Macbeth, King of Scotland facts for kids

Macbeth (born around 1005 – died 15 August 1057) was a King of Scots. He ruled from 1040 until his death. His kingdom, called Kingdom of Alba, covered only a part of what we know as Scotland today.

Not much is known about Macbeth's early life. He was the son of Findláech of Moray. He became a powerful local ruler, known as a Mormaer of Moray, in 1032. He likely played a part in the death of the previous mormaer, Gille Coemgáin. Macbeth then married Gille Coemgáin's widow, Gruoch, but they did not have children together.

In 1040, King Duncan I attacked Macbeth's area. Duncan was killed by Macbeth's troops. Macbeth then became King of Alba. He ruled for 17 years, and his reign was mostly peaceful. In 1054, an English army invaded Scotland. It was led by Siward, Earl of Northumbria. Macbeth was killed in the Battle of Lumphanan in 1057. This was done by forces loyal to the future Malcolm III. Macbeth was buried on Iona, a traditional burial place for Scottish kings.

Macbeth was followed by his stepson Lulach. However, Lulach ruled for only a few months before Malcolm III also killed him. Malcolm III's family ruled Scotland for a long time after that. Today, Macbeth is most famous as the main character in William Shakespeare's play Macbeth. But Shakespeare's play is based on old stories and is not completely true to history.

Who Was Macbeth?

Macbeth's full name in old Gaelic was Mac Bethad mac Findlaích. In modern Scottish Gaelic, it's MacBheatha mac Fhionnlaigh. The name "Mac Bethad" means "son of life." It can also mean "righteous man" or "religious man."

Macbeth's Family Connections

Some historical records suggest Macbeth was the grandson of King Malcolm II. This would make him a cousin to Duncan I, the king he replaced. He might also have been a cousin to Thorfinn the Mighty, a powerful Earl of Orkney. Historians still debate the exact family connections because there isn't enough clear evidence.

Becoming a Powerful Leader

Before becoming king, Macbeth was the Mormaer of Moray. A mormaer was a powerful ruler of a large area, almost like a prince. In 1034, King Malcolm II died. His grandson, Duncan, became King Duncan I. Duncan was a young man when he became king.

Duncan's early rule was calm. But later, his reign was not very successful. In 1039, his army suffered a big defeat against the Northumbrians. The next year, Duncan led his army north into Moray, which was Macbeth's territory. Duncan was killed there by Macbeth's men. This happened near Elgin, probably on August 14, 1040.

Macbeth's Time as King

After Duncan's death, Macbeth became king. It seems his rule was accepted by most people, as there was no known opposition. In 1045, Duncan's father, Crínán of Dunkeld, was killed in a battle against Macbeth's forces. This battle was likely fought to protect Duncan I's young son, Malcolm III.

After this victory, Macbeth faced no major challenges. In 1050, he even went on a pilgrimage to Rome. It is said he gave a lot of money to the poor there.

Challenges During His Reign

The Orkneyinga saga tells a story about a conflict between Thorfinn the Mighty, the Earl of Orkney, and someone called Karl Hundason. Karl Hundason was called "King of Scots" and claimed land in Caithness. Many historians believe Karl Hundason was actually Macbeth, given an insulting nickname by his enemies.

According to the saga, Thorfinn defeated Karl in a sea battle. Then, Karl's nephew was killed. Finally, a big battle at Tarbat Ness ended with Karl being defeated or killed. The saga says Thorfinn then marched through Scotland, burning and taking goods.

Macbeth's Last Years

In 1052, Macbeth was involved in events in England. He welcomed some Norman exiles from England to his court. This might have been the first time a Scottish king brought feudalism to Scotland. In 1054, Siward, Earl of Northumbria, led a large English army into Scotland. They fought a very bloody battle at Dunsinnan. Many Scots and English soldiers died. As a result, a local ruler was put back on his throne in the kingdom of Strathclyde. Some think this event led to the idea in Shakespeare's play that Malcolm III was put in power by the English.

Macbeth did not rule much longer after this invasion. He was defeated and killed by the future Malcolm III in 1057. This happened after Macbeth retreated with his men to Lumphanan. Some stories say he was wounded and died later at Scone. Macbeth's stepson, Lulach, became king after him.

Unlike later writers, people living at the time did not describe Macbeth as a cruel ruler. An old Scottish poem called the Duan Albanach even called him "Mac Bethad the renowned."

From Life to Legend

Macbeth and Banquo encounter the witches. Illustration from Holinshed's Chronicles (1577)

Over time, Macbeth's life, like that of King Duncan I, became more of a legend. By the end of the 1300s, historians like John of Fordun and Andrew of Wyntoun wrote about him. Later writers also added to the legend.

Shakespeare's Famous Play

Macbeth and the witches by Henry Fuseli (Johann Heinrich Füssli) (1741–1825)

William Shakespeare's play Macbeth is based mainly on an old account by Raphael Holinshed. In Shakespeare's play, Macbeth starts as a brave and loyal general to the old King Duncan. But after being tricked by Three Witches and his wife, Lady Macbeth, Macbeth murders Duncan and takes the throne.

However, the witches' predictions turn out to be misleading. Macbeth becomes a cruel ruler. Duncan's son Malcolm leads a revolt against Macbeth. In battle, Macbeth meets Macduff, a nobleman whose family Macbeth had killed. Macbeth at first refuses to fight Macduff. But when Macduff says Macbeth will be mocked if he surrenders, Macbeth chooses to fight to the death. Macduff kills Macbeth, and Prince Malcolm becomes king.

Shakespeare likely made Macbeth seem worse because King James VI and I was a descendant of Malcolm III. Macbeth's family line ended with Lulach.

Macbeth at the fort of Macduff, by J. R. Skelton

The character of Lady Macbeth has also become very famous. In a novel from 1865, Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District, the story of Macbeth is updated. In this version, the woman is the murderer, and the man encourages her. This novel was later made into an opera.

Images for kids

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  Macbeth and Banquo encounter the witches. Illustration from Holinshed's Chronicles (1577)

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  Macbeth and the witches by Henry Fuseli (Johann Heinrich Füssli) (1741–1825)

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  Macbeth at the fort of Macduff, by J. R. Skelton

See also

In Spanish: Macbeth de Escocia para niños