Duncan 1
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Duncan I / Kings and Queens
- Name : Duncan I
- Born : 1010
- Died : 1040
- Category : Kings and Queens
- Finest Moment : Starring in Macbeth?
This is the one Shakespeare depicted in his play Macbeth. Both existed, but the real Duncan was a bit of a wally, being young & rash. He was the son of Crinan, the Abbot of Dunkeld, and Bethoc, daughter of Malcolm II. On the death of the latter, Duncan took the throne in 1034. At that point he had already succeeded to the Kingdom of Strathclyde.
Duncan married a cousin of the Earl of Northumberland and had two sons; Malcolm III 'Canmore', and Donald Bane. He was defeated several times in battle, notably by his cousin Thorfinn, the Earl of Orkney. He was finally brought down by good old MacBeth, near Forres.