Thane of Cawdor is a title in the Peerage of Scotland.The current 7th Earl of Cawdor, of Clan Campbell of Cawdor, is the 26th Thane of Cawdor. In William Shakespeare's play Macbeth, this title was given to Macbeth after the previous Thane of Cawdor was captured and executed for treason against King Duncan.The historical King Macbeth fought a Thane of Cawdor who died in battle, but he did not thereby acquire the title himself.