In Act 1 of Macbeth, three witches prophesy that Macbeth will become Thane of Cawdor and king. Their prophecy comes true when Macbeth is named Thane of Cawdor for his victory in battle. Inspired by his wife Lady Macbeth, Macbeth murders King Duncan while he stays at their castle, fulfilling the second part of the prophecy. However, Macbeth begins to feel paranoid about losing his new position as threats to his rule emerge.