Duncan

Duncan, the King of Scotland immortalised in Shakespeare's Macbeth, succeeded his grandfather Malcolm II. in 1033. Investigations would seem to indicate that the dramatist's masterpiece, like many other great works, is based on a posthumous libel. Macbeth's father had been killed by Malcolm, as had also the grandfather of Lady Macbeth, whose real name was Gruoch, and their joint claim to the throne was stronger than Duncan's. The struggle was carried on until 1039, when Duncan was defeated and killed at Bothgowan near Elgin. [Macbeth.]