Duncan I

Duncan I, known as Donnchad mac Crínáin, served as King of Scotland from 1034 to 1040 CE, succeeding his grandfather, Malcolm II. Duncan's reign, though brief, was marked by ambition, but also by challenges from powerful regional leaders. Attempting to assert authority over the Kingdom of Strathclyde and the Norse-Gaelic lordship of the Isles, he faced resistance and military setbacks. His rule came to a dramatic end when he was defeated and killed by Macbeth, the mormaer (or earl) of Moray, in 1040. Duncan's death, and the subsequent rise of Macbeth, later served as inspiration for William Shakespeare's iconic tragedy, "Macbeth".