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How are the witches powerful in Macbeth?

Though there is disagreement among readers about whether or not the Weird Sisters truly possess the ability to prophesy or influence the future, it is clear they do have some supernatural powers at least. For example, after delivering their predictions to Macbeth and Banquo in Act I, Scene 3, the witches vanish. Obviously, this is not something the average person can do, so it does show us the Weird Sisters have some power. 


Later, the Weird Sisters meet up with Hecate, the ancient Greek goddess of witchcraft and magic, and they discuss how they are going to continue to manipulate Macbeth.  Namely, they will make him feel safe so he lets down his guard and becomes vulnerable. Hecate says, "you all know security / Is mortals' chiefest enemy" (Act III, Scene 5, lines 32-33). She and the witches powerfully manipulate Macbeth so he feels secure, using the apparitions they conjure to do so. They are thus powerful in this way as well.

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