Duncan I of Scotland facts for kids

Duncan I (born around 1001, died 14 August 1040) was a king of Scotland (then called Alba). His full name was Donnchad mac Crinain. He ruled from 1034 until 1040. You might know him as "King Duncan" from William Shakespeare's famous play Macbeth.

Becoming King of Scotland

Duncan was the grandson of Malcolm II, who was also a king of Scotland. His father was Crínán of Dunkeld, a religious leader, and his mother was Bethóc, Malcolm II's daughter.

When his grandfather King Malcolm II died in 1034, Duncan became king. He took the throne without any major problems. This suggests that he was the chosen successor. Some old stories said Duncan was a king in a place called Strathclyde before becoming king of all Scotland. However, most historians today don't think this is true.

Duncan's Family Life

Duncan was married to a woman named Suthen. Together, they had at least two sons. His eldest son was Malcolm III, who later became king from 1058 to 1093. His second son was Donald III, who also became king later on. There might have been a third son named Máel Muire, Earl of Atholl, but this is not certain.

Duncan's Reign and Challenges

The first few years of Duncan's rule were quite peaceful. Macbeth, who would later become king, was a powerful leader during Duncan's reign. He was called a dux, which meant he was a strong war leader.

Military Campaigns and Death

In 1039, King Duncan led a large Scottish army south. They tried to attack the city of Durham in England. However, this attack did not go well for Duncan's army.

The next year, in 1040, Duncan led his army north. He went into Moray, which was Macbeth's territory. It seems Duncan was trying to punish the people of Moray for something. During this expedition, Duncan was killed in battle. He died at a place called Bothnagowan, which is now known as Pitgaveny, near Elgin. He was killed by the men of Moray, led by Macbeth. This happened around August 14, 1040.

Duncan was first buried in Elgin. Later, his body was moved to the island of Iona, a traditional burial place for Scottish kings.

Duncan in Stories and Plays

King Duncan is a famous character in fiction, especially because of Shakespeare.

Shakespeare's Macbeth

In William Shakespeare's play Macbeth, Duncan is shown as an old and kind king. In the play, he is murdered in his sleep by the main character, Macbeth. This is different from what really happened, as the historical Duncan was younger and died in battle.

Other Fictional Depictions

• In the historical novel Macbeth the King (1978) by Nigel Tranter, Duncan is shown as a king who is afraid of Macbeth. He tries to harm Macbeth, leading to a battle where Duncan is wounded and dies.
• In the animated TV series Gargoyles, Duncan is shown as a weak and tricky king. He tries to kill people he thinks are a threat, including Macbeth. His death in the show happens when he tries to hit a magical orb.

See also

In Spanish: Duncan I de Escocia para niños