Macbeth

Following a fierce battle in which Macbeth, Thane of Glamis and loyal general of King Duncan's forces, has finally killed Macdonwald, a traitor and leader of rebel forces, he and fellow soldier Banquo encounter three women scavenging among the fallen soldiers, who foretell that Macbeth will become Thane of Cawdor and King of Scotland, while Banquo will be the father of future kings.

Both men are unnerved by the prophecies but for the moment appear not to believe them. At the battlefield campsite, Angus and Rosse arrive from the King's court to pass on thanks from their royal master for the success in battle and to bestow Macbeth the title Thane of Cawdor. The previous holder of the title has been killed for treachery against the crown.