Lulach facts for kids

Lulach mac Gille Coemgáin, often called Lulach in English, was a king of Scotland. He ruled for a short time, from August 1057 to March 1058. He was also known by nicknames like "the Unfortunate" or "the Simple-minded."

Lulach was born around 1032 in Moray, Scotland. His mother was Gruoch of Scotland. His father was Gille Coemgáin, a powerful leader in the region of Moray. After his father passed away, Lulach's mother married King Macbeth. This made Lulach Macbeth's stepson.

Becoming King

King Macbeth was killed in a battle on August 15, 1057. After Macbeth's death, his followers decided that Lulach should be the next king. Lulach was crowned king on September 8, 1057. The ceremony took place at Scone. This was a very important event. It is the first time we have clear details about how a Scottish king was crowned.

His Short Reign

Lulach ruled for only a few months. His nicknames, "the Unfortunate" and "the Simple-minded," suggest he might have been a weak ruler. However, some historians believe these nicknames were spread by his enemies. They might have been part of a campaign to make him look bad.

Lulach was killed on March 17, 1058. He was likely assassinated by Malcolm III, who then took the throne. Lulach's son, Máel Snechtai, later became a leader in Moray.

Lulach is believed to be buried on the holy island of Iona. This island is famous for its ancient monastery. The exact spot of his grave is not known today.

Lulach in Stories

Even though Lulach ruled for a short time, he appears in several stories and books.

• He is an important character in the historical novel King Hereafter by Dorothy Dunnett. In this book, he is shown as someone who can see the future.
• Lulach is also a main character in Macbeth and Son, a children's novel by Jackie French.
• He also appears in the novel Lady MacBeth by Susan Fraser King.
• Lulach is a character in the play Dunsinane by David Greig. In the play, English soldiers hunt him because they see him as a threat to peace.