Duncan I of Scotland

Duncan I ( Donnchad mac Crínáin; * 1001, † August 14, 1040 ) was Scottish king from 1034 to 1040 and from 1018 to 1040 King of Strathclyde.

He was the eldest son of Crinan, abbot of Dunkeld, and Princess Bethoc and followed his maternal grandfather, Malcolm II, to the throne after he had reigned 16 years over Strathclyde. Since Malcolm had abolished the Tanistry system, Duncan was able to convert the Scottish monarchy into a hereditary monarchy.

His nickname was " Duncan the Benevolent ", which was not always meant as a compliment. His ruthless nature of governance made ​​him unpopular both the people as well as the nobility. His reign was marked by the conflict with his cousin Macbeth, who has become, thanks to William Shakespeare of world literature. The exact circumstances of the conflict are not known. It is only known that Duncan was killed in battle near Elgin of Macbeth.

Duncan was married to a princess of Northumberland, who bore him four sons. Malcolm III. and Donald III. were later also kings of Scotland. Another son was Maelmuire, whose grandson Harald Maddadson should rule over Orkney.