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The prophecies of the witches came in two batches. Early in the play, they prophesy that Macbeth will become Thane of Cawdor and later King, and that Banquo, although he will not be king, will be the ancestor of a number of them.

Later, he goes back to the witches, and they conjure up spirits who prophesy that Macbeth could not be killed by a man born of a woman, that he would never be defeated until Birnam Wood came to Dunsinane and that Banquo's descendants would be kings for generations and generations.

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11y ago
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11y ago

It depends what you count as a prophecy. In Act 1 they tell Macbeth that he is already Thane of Cawdor (which was already true although Macbeth didn't know it). Probably that shouldn't count as a prophecy. They did tell him he would be a king in the future, and also that Banquo would not be a king, but that his decendants would be. That's two or three prophecies.

In Act 3 he goes to see them again and they do not make prophecies themselves but summon up spirits to do the prophesizing. So maybe these should not be counted as the witches' prophecies. The first spirit says, "Beware Macduff" which is not so much a prophecy as a warning. The Macbeth hears that none of woman born will harm him and that he will never be defeated until Birnam wood comes to Dunsinane. Those might count as prophecies.

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Q: How many prophecies did the witches make in Macbeth and what were they?
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In the play Macbeth why does hecate seek to destroy Macbeth?

Hecate seeks to destroy Macbeth for the simple reason that it would please her. She is the queen of the witches and therefore wants to make as many people as she can miserable. She even criticizes the original three witches for allowing Macbeth to hold information that would make him happy.


Why is important that the witches reappear in act 4 of Macbeth?

It is important that witches reappear in Act 4 of MacBeth because they tell him of his future. This helps to shapes many of the events later in the story.


How does Hecate feel about Macbeth?

She is the one who, after finding out that 'her' witches (the witches that she taught to do things like casting spells etc) were talking and "spilling too many beans" to Macbeth about the future, she, as the head witch, shows Macbeth the Apparitions, and she is the one who is a little more evil than the witches, as they did not try to trick Macbeth as much as she did, (she said herself that "security/is mortals' chiefest enemy") only obeyed her orders or had some fun.


Who was with Macbeth when he met the witches?

In Act 4 Scene 1, he left the royal palace at Forres, to meet the witches. Many editions of the play say that the witches were in a cavern. However, this does not come from the original text of the play in the First Folio, and it is unlikely that it was portrayed that way in any early performances of the play. Their cauldron would have been brought up on the trap door, rather than being in the concealment space, thus enabling their quick departure. In this case, Macbeth sought the witches out; this is when he goes to meet the witches. In Act 1 Scene 2, Macbeth had met the three witches by accident on his part, by design on theirs, and they meet on a "blasted heath" according to Macbeth's line. The witches knew that Macbeth would be crossing the heath. They placed themselves on collision course with Macbeth and his friend and fellow General Banquo.


Why do Banquo and Macbeth react differently to the witches in Macbeth?

In Act 1 Scene 3 of the Shakespearean play, friends and fellow Generals Macbeth and Banquo met three witches. The witches hailed Macbeth as Thane of Glamis, which he already was; Thane of Cawdor, which he was unbeknownst to him; and King of Scotland, which he hadn't considered. Macbeth was shaken and then tempted by the predictions.The witches then hailed Banquo as lesser and less lucky but at the same time greater and more fortunate than Macbeth. They predicted great fortune for the royal line that would descend from him even though he'd be uncrowned. Banquo joked about the insanity of believing supernatural beings that came and went. He later warned of the hidden agendas of such beings.

Related questions

Many characters pose a threat to Macbeth. which characters in the play do you believe pose the greatest threat to him?

Lady Macbeth poses the greatest threat to Macbeth in the play as she is the one who instigates his ambition and pushes him to commit regicide. The Witches also pose a significant threat as their prophecies fuel Macbeth's ambitions and ultimately lead to his downfall. Lady Macbeth's manipulation and the supernatural influence of the Witches are the most potent threats to Macbeth's sanity and power.


In the play Macbeth why does hecate seek to destroy Macbeth?

Hecate seeks to destroy Macbeth for the simple reason that it would please her. She is the queen of the witches and therefore wants to make as many people as she can miserable. She even criticizes the original three witches for allowing Macbeth to hold information that would make him happy.


In the beginning scene of the play how many witches gather to discuss their future plans Macbeth?

In the beginning scene of Macbeth, three witches gather to discuss their future plans, including meeting Macbeth.


In the beginning scene of the play how many witches gather to discuss their future plans in Macbeth?

There are three witches.


Why is important that the witches reappear in act 4 of Macbeth?

It is important that witches reappear in Act 4 of MacBeth because they tell him of his future. This helps to shapes many of the events later in the story.


What were the three witches predictions?

The three witches in Shakespeare's play Macbeth predict that Macbeth will become Thane of Cawdor and King of Scotland, and that Banquo's descendants will become kings. Many get confused and think that one of the predictions is that Macbeth will become Thane of Glamis. However this is not a prediction; when the witches meet Macbeth, he is already Thane of Glamis. They also predicted that they would kill him and rape him


Why is Hecate upset In Macbeth?

Hecate is upset in Macbeth because she feels that the three witches have been meddling in Macbeth's affairs without involving her. She believes that they have been giving Macbeth false confidence and leading him astray, which goes against their practice of working together as a team. Additionally, she is angry that they did not consult her before making their prophecies known to Macbeth.


Who were the witches in 'Macbeth'?

In Shakespeare's play "Macbeth," the witches are supernatural beings who predict Macbeth's rise to power and eventual downfall. They are often referred to as the "weird sisters" and play a significant role in manipulating Macbeth's actions through their prophecies and influence.


How does Hecate feel about Macbeth?

She is the one who, after finding out that 'her' witches (the witches that she taught to do things like casting spells etc) were talking and "spilling too many beans" to Macbeth about the future, she, as the head witch, shows Macbeth the Apparitions, and she is the one who is a little more evil than the witches, as they did not try to trick Macbeth as much as she did, (she said herself that "security/is mortals' chiefest enemy") only obeyed her orders or had some fun.


In the beginning scene of the play macbetjhhow many witches gather to discuss their future plans?

In the beginning scene of the play "Macbeth," three witches gather to discuss their future plans.


Who was with Macbeth when he met the witches?

In Act 4 Scene 1, he left the royal palace at Forres, to meet the witches. Many editions of the play say that the witches were in a cavern. However, this does not come from the original text of the play in the First Folio, and it is unlikely that it was portrayed that way in any early performances of the play. Their cauldron would have been brought up on the trap door, rather than being in the concealment space, thus enabling their quick departure. In this case, Macbeth sought the witches out; this is when he goes to meet the witches. In Act 1 Scene 2, Macbeth had met the three witches by accident on his part, by design on theirs, and they meet on a "blasted heath" according to Macbeth's line. The witches knew that Macbeth would be crossing the heath. They placed themselves on collision course with Macbeth and his friend and fellow General Banquo.


In what Shakespeare play is there a chant that includes many gory body parts?

Macbeth i think-the witches chant. I was finding this out too. IGS homework.....