At the beginning of Macbeth, we learn about the previous Thane of Cawdor. We learn that he was a man who was very trusted by the king, but who ended up betraying him. The Thane of Cawdor was tried and executed. Macbeth became the new Thane of Cawdor, but he believes himself to be loyal to King Duncan. However, what Macbeth fails to realize is that the tragedy of his predecessor is a way of foreshadowing the future of Macbeth. Macbeth will also become a traitor and will eventually die because of these actions.