[Solution]Though Sophocles’ Oedipus the king and Shakespeare’s Macbeth were written at different time, their tragic heroes (Oedipus and Macbeth) were influenced by the supernatural in the fulfillment of their destinies. Discuss this statement.

In Oedipus the King, we see that destiny has already been set for Oedipus long before he was born. Even though his parents attempt to thwart such a fate by placing him on a mountain-side to die soon after his birth, he survives against all odds and fulfills it anyway. This demonstrates quite clearly that no matter what effort is taken by people at certain moments in time; these efforts will have little effect on destiny itself. The gods also play an important part in this narrative: it is because of Apollo’s prophecy that Laios’ life ends and Oedipus becomes king – something which could not have happened without divine intervention. It further reinforces this theme when we later learn of Apollo’s curse upon Jocasta and Laios – one which ultimately led to great tragedy for them all, despite any attempts they take to alter their own destinies.

Macbeth follows a similar theme: Here too fate is predetermined through prophetic words given by three witches who appear throughout the play at pivotal moments – including right at its outset where they prophesize Macbeth’s future as king – thus setting his destiny into motion from there onward regardless of anything else he does or does not do himself afterwards (with few exceptions). We can also see here how even those characters who try their best not only fail but actually become more deeply entangled within fate’s web due mainly to their own arrogance: Duncan’s refusal to yield away power leads him straight into Macbeth’s murderous hands – proving once again no amount of effort can truly change someone’s course when it comes down to matters concerning destiny itself (in this case death).

Ultimately then we can say that in both Oedipus the King and Macbeth there exists an undeniable connection between pre-determined destiny and supernatural forces; whether these be gods or witches – each working towards either good or ill depending on individual circumstances surrounding specific characters within each story respectively. While distinctions between free will versus predestination may differ amongst readers based upon personal beliefs (or lack thereof) what remains clear however -is just how influential supernatural influences remain when deciding one’s overall path forward within each narrative being discussed here today; making them powerful tools indeed capable influencing events beyond our control should they so choose too!