Synopsis
Macbeth and Banquo, two generals returning from a successful war against the enemies of King Duncan, encounter three witches. They predict that Macbeth will become Thane of Cawdor and then King, and that Banquo will father a line of kings. The first part of the prophecy is fulfilled. Macbeth is made Thane of Cawdor and, encouraged by his wife, murders King Duncan and becomes king himself.
To secure his position Macbeth murders Banquo whose ghost appears to him that night. Haunted, unable to sleep, Macbeth resolves to visit the witches again. They warn him to beware Macduff, to fear none of woman born, and assure him that he will never be defeated until Birnham forest comes to Dunsinane.
Macduff goes to England to pursue Malcolm, King Duncan's eldest son, to avenge his father and free his country. News is brough that Macbeth has murdered Macduff's wife and children. The war begins. Lady Macbeth, tormented by remorse, kills herself and the witches prophesy is fulfilled. Malcolm's army disguises its numbers with boughs cut from the wood of Birnham, and Macduff, "from his mother's womb untimely ripped," kills Macbeth.
