| The Three Witches | |
|---|---|
 | |
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Real Names |
Unknown |
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First Appearance |
Holinshed's Chronicles (1587) |
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Created by |
Unknown (Holinshed's Chronicles) |
Origin[]
The Three Witches, also known as the Weird Sisters or the Wayward Sisters, are a coven pivotal characters who play a pivitol role in the unfolding of the tragic events that transpire throughout William Shakespeare's telling of "Macbeth". They are mysterious figures who embody the supernatural forces that manipulate the fates of the characters, particularly Macbeth.
The three witches by Henry Fuseli (1783)
The First Witch is often portrayed as the leader or the most prominent among the three. She is depicted as sinister and cunning, with a commanding presence that exudes authority. She initiates the encounter with Macbeth by addressing him with prophecies that ignite his ambition.
The Second Witch is characterized as more subdued compared to her counterparts. She often echoes the First Witch's sentiments and contributes to the foreboding atmosphere surrounding their prophecies. Her presence reinforces their collective power and emphasizes the inevitability of Macbeth's downfall.
The Third Witch is typically depicted as the most mysterious of the trio. She possesses an air of malevolence and unpredictability. Her ominous presence foreshadows the chaos and bloodshed that will ensue as Macbeth succumbs to his ambition.
Powers and Abilities[]
A portrait of actor Drinkwater Meadows in the role of one of the witches. (1838)
The extent of the Three Witches' power is unclear, but they clearly possess the ability of prophetic vision, serving as catalysts for the events that follow, tempting Macbeth with prophecies that awaken his ambition and lead him down a path of treachery and destruction. They represent the darker forces at work in the world, manipulating mortal affairs for their own amusement or to fulfill a larger, inscrutable purpose. Throughout "Macbeth," their eerie presence and prophetic abilities underscore the themes of fate, free will, and the corrupting influence of power.
Trivia[]
- The Three Witches are believed to have been inspired by the similar Fates from Greek Mythology and the Norns of Norse folklore. They are also reminiscent of the Morrígan of Irish mythology, with some depictions in media having each individual reflect the three different aspects of the ancient goddess (maiden, mother, crone).