Character Profile: Macbeth's Witches

The witches in Macbeth are some of the most memorable and mysterious characters in all of literature. They are often referred to as the “Weird Sisters” and their role in the play is both fascinating and eerie. They serve as a powerful force that drives the story forward, influencing Macbeth and shaping his tragic downfall. 

Who are the witches?

The witches in Macbeth are supernatural beings who represent chaos, darkness, and the unknown. They are not human, but they appear as strange, ugly women with a powerful and otherworldy presence. From the very first scene of the play, the captivate the audience with their spooky appearance and riddles. 

When the witches are first introduced, they are described as strange and unsettling. Banquo says:

“What are these/ So withered and so wild in their attire,/ That look not like the inhabitants o’ the earth,/ And yet are on’t?”

This description shows us that the witches don’t look like regular people. They are otherworldly and creepy, and their presence sets the mood for the entire play. 

What do the witches do in the play?

The witches play a big role in the events of Macbeth. They appear at key moments to guide and manipulate Macbeth, and make prophecies that influence his actions.

• Make prophecies: In act 1, scene 3, the witches meet Macbeth and Banquo on a deserted heath. They tell Macbeth three things:

  • 1. He is  the Thane of Glamis (his current title)

    2. He will become the Thane of Cawdor

    3. He will become king. 

• These prophecies spark Macbeth’s ambition. When the first two prophecies come true, Macbeth begins to believe that the third one must also be true. The witches also make a prophecy about Banquo, telling him that his descendants will be kings, but he will never be king himself. This creates a sense of jealousy and paranoia in Macbeth, which leads to dangerous decisions later on. 

• Use double meanings and riddles: the witches never speak plainly. Instead they use cryptic language and riddles that can be interpreted in multiple ways. For example they say in Act 1, scene 1: “Fair is foul and foul is fair”. This means that appearances can be deceiving, and what seems good might actually be bad. Their language confused Macbeth and makes him unsure of what to believe. 

• Manipulate Macbeth’s decisions: Later in the play, in Act 4, scene 1, Macbeth seeks out more prophecies from the witches. They tell him to beware Macduff, that no one born of women can harm him, and that he will not be defeated until Birnam Wood moves to Dunsinane Hill. These prophecies make Macbeth feel invincidle, but eventually lead to Macbeth’s downfall in Act 5.

What Do the Witches Represent?

The witches are more than just spooky characters; they symbolise several important ideas in the play.

1. Evil and Temptation: The witches are often seen as symbols of evil. They don’t directly tell Macbeth to commit murder, but their prophecies tempt him to do terrible things in order to fulfill his ambition.

2. Fate and Free Will: A big question in Macbeth is whether the witches control Macbeth’s actions or whether he has the power to make his own choices. Do the witches force him to act, or do they just plant the idea in his mind? This debate makes the play even more interesting.

3. Chaos and Disorder: The witches bring chaos wherever they go. Their riddles confuse Macbeth, and their predictions cause fear and paranoia. They represent a world where normal rules no longer apply, and everything is turned upside down.

Why Are the Witches Important?

The witches are important because they drive the story forward. Without them, Macbeth might never have thought about becoming king. Their prophecies spark his ambition and set the tragic events of the play in motion.

But the witches are also important because they create a dark and mysterious atmosphere. From the opening scene, where they chant their eerie spells, to their cryptic messages to Macbeth, the witches make the play feel spooky and intense.

How to Understand the Witches’ Language

The witches’ language can be tricky to understand because it is full of riddles and old-fashioned words. Here are some tips to help you:

1. Look for Patterns: The witches often speak in rhymes, like a chant or spell. For example:
   "Double, double, toil and trouble;
   Fire burn and cauldron bubble."
   
   

This pattern makes their speech sound magical and unnatural.

2. Think About the Bigger Picture: When the witches say something confusing, ask yourself: “What effect does this have on Macbeth?” For example, when they tell him he will be king, they plant a seed of ambition in his mind.

3. Check Modern Translations: If you’re struggling with the original text, use a modern translation or summary to help you understand what they’re saying.

The witches in Macbeth are mysterious, powerful, and deeply unsettling. They are not just characters in the play—they are symbols of evil, temptation, and chaos. By making predictions and speaking in riddles, they influence Macbeth’s actions and create the dark, tragic atmosphere of the play.

Whether you see the witches as manipulators of fate or as figures who merely tempt Macbeth, one thing is clear: they are essential to the story of Macbeth. Next time you read the play, pay close attention to the witches’ words and actions. They may be hard to understand at first, but they are key to unlocking the play’s deeper meanings.