The True Story of Mac Beth

      There are many differences between the Shakespeare's Macbeth and the Mac Beth who ruled Scotland almost a millennium ago. Modern sources suggest the picture Shakespeare paints of Scotland in 1044 is based on rumors and
the little they knew of the it in 1606, and due to new findings we have a better understanding of this history.
     Duncan I of Scotland was born in 1001. He ascended to the throne at the age of thirty-three after killing his
grandfather, Malcolm II. He was a spoiled and over zealous young man whose reign was wrought with failed
campaigns and death for his people. To gain the respect of his people, Duncan decided to invade Northumbria
and attack Durman. The campaign was a disaster. When he got back to Scotland, he was greeted by unhappy
lords who later revolted. His cousin, Mac Beth, Lord of Moray, was one of the lords involved. Mac Beth later
slew Duncan and ascended the throne with his wife cousin, Gruach, at his side. Duncan’s sons fled at this time.
Malcolm went to England while Donald Ban went to Ireland. Both later returned and reigned as kings. Before
Gruach married Mac Beth, she was the wife of Gillecomgain, one of Duncan’s sons. He and Malcolm had murdered
Mac Beth’s father in 1020. Gillecomgain and Gruach, the granddaughter of Kenneth III, had one son named Lulach.
In 1027, Gruach was widowed when her husband was burned alive in his fortress with his men. At this point Mac Beth
was appointed Lord of Moray, left open by Gillecomgain, and married Gruach. They were married in 1033 when
Mac Beth was twenty-eight. Mac Beth did much for Scotland in his seventeen year reign. Under him, North and
South Scotland were united. He organized a military patrol that canvassed the entire country enforcing law and order.
    In 1057, Mac Beth’s reign was cut to an end. Malcolm Canmore, which means “Big Head” in Gaelic, raised
an army with the help of the English and invaded his homeland. He defeated Mac Beth and became King of
Scotland under the title Malcolm III, but not without a little trouble.
     After Mac Beth’s death, his stepson, Lulach, had a brief reign. He was assassinated in March 1058 after
seven months of rule.   Most believe that Malcolm and his associates played a major part in his death. Finally,
Malcolm got what he wanted. At the age of twenty-seven, he was crowned King of Scotland.