Historical Overview

It is said that Shakespeare’s Macbeth has little similarity to the real Scottish king, Macbeth of the 11^th century. Mac Bethad mac Findlaích was the King of Scots from 1040 until his death in August of 1057. His father was Mormaer of Moray, known as Finlay and his mother is the supposed Donada, second daughter of Malcolm II. As Shakespeare play has it, in August of 1040, Macbeth killed the ruling king, Duncan I, in a battle near Elgin, Morayshire thus making Macbeth king until his death. In 1045, Macbeth even killed Duncan’s father at Denkeld. It was also said, Duncan’s wife fled to Scotland with her children Malcom III and Donald III, also present in Shakespeare play. For years after he had became king, he seemed to rule calmly. Macbeth imposed law and order, most of his laws encouraging the basis of Christianity. Like mentioned in the being of the play of Macbeth, he was a brave and successful leader creating successful forays all over England. Most of the events of the play were figments of Shakespeare’s imagination, detailed actions and fictional storylines just like his other written plans. Somewhat like the play, however, in 1054 Siward challenged Macbeth’s place at the throne. Siward was the Earl of Northumbria, England and led a vary large invasion of Scotland. This was a very bloody battle in which one of his sons was among the many that died in the battle. Just as the play also entails, Malcom III was put into power by the English. Now, the play has it that Macduff kills Macbeth, but in actuality, Macbeth was killed in 1057 by Malcom Canmore.