The
three witches add an element of the supernatural and prophecy
to the play. They each have a familiar name, such as Graymalkin and
Paddock, and are commanded by Hectate, a Greek goddess of the moon
and later witchcraft. The witches are based on a variety of ideas
about witches at the time.
They can use sieves as boats, and they can assume the shape of an
animal, but with a defect, as with the tailless rat. The witches were
also thought to be able to control the winds. They are described as
having beards but looking human.
