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King Duncans generals, Macbeth and Banquo, encounter three strange women on a bleak Scottish moorland on their flair home from quelling a rebellion. The women prophesy that Macbeth will be given the title of Thane of Cawdor and then become King of Scotland, while Banquos heirs shall be kings. The generals want to find out more but the weird sisters disappear. Duncan creates Macbeth Thane of Cawdor in thanks for his success in the recent battles and then proposes to make a brief visit to Macbeths castle. Lady Macbeth receives discussion from her husband of the prophecy and his new title and she vows to help him become king by any means she can. Macbeths return is followed almost at once by Duncans arrival. The Macbeths plot together and later that night, while all are sleeping and after his wife has given the guards drugged wine, Macbeth kills the King and his guards. Lady Macbeth leaves the bloody daggers beside the on the spur of the moment king. Macduff arrives and when the mu rder is discovered Duncans sons, Malcolm and Donalbain flee, fearing for their lives, but they are nevertheless blamed for the murder. Macbeth is elected King of Scotland, but is plagued by feelings of guilt and insecurity. He arranges for Banquo and his son, Fleance to be killed, but the son escapes the murderers. At a celebratory banquet Macbeth sees the ghost of Banquo and disconcerts the courtiers with his strange manner. Lady Macbeth tries to calm him but is rejected. Macbeth seeks out the witches and learns from them that he will be safe until Birnam forest comes to his castle, Dunsinane. They tell him that he need fear no-one born of woman, but also that the Scottish succession will come from Banquos son. Macbeth embarks on a reign of flagellum and many, including Macduffs family are murdered, while Macduff himself has gone to join Malcolm at the court of the English king, Edward. Malcolm and Macduff decide to lead an army against Macbeth. Macbeth feels safe in his remote c astle at Dunsinane until he is told that Birnam Wood is moving towards him.