If they so desired, they could have altered the destinies of many famous heroes, including Heracles (more commonly known as Hercules), Perseus, and Prometheus, to such undesirable fates that people would recoil at their names. Although the Moirai may be described as, “cold and unmerciful,” they were, “not always deaf to the pleading of others” (“Moirae”). Therefore, the Moirai would occasionally change the fate of a man if requested by Zeus or if they believed that he deserved it. In the case of Macbeth, the witches originally respected Macbeth. All three initially addressed him by saying, “All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee” (Shakespeare 1, 3, 49). This very respectful way of acknowledging him provides insight into how honorable and worthy Macbeth is. At this time, the witches give Macbeth the two positive prophecies: that he will rise from Thane of Glamis to Thane of Cawdor, and then from Thane of Cawdor to King of Scotland. At this point in the play, Macbeth is still revered, and his fate seems bright – like those of the heroes throughout
If they so desired, they could have altered the destinies of many famous heroes, including Heracles (more commonly known as Hercules), Perseus, and Prometheus, to such undesirable fates that people would recoil at their names. Although the Moirai may be described as, “cold and unmerciful,” they were, “not always deaf to the pleading of others” (“Moirae”). Therefore, the Moirai would occasionally change the fate of a man if requested by Zeus or if they believed that he deserved it. In the case of Macbeth, the witches originally respected Macbeth. All three initially addressed him by saying, “All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee” (Shakespeare 1, 3, 49). This very respectful way of acknowledging him provides insight into how honorable and worthy Macbeth is. At this time, the witches give Macbeth the two positive prophecies: that he will rise from Thane of Glamis to Thane of Cawdor, and then from Thane of Cawdor to King of Scotland. At this point in the play, Macbeth is still revered, and his fate seems bright – like those of the heroes throughout