The Macbeth Files - The Son of Life

Most people are aware that the Macbeth of Shakespeare's play was very different from the real man, although some of the events in the play were based on actual, historical incidents.

Since Scotland was just coming out of the Dark Ages and the region in which Macbeth lived was in the far north, in Morayshire, his origins are obscure. However, interestingly - for someone who is portrayed in the play as a psychopathic tyrant - his name mac-Bethad actually means 'Son of Life'!

You can find out more about the real life inspiration behind Shakespeare's Macbeth in Scottish Miscellany - Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Scotland the Brave, by Jonathan Green.

The Macbeth Files - The Witches' Curse

Those who work in the theatre are well known for being superstitious and are great believers in not tempting fate in case things go wrong during a performance. But when it comes to the tragedy of Macbeth, the played isn’t just unlucky – it’s supposed to be cursed! But why should this one play have garnered such a sinister reputation?

One legend has it that the original production of the play used actual witches and witchcraft, and that the lines they speak were taken from real spells! So, naturally, that's why the play is cursed!

Fair is foul, and foul is fair
Hover through the fog and filthy air [I.i.11-12]

You can find out more about the real life inspiration behind Shakespeare's Macbeth in Scottish Miscellany - Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Scotland the Brave, by Jonathan Green.