Who the Three Witches is
The Three Witches appear amid thunder, planning to meet Macbeth before he knows what they will promise. Their riddles introduce a world where appearances mislead and a truthful prediction can still lead someone toward harm.
On the heath, they greet Macbeth with his present title and two others, including the promise that he will become king. They also tell Banquo that he will father kings, though he will not be king himself.
The Three Witches and the others in the story
Macbeth is shaken when news from Ross confirms that he has received the title of Thane of Cawdor. That first confirmation draws his attention toward the crown, while Banquo warns him against trusting the witches' promises.
The witches give Macbeth something to hope for, but they do not tell him to commit a crime. Their influence leaves room for his choices, keeping the connection between prophecy and personal responsibility open.
Best-known lines
“Fair is foul, and foul is fair”
“Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn, and cauldron bubble.”
Questions
Who are the Three Witches in Macbeth?
They are strange sisters who meet Macbeth and Banquo and predict their different connections to Scotland's crown.
What do the witches promise Macbeth?
They predict that Macbeth will become Thane of Cawdor and then king.
Do the witches control Macbeth's actions?
They make predictions, but Macbeth chooses how to respond. The play leaves open whether their promises would come true without his intervention.