Kenneth II of Scotland facts for kids

Cináed mac Maíl Coluim (Modern Scottish Gaelic: Coinneach mac Mhaoil Chaluim, anglicised Kenneth II, and nicknamed An Fionnghalach, "The Fratricidal"; died 995) was a King of Alba (which is what Scotland was called back then). He ruled from 971 to 995. Kenneth was the son of Malcolm I. He became king after King Cuilén died in 971.

Kenneth II: King of Alba

Kenneth II was an important king in early Scottish history. He worked to make his kingdom stronger and faced challenges from other rulers and even from within his own family.

Life as King

During Kenneth's time as king, a historical record called the Chronicle of the Kings of Alba was put together. This chronicle tells us some things about his rule.

Kenneth quickly started to expand his kingdom. He attacked parts of Strathclyde, a neighboring kingdom. However, his soldiers faced a big defeat there. He also raided Northumbria (a region in northern England) three times. These raids might have happened around 980.

In 973, Kenneth met with other powerful rulers in Chester. These included Máel Coluim I, the King of Strathclyde, and "Maccus, king of very many islands" (who was a Viking king from the Isle of Man). They all met with the English king, Edgar the Peaceable. This meeting was probably to agree on the borders between their lands. It helped set the line between the southern part of Alba and the northern part of England.

Important People and Events

During Kenneth's reign, we know about some important leaders called Mormaers. These were powerful regional rulers, almost like local kings, within Alba.

There was a long-standing family feud between Kenneth's family and the descendants of King Indulf. In 977, Amlaíb, Indulf's son, became King of Scotland for a short time. But Kenneth II quickly defeated and killed Amlaíb, taking back his throne.

Kenneth also founded a large monastery in Brechin. Monasteries were important centers for learning and religion in those days.

Kenneth's Death

Kenneth II died in 995. Historical records say he was killed "by deceit" or "by his own subjects." Later stories give more details about how this happened.

One popular story says that Kenneth was killed by a woman named Finnguala, also known as Fenella. She was the daughter of Cuncar, a powerful Mormaer. The story says that Finella wanted revenge because Kenneth had killed her only son.

According to this story, Kenneth went hunting near Fettercairn, where Finella lived. She invited him to her home, pretending to have secret information about a plot against him. She led him to a small, hidden cottage. Inside, there was a statue connected to hidden crossbows. When Kenneth touched the statue, the crossbows fired, and he was killed by arrows. Finella then escaped.

While some parts of this story might be legends, it's generally believed that Kenneth II was indeed assassinated. His death was likely connected to his plans for who would become king after him. He wanted his own descendants to inherit the throne, which might have upset other powerful families who also had a claim.

His Family

Kenneth's son, Malcolm II, later became King of Alba. Kenneth also had another son named Dúngal, who was killed in 999. Some historians believe he also had a son named Boite mac Cináeda. Another possible son was Suibne mac Cináeda, who was a king of the Gall Gaidheil (a group of people with mixed Norse and Gaelic heritage).

See also

• Dalziel