Macbeth of Scotland facts for kids
Macbeth (whose full name in Gaelic was Mac Bethad mac Findlaích) was a King of Scotland. He ruled from 1040 to 1057. A very famous writer named William Shakespeare wrote a play about him. This play, also called Macbeth, shows him as a bad king. In the play, he kills his cousin to take the throne. However, the real Macbeth was likely more peaceful. He did, though, kill King Duncan I of Scotland.
Quick facts for kids Macbeth or MacBeth |
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| King of Scots | |
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| Reign | August 17th 1040 - August 17th 1057 |
| Predecessor | Duncan I, king of Scots |
| Successor | Lulach, king of Scots |
| Born | c. 1005 |
| Died | August 15th or 17th 1057 |
| Issue | Ferchar Og, prince of Scots (possibly) Lulach (stepson) |
| Father | Finlay MacRoray |
| Mother | Donalda, daughter of Malcolm II |
Contents
Early Life
Macbeth was probably born around the year 1005. He was born in Morayshire, which is in Scotland. His full name in Gaelic was "Mac Bethad mac Findlaích." Today, it's written as MacBheatha mac Fhionnlaigh.
Family Background
Macbeth's father was Findláech mac Ruaidrí. He was a powerful leader called the Mormaer of Moray. When Macbeth was born, he also became the Mormaer of Moray. Macbeth's mother, Donada, might have been the daughter of Malcolm II. Malcolm II was a king of Scotland.
Marriage
In 1032, Macbeth got married. This was before he became king. He married a woman named Gruoch of Scotland. In English, she is often called "Lady Macbeth". They stayed married until Macbeth died in 1057. Gruoch passed away three years later, in 1060.
Children
It is possible that Macbeth and Gruoch had one child together. This child's name was Ferchar Og. He was known as a Prince of Scots. However, we are not completely sure about this.
Macbeth did have a stepson named Lulach. Lulach later became king after Macbeth. But Lulach died in 1058.
Becoming King
On August 17th, 1040, Macbeth fought King Duncan I. King Duncan I was killed in this battle. After Duncan's death, Macbeth was crowned King of Scotland.
Macbeth's Reign
Macbeth ruled as king until August 15th or 17th, 1057. He was killed in another battle. His stepson, Lulach, then became the new king.
In 1058, Lulach was also killed in battle. His cousin, Malcolm III, was responsible. Malcolm III then became the next king of Scotland.
Burial Place
Macbeth was most likely buried soon after he died. He was laid to rest in Iona, Scotland. Iona is a special place where many kings have been buried. The first King of Scots, Kenneth MacAlpin, was also buried there.
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
