The Real Macbeth

Jul 7, 2011
Mollie Napier

One of the possible locations of Macbeth's death - Copyright Stanley Howe and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

A comparison of Shakespeare's Macbeth to historical evidence in Scotland: The Story of a Nation by Magnus Magnusson.

Many of us, whether we enjoy Shakespeare or not, have read Shakespeare's tragedy Macbeth. If we were to pass judgement on the person Macbeth after having read this play, Macbeth would be called greedy, treacherous and a murderer guilty of regicide. This is where we would be mistaken. For Shakespeare was not writing a history, he was writing a play loosely based in history meant to entertain, not educate, his audience. His story was written above all to impress the new king of both England and Scotland. Magnus Magnusson, the historian, included Macbeth in Scotland: The Story of a Nation in an attempt to correct some of Shakespeare's misrepresentations.

We first must recognize that Macbeth was truly a Scottish king. He had royal blood in his veins. Duncan I was also a Scottish king. His sons were Malcolm and Donalbain. Edward the Confessor seems to have backed Malcolm and Eearl Siward did travel to Scotland to face Macbeth.

Act I

Shakespeare's play opens with the witches. The witches were added to interest the new king, James VI, who was fascinated with witches. He had written Daemonologie in 1597. The second scene takes place on a battlefield, reporting on battles against Norway. Since the thane of Cawdor acted as a traitor, it is decided that the title will be given to Macbeth. Malcolm is called the Prince of Cumberland. Returning from battle, Macbeth and Banquo (a character created by Shakespeare to appeal to King James) meet with the witches. The witches tell Macbeth he will be thane of Cawdor and the king, but Banquo will be the ancestor to kings. When Macbeth discovers he has been given the title Thane, he realizes he is closer to becoming king. Both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are tempted. The king arrives at Macbeth's castle.

Around the time the play is set, in 1032, Macbeth found vengeance for his father's death by burning to death one of the killers, Gillacomgain. He was then able to assume his father's rank of mormaer of Moray. He married Gruoch, Gillacomgain's widow, and strengthened his claim to the throne as she was descended from the royal line. However, Duncan I was still king. Duncan was the grandson of Malcolm I, a ruthless and despotic king. Malcolm ignored ancient customs and arranged that Duncan would succeed to the throne. Duncan I wasnot a great choice, as he was rash and militarily incompetent. He was ambitious and yet lacked experience. He led a disastrous attack on Durham and attempted to impose his authority on the north of Scotland, before meeting Macbeth in battle near the village of Pitgareny in 1040, where he was killed. In Shakespeare's time, even killing a king on battlefield constituted regicide but Macbeth was fighting an invader.

Act II

Lady Macbeth steels Macbeth to kill Duncan. The king is discovered dead. His sons flee - Malcolm to England and Donalbain to Ireland. The sons are suspected. The crown will go to Macbeth, while supernatural acts begin to appear.

In reality Macbeth was immediately accepted as King of the Scots. He was crowned at Scone and reigned for 17 years (1040-1057). The Chronicle of Melrose states: "in his time there were productive seasons." Macbeth did drive Duncan's sons out of Scotland. Malcolm fled to England and became a protege of King Edward the Confessor, and Donalbain fled to the Western Isles. The mention of the supernatural is most likely included to please King James.

Acts III and IV

Banquo is murdered, but his son Fleance escapes. The witches reappear. Macduff has left Scotland to call Northumberland and Siward to war. The witches tell Macbeth he cannot be harmed by any born of woman and that he shall reign until Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane Castle. Macduff's family is killed and he is informed of their death by Ross while he is discussing Macbeth with Malcolm.

Shakespeare's Macbeth had a short and bloody reign. The historical Macbeth was a very different king. The people were quick to crown him king after Duncan's military failures. Macbeth was a competent military leader. He dealt effectively with Duncan's father. He was less successful with his encounters with Thorfinn the Mighty, the Norse Earl of Orkney. Military success is not the only way to judge a king, though. It was already noted that there were productive seasons in his time. He was generous to the Church, and was secure enough on the throne to go on a pilgrimage to Rome.

Act V

Lady Macbeth drifts further into insanity culminating in her death. Macbeth fortifies his castle, believing he cannot be defeated. Macduff, Malcolm and Siward plot in Birnam Wood. They decide to dress their soldiers as the forest, so Birnam Wood comes to Dusinane Castle. Macduff tells Macbeth he was not born, but was pulled out of his mother's womb, so the prophesy is fulfilled.

Historically, Malcolm traveled England gaining support, possibly even that of Edward the Confessor. Siward, most likely with Malcolm at his side, brought Macbeth to battle around 27 July. It was said to be a long battle, but its location is unknown. Macbeth retreated from the field and was eventually hunted down by Malcolm in Aberdeenshire where Malcolm killed Macbeth. Macbeth's stepson Lulach was also killed by Malcolm, which gabe Malcolm enough leverage to claim the throne.