The Death of King Duncan: Unraveling the Historical Facts

Macbeth’s Rise to Power

Macbeth, a trusted military commander and the governor of the Scottish province of Moray, found himself at odds with King Duncan. His opposition stemmed from Duncan’s alliances with the Saxons in the South. This discontent eventually led Macbeth to rebel against the king.

Battle near Elgin

On August 14, 1040, Macbeth’s rebellion reached its climax in a decisive battle near Elgin. It was during this encounter that Macbeth took the life of King Duncan, solidifying his claim to the throne and assuming the role of the new king of Scotland.

Macbeth’s Claim to the Throne

Macbeth’s marriage to Gruoch, the granddaughter of King Kenneth III, further bolstered his claim to the throne. This union not only strengthened his position but also garnered support from those who recognized his lineage and marital ties to the royal bloodline.

Defeat and Death

Macbeth’s reign, however, was not without its challenges. In 1054, he faced a significant military defeat at the Battle of Dunsinane against Malcolm Canmore, the son of King Duncan. Malcolm, with the assistance of the English, pursued Macbeth as he fled to the north.

The final chapter in Macbeth’s life unfolded on August 15, 1057, at the Battle of Lumphanan. It was in this decisive battle that Malcolm, supported by the English forces, confronted Macbeth and emerged victorious. Macbeth met his demise on the battlefield, marking the end of his reign as the king of Scotland.

These historical facts provide valuable insight into the circumstances surrounding the death of King Duncan. While Shakespeare’s play “Macbeth” may have taken artistic liberties with the narrative, the true events of Macbeth’s rise to power, his defeat at the hands of Malcolm Canmore, and his ultimate death on the battlefield remain rooted in historical records.

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FAQs

What was Macbeth’s role in King Duncan’s death?

Macbeth, initially the governor of the Scottish province of Moray and a trusted military commander under King Duncan, rebelled against the king due to his opposition to Duncan’s alliances with the Saxons in the South. Macbeth ultimately killed King Duncan in a battle near Elgin on August 14, 1040.

How did Macbeth become the king after Duncan’s death?

After killing King Duncan, Macbeth seized the throne and crowned himself as the new king of Scotland. His marriage to Gruoch, the granddaughter of King Kenneth III, further solidified his claim to the throne.

What happened to Macbeth after he became king?

Macbeth’s reign lasted for approximately 14 years, but he faced challenges during his rule. In 1054, he suffered a significant military defeat at the Battle of Dunsinane against Malcolm Canmore, the son of King Duncan. Macbeth was pursued by Malcolm and the English forces, leading to his eventual defeat and death on August 15, 1057, at the Battle of Lumphanan.

Who was Malcolm Canmore, and how did he kill Macbeth?



Malcolm Canmore was the son of King Duncan and the successor to the throne after Macbeth. With the assistance of the English forces, Malcolm confronted Macbeth in the Battle of Lumphanan and emerged victorious, resulting in Macbeth’s death.

Were the events depicted in Shakespeare’s play “Macbeth” accurate?

While Shakespeare’s play “Macbeth” was inspired by historical events, it took artistic liberties and dramatized certain aspects of the story. The play does capture the essence of Macbeth’s rise to power, his conflicts with King Duncan, and his eventual downfall, but the play should be seen as a work of fiction rather than a historical account.