Lady Macbeth

by

Susan King

Sometimes referred to as Mother Enya, Enya is an Irish princess and Thorfin Sigurdsson’s grandmother. In her old age she lives alone in northern Moray, where Gruadh is able to visit her and learn both small spells and how to better see the future. Enya, like Gruadh, possesses Da Shealladh, and helps Gruadh refine and strengthen her own natural ability. Enya is also responsible for enchanting Thorfin’s raven banner, which is said to protect him in battles.
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Enya Character Timeline in Lady Macbeth

The timeline below shows where the character Enya appears in Lady Macbeth. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 20 
Magic, Tradition, and Religion  Theme Icon
Fate, Family, and Ambition  Theme Icon
As Macbeth and Gruadh set out, he mentions Enya, Thorfin’s grandmother, who now lives in northern Moray. Macbeth has met with her, and can... (full context)
Chapter 24
History, Memory, and Storytelling  Theme Icon
Magic, Tradition, and Religion  Theme Icon
Fate, Family, and Ambition  Theme Icon
...destiny.”   Gruadh decides she must use magic to protect her husband. She decides to visit Enya, Thorfin’s grandmother, who taught Thorfin his own magic.    (full context)
Magic, Tradition, and Religion  Theme Icon
Fate, Family, and Ambition  Theme Icon
Accompanied by Angus, Aella, and other guards, Gruadh finally goes to meet Enya. Enya greets Gruadh as Queen, which she corrects to Lady, and Gruadh greets Enya as... (full context)
Magic, Tradition, and Religion  Theme Icon
Fate, Family, and Ambition  Theme Icon
The two women look into a bowl of water together. Enya predicts Gruadh will have two sons, although they “remain in God’s hands.” Gruadh is not... (full context)
Gender Roles  Theme Icon
Magic, Tradition, and Religion  Theme Icon
Fate, Family, and Ambition  Theme Icon
Gruadh asks Enya about Thorfin’s raven banner. Enya admits she gave it power through spells and charms. Enya... (full context)
Chapter 26 
Magic, Tradition, and Religion  Theme Icon
...that Duncan is advancing Elgin with his troops. Gruadh gives Macbeth the blessed pin from Enya. Before he rides to battle. She says a final prayer of protection and the couple... (full context)
Chapter 29 
Magic, Tradition, and Religion  Theme Icon
Fate, Family, and Ambition  Theme Icon
...to Macbeth, Scotland has enjoyed years of peace, and so Gruadh goes to visit Mother Enya with only a small envoy. (full context)
Magic, Tradition, and Religion  Theme Icon
Fate, Family, and Ambition  Theme Icon
Over the years, Mother Enya and Gruadh have become friends. First, they talk, and then they look into the water... (full context)
Chapter 31
Fate, Family, and Ambition  Theme Icon
Violence, Justice, and Revenge  Theme Icon
...that in 1054 Lulach married Thorfin’s daughter, Ingebjorg, uniting Moray and Orkney. That spring, Mother Enya died, and in her last meeting with Gruadh told the queen that she should “heed... (full context)