Duncan I of Scotland Guide, Meaning , Facts, Information and Description
Duncan I Cæn-Mohr MacCrinan (1001 - August 14 1040) was a son of Crinan the Thane de Mormaer, lay abbot of Dunkeld, and Princess Bethoc of Scotland. He became King of the Scots in succession to his maternal grandfather Malcolm II in 1034, having previously ruled as rex Cumbrorum in Strathclyde. His accession is said to be "the first example of inheritance of the Scottish throne in the direct line."Duncan was known as 'Duncan The Gracious', a title that was not entirely complimentary. His uncaring approach to matters of state made him unpopular both with his subjects and the nobility. Not a strong ruler, he is chiefly known today through his connection with Macbeth, which has been immortalized by Shakespeare. The feud between these two princes originated probably in a dispute over the succession to the throne; its details, however, are obscure, and the only fact which can be stated with any certainty is that Duncan was slain in battle by Macbeth near Elgin, Morayshire on 14 August 1040.
In 1039, Duncan marched south to besiege Durham, but was defeated with heavy losses. He also attempted to seize control of Moray, but was twice defeated by the Earl of Orkney's son, Thorfinn, before being killed in battle.
Details of Duncan's marital life are a matter of debate among historians. Most sources give his wife's name as Sybilla or Elfaed Sybilla of Northumbria, and state that she was closely related to Siward Biornsson, Earl of Northumberland. The United Kingdom's official History of the Monarchy states that she was Siward's cousin.
Two of Duncan's sons, Malcolm III Canmore and Donald Bane, were afterwards kings of the Scots. Some sources have stated that Malcolm was illegitimate.
| Preceded by: Malcolm II | King of Scots | Succeeded by: Macbeth |
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