Bethóc facts for kids

Bethóc Ingen mac Maíl Coluim was an important Scottish princess. She was the older daughter of King Malcolm II of Scotland. Bethóc was also the mother of Duncan I, who later became King of Alba.

Who Was Bethóc?

Bethóc was the eldest daughter of King Malcolm II. He had no known sons. This made Bethóc very important for the royal family. Around the year 1000, she married Crínán. He was the Abbot of Dunkeld, a powerful religious leader.

Bethóc's Family

Bethóc and Crínán had a son named Duncan. He was also known as Donnchad. Duncan would later become king. Some historians believe Bethóc and Crínán had other children. One was Maldred, Lord of Allerdale. Another was a daughter whose name we don't know. This daughter was the mother of Moddan, Earl of Caithness.

Bethóc had two younger sisters. One sister was Donada. She married Findláech mac Ruaidrí, a powerful ruler of Moray. Donada was the mother of Macbeth. Another sister was Olith. She married Sigurd Hlodvirsson, the Earl of Orkney. Olith was the mother of Thorfinn the Mighty.

The Next King

Bethóc's son, Duncan, became King of Alba in 1034. He took the throne after his grandfather, King Malcolm II, passed away. This was an important moment in Scottish history. Some old writings say that King Malcolm II chose Duncan to be his successor. This was done under a special rule called tanistry. Tanistry was a way to choose the next leader from a group of eligible family members. This rule was used because there were other people who could have claimed the throne.