Three men rule as King of Scotland at different points throughout the play. Initially, King Duncan is the benevolent, just ruler of Scotland, who appoints Macbeth as the new Thane of Cawdor after the former Thane of Cawdor is executed for treachery. Following Macbeth's successful victories against the Irish and Norwegian armies at the beginning of the play, Macbeth and Banquo listen to favorable prophecies from the witches. The Three Witches refer to Macbeth as the Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor, and future King of Scotland. Macbeth allows his ambition to affect his actions and ends up assassinating King Duncan with the help of his wife. After King Duncan's assassination, Macbeth is crowned king, while Malcolm and Donalbain flee from Scotland. Macbeth rules Scotland as a ruthless tyrant, while Malcolm gathers an army in England to help him regain his rightful throne. Towards the end of the play, Malcolm leads his army along with the help of Macduff and Siward to Scotland, where they defeat Macbeth in the final battle. After Macduff decapitates Macbeth, Malcolm is restored to his rightful throne and becomes the King of Scotland.