Synopsis

Macbeth and Banquo are generals in the service of Duncan, King of Scotland. As they return, victorious from battle, they are hailed by three witches on a wild and windy heath. The witches prophesy Macbeth will become Thane of Cawdor and then King of Scotland. The first part of the prophesy is soon fulfilled when Duncan rewards Macbeth's loyal service with the title 'Thane of Cawdor'.

Encouraged by this and by his ambitious wife, Macbeth murders Duncan while Duncan is a guest at their castle. Malcolm, Duncan's son and heir, flees to England for safety.

Macbeth, now King of Scotland, has Banquo murdered in an attempt to secure his own position, but Banquo's ghost appears to him at a banquet.

Macbeth visits the witches again. They warn him to beware Macduff, a noble who has also fled to England, but assure him that he cannot be harmed by any man born of woman. Macbeth orders the murder of Macduff's wife and children. The witches also tell Macbeth that he is safe until Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane.

Wracked with guilt, Lady Macbeth sleepwalks and confesses her crime and the doctor overhears. In England, Macduff joins forces with Malcolm and they raise an army against Macbeth. As Macbeth prepares to fight the invading forces, he learns of his wife's death. Malcolm's army, disguised with branches of trees cut from Birnam Wood, marches on Dunsinane. Unsettled, Macbeth nevertheless believes he is protected by the witches' prophecy, that no man born of woman can harm him. In battle Macbeth is killed by Macduff, who was born by caesarean section and so not, technically, "born of woman". Malcolm is crowned King of Scotland. []

BBC - Animated Tales Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 BBC Plot Insiders Guide Mp3 Macbeth in 96 Sec