Considered by many historians as the last of the Gaelic kings of Scotland, MacBeth has become less of a historical figure and more a fictional character. At the hands of later chroniclers- mostly English- and ultimately by the pen of William Shakespeare, MacBeth changed into a despicable ruler, a far cry from the real person.
MacBeth MacFindlaech was born in 1005 AD (1), the same year his grandfather (Malcolm II) became king. His father, Findlaech MacRuaridh, controlled the province of Moray as Mormaer (2). His mother Doada was the second daughter of Malcolm I- former High King of Scotland. MacBeth, meaning "son of life" in Gaelic, was described by contemporary chroniclers as being a handsome man, "the liberal king ... fair, yellow hair and tall ... ruddy countenance." (3)
At the age of seven MacBeth was sent away to be educated, a requirement for the children of important chieftains, under the tutelage of a Christian monk- as set by law. The term of study usually lasted about ten years. (4) In 1020, at age fifteen, his cousins Malcolm and Gillecomgain killed MacBeth's father. The reason escaped history, but it could have been that Findlaech MacRuaridh had established a warm relationship with the House of Atholl. As for MacBeth, not much is known about him at this time, it is possible he was far away in his studies. (5)
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