Exploring Castles In Shakespeare
Secluded in a forest of dense trees, the ominous site of Glamis castle looms in the distance. Shakespeare used this castle as his setting for the play Macbeth in which, the main character, Macbeth, spirals into power hungry madness. Glamis castle was built in the 15th century where a royal hunting lodge once stood and was actually home to the real King Duncan I.
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"...Macbeth shall never vanquish'd be until
Great Birnam wood to high Dunsinane hill
Shall come against him."
Dunsinane Hill, Perthshire, Scotland
Glamis Castle, Angus, Scotland
Although a battle with Malcolm’s men took place here, the real Macbeth did not end up dead until three years later. This hill has great strategic value looking over most all of the area surrounding it. The foundation that was built for the military fort can still be seen from both the air and on the ground. There even exists a forrest at the base of the hill. Could this be the infamous Birnam Wood that Shakespeare referenced?
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