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All Site ContentMacbethAct 2Scene 4
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"'Tis said they ate each other"
Discussion
Act 2,
Scene 4
Lines 14-20

A discussion of Duncan's horses' behavior in Act 2, Scene 3 of myShakespeare's Macbeth. 

Ross

And Duncan's horses — a thing most strange and certain — 
Beauteous and swift, the minions of their race,
Turned wild in nature, broke their stalls, flung out,
Contending 'gainst obedience, as they would make
War with mankind.

Old Man

                                  'Tis said they ate each other.

Ross

They did so, to the amazement of mine eyes
That looked upon't. Here comes the good Macduff.

This theme—a belief that monstrous crimes in the state result in monstrosities in nature—appears elsewhere in the play, too. In this instance, Shakespeare may also be noting how, during times of very unusual events, many unfounded and unbelievable rumors get about.