As Macbeth rides home from battle, three witches stop him. They tell him that he will soon rise in power, first becoming Thane of Cawdor and then King of Scotland. King Duncan has just pronounced Macbeth Thane of Cawdor, and Macbeth realizes the witches were telling the truth. Macbeth's wife convinces him to kill Duncan when he stays with them and Macbeth does. He blames Duncan's guards for the murder and kills them before they can speak. Duncan's sons flee the country, Malcolm to England and Donalbain to Ireland. Macbeth rules like a tyrant, and kills anyone in his way, including Macduff's family when he can't find Macduff. Macduff goes to England where Malcolm, with the help of the English King is preparing to overthrow Macbeth. Lady Macbeth has gone insane from the guilt of killing King Duncan, and in the end commits suicide. Macbeth fights to the bitter end and is killed by Macduff.