In Macbeth, prophecy is a central theme that drives the plot and influences the characters' actions. The prophecies given by the Three Witches set Macbeth on a path of ambition and destruction. These supernatural predictions create a sense of inevitability and fate, yet they also reveal the characters' free will and moral choices. The prophecies are both a catalyst for Macbeth's rise to power and a harbinger of his downfall, illustrating the complex interplay between destiny and personal agency.

The first set of prophecies is given to Macbeth and Banquo in Act 1. The witches predict that Macbeth will become Thane of Cawdor and eventually king. They also tell Banquo that he will be "lesser than Macbeth, and greater," and that his descendants will be kings. These predictions ignite Macbeth's ambition and lead him to murder King Duncan to fulfill his destiny. The prophecy's fulfillment seems inevitable, yet it is Macbeth's own actions that bring it to fruition. The witches' words are ambiguous and open to interpretation, reflecting the theme of equivocation and the deceptive nature of appearances.

In Act 4, Macbeth seeks out the witches again, receiving a second set of prophecies. These include warnings to beware Macduff, assurances that no man born of a woman will harm him, and that he will remain unchallenged until Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane. These cryptic messages give Macbeth a false sense of security. He misinterprets them, believing himself invincible, which ultimately leads to his downfall. The prophecies are self-fulfilling, as Macbeth's actions to secure his power only hasten his demise.

Banquo's soliloquy in Act 3 reveals his suspicion of Macbeth and his belief in the witches' prophecies. He acknowledges that Macbeth's prophecy has come true and contemplates the possibility of his own descendants becoming kings. Banquo's awareness of the prophecies adds tension to the play, as it highlights the threat his lineage poses to Macbeth. Although Banquo is murdered, his son Fleance escapes, leaving the prophecy's ultimate fulfillment open-ended. Historically, Fleance is considered an ancestor of King James I, suggesting a nod to the Stuart dynasty's legitimacy.

The theme of prophecy in Macbeth underscores the tension between fate and free will. The witches' predictions set the stage for the characters' actions, but it is their choices that determine the outcome. Prophecy serves as a motif that intertwines with themes of ambition, power, and moral corruption, ultimately leading to tragedy. The play explores the consequences of trying to control destiny and the dangers of interpreting prophecy to justify one's actions.