# The murderous medieval king who inspired "Macbeth"

- Institution: TED
- Department: TED-Ed
- Speaker: Benjamin Hudson
- Year: 2025
- Level: For everyone
- Language: English
- Subjects: History, Literature and writing, Teaching and learning
- Source: [TED](https://www.ted.com/talks/benjamin_hudson_the_murderous_medieval_king_who_inspired_macbeth)
- Licence: [CC BY-NC-ND 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/) (Non-commercial use only, and no changed versions.)
- Who can watch: Teens profiles and older (sources give no ratings; placed by Invisible Network from the source's own words)

Of all Shakespeare’s plays, perhaps none is stranger than “Macbeth”— a parable on power rife with supernatural elements. But according to texts from the 11th century, this tragedy has its roots in reality. What’s more, other accounts mention witches, prophecies, and arboreal armies. Which raises the question: just how much of Shakespeare’s strange story is true? Benjamin Hudson investigates. \[Directed by Sarah Saidan, narrated by Adrian Dannatt, music by André Aires\].

## Lectures

1. [The murderous medieval king who inspired "Macbeth"](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/ted/benjamin_hudson_the_murderous_medieval_king_who_inspired_macbeth/3ccda5021b8f), 6 min (TED's player)