What did each of the three witches predict to Macbeth when he first met them? What did they tell Banquo? ,Bring out the significance of the opening scene of Macbeth

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Q.What did each of the three witches predict to Macbeth when he first met them? What did they tell Banquo? Or (Bring out the significance of the opening scene of Macbeth.)

Ans:The two Scottish Generals, Macbeth and Banquo were returning from the great battle amidst thunder and lightning. On the way they were stopped by three witches. They were singing: 

"Fair is foul, and foul is fair 

Hover through the fog and filthy air." 

The first witch saluted Macbeth with the title  of "Thane of Glamis". The second witch saluted Macbeth with the title of the "Thane of Cawdor". The third told him that he  would be the king of Scotland .They predicted that Banquo would be "lesser than Macbeth and greater, not so happy but much happier." They predicted that Banquo would never reign but his successor would be the king of Scotland. While such a prophetic greeting by the witches kindled hope in Macbeth, it made Banquo realize that the witches were "ministers of darkness". The atmosphere of thunder and lightning symbolically stands for disorder that followed. The opening scene strikes the keynote of the play by giving hints to the chaotic condition that prevailed after Macbeth became the king. It marks an admirable beginning of this play of crime and punishment.