descendants, and give Macbeth the false courage that leads him to think he was invincible. If the Witches’ prophecies did not guide Macbeth, his life would not have led to tragedy.
When Macbeth first meets the Witches, they address him by three different names. “All hail, Macbeth! Hail to you, thane of Glamis. All hail, Macbeth! Hail to you, thane of Cawdor. All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter” (1. 3. 51-53). The three Witches tell Banquo’s future as well, saying his descendants will be kings, however, he will not. At first, Macbeth thinks nothing of the Witches babble. Coincidentally, just before Macbeth and Banquo meet the Witches, King Duncan announces to Ross that Macbeth will be the new Thane of Cawdor setting Macbeth’s fate into motion. “No more that thane of Cawdor shall deceive our bosom interest: go pronounce his present death, and with his former title greet Macbeth” (1. 3. 76). The Witches used the fact “Hail to you, Thane of Cawdor” as a trick, to have Macbeth believe the prophecies are true. Macbeth finds out he will become the Thane of Cawdor and something