The 'Weird Sisters' in Shakespeare's 'Macbeth': Between Early Modern Witchcraft, Mythology and Linguistic Power.

This dissertation examines the figure of the "weird sisters" in William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, analysing their transformation from early modern witches into complex symbolic and dramatic figures. After outlining the historical and cultural context of witchcraft in Early Modern England, the study explores the etymology of the term “weird” and its connection to the Old English "wyrd", regarding fate. It then investigates the mythological background of the "weird sisters", highlighting parallels with figures such as the Fates and the Norns. The analysis further considers how these elements are translated into dramatic form. Finally, the dissertation examines the linguistic features of their discourse, showing how ambiguity, repetition and language contribute to their power in the play.