MacBeth, myth and legend (and a little known playrights take on it)

Macbeth.

The history of MacBeth (shortened from MacBethad in some sources) is very important to the Scottish psyche. I have also read Shakespeares play, which I loved. The MacBeth in the play and the historical person are two very different characters. The Historical King MacBeth was a hard fellow, who slew his cousin, Duncan, (a rather effette and incapable fellow especially when Scotland - Alba in those days and not as extensive as Scotland is now) was assailed on all sides; Northumbria, a Norse kingdom, to the southeast. Strathclyde predominantly Saxon/Britions, to the southwest. The Earls of the Islands, Mainly Danes and Geats threatened all coasts but greater than all were the threats from within the realm.

Alba was filled with petty Kings and Earls, all of whom, if strong enough, could wrest the throne from the current incumbant. So, despite being a stong king MacBeth’s position was always tenuous. But he was a capable king, arranging many trading agreements. Seeing off the many invaders. Including, notably, Knut Svenson, who conquered almost every country in Europe for the catholic church.

There was no fight. MacBeth was a friend of King Canute (Knut; Saxonized) and at Macbeth's side was Thorfinn, his half-brother (also known as Ravenfeeder) a mighty warrior and Earl of Orkney. Also cousin to the King of Norway. Knut, turned back at the crossing of the Forth and Clyde river's taking his huge host with him. Historians suspect (there are so few historical sources to provide information) that Knut did not wish to upset the king of Norway, a difficult individual and though outnumbered by many thousands; Thorfinn and MacBeth were to be feared.

It should also be noted that when MacBeth was finally overthrown by Malcolm bighead (known as Canmore- historians disgree wither he actually had a big head or wither he was the head of many large clans- sources are few so it is pretty much impossible to say but I suspect the latter.) A strong young war leader.

When the armies of MacBeth and Malcolm met. Macbeth’s was twice as large as those raised by Canmore and had a battle been fought it is likely that MacBeth would have won but instead Canmore challenged MacBeth to a duel. Whoever won would be King and the other side lay down thier arms. It is said (though there are only hints from Historical sources) that MacBeth agreed stating that “Scotland had too many enemies to be wasting young lives when they should be defending our country”

Macbeth’s councillors argued against this course of action. Macbeth could hardly walk having been injured in earlier battles. In his younger years he had been a strong and fearsome warrior but he was now old and lame. Malcolm was seventeen, much larger and fit. It is also suspected that Macbeth had heart problems but in the end it did not matter. Malcolm killed him (without sustaining a wound) it is said.

Fantasy horror fiction from author Raymond Walker

Gruoch

Gruoch, Lady MacBeth, strangely, seems similar in what little is known of her historicly. To the character Shakespeare vilifified. (though again there is very little information historicly) She was the daughter (or grandaughter) of Conneiach, the scion of Kenneth MacAlpine (semi legendary first King of Scotland). You can certainly imagine that she wants her, denied, inheritance back. She should have been queen. She may well have gone to great lengths to get it back. No one really knows, go that far back in time in Scotland the records or histories of what happened are as hazy as a damp spring morning near a river where mist rises and clouds every glen.

I hope this has helped a little.