ENG 3UI

WRITERS

The Tyrant Times

Macbeth vs. Attila The Hun
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By Skyla and Reilly

INTRODUCTION
Tyrant, liar, ferocious, and ruthless; These words can be used to describe how both of these
men were known as. Their need for power led them to committing selfish, and gruesome
acts; murdering anyone in their way. Although they both ruled in such different time periods
there are many similarities between them, but also significant differences.

Comparison Between Macbeth and Attila the Hun

Both Attila and Macbeth didnt like the idea of sharing or passing on their power to someone
else. Attila killed his own brother Bleda as he was sleeping, in order to become the sole ruler
of the Hunnic Empire. With Macbeth having similar plans, he also committed a morbid crime.
As a once loyal subject, he killed his own guest King Duncan as he laid peacefully asleep
within the walls of his host, only to never wake. Attila and Macbeth got a taste of power and
the greed overtook them, leading to their lives becoming controlled by the lust for more
power.
The two men both lived extravagant and luxurious lives before ruling over their
Kingdom/Empire. Macbeth had his own castle and great connections with powerful people, in
this time only very wealthy men were able to have a life of this. Macbeth was looked up too,
and was seen as a noble and brave man. Attila lived a similar lifestyle, his family was already
very powerful and rich when he was born into it. He became one of the most well known men
in his time and was often seen as humble and selfless: treating his quests much better than
himself. This definitely helped them start on their journey to power.
In both situations, these men thought to be guided by something supernatural. Attila referred
to signs from spirits that guided his way of ruling and life. Similarly, Macbeth went to the
witches guidance and prophecies for help. In Macbeths case, the witches in fact lead him to
overconfidence and downfall. Although Attila is thought to have been guided to become a
stronger more powerful ruler. Even though he was a ruthless and villainous man, he was able
to rule over much land.
Alas one may not live forever, Attila died in his mere age of 47 while Macbeth died at 52.
These men may have died a nauseating death, however they were looked at much differently
by their people. Macbeth was hated by all of Scotland as the days went on of his ruling. When
the soldiers took back their kingdom and be-headed him, people cheered. Attila however,
died of a nose bleed in a drunken sleep, drowning in his own blood. His entire army fell into
remorse, and he was buried in a secret place, in a coffin made of gold,silver and iron.
The difference is so important to understand; even though Attila was be a terrible person he
still had many followers that believed in him. Between Macbeth and Attila, they had some
differences and many similarities. Each of them had one key thing that makes them
memorable, their need for power and how the obtained it.