Duncan I, Donnchad mac Crinain to you, 1001 - 1040, was King of Alba, Scotland to you, from 1034 -1040. He was given the nickname Ant-Ilgarach, which, as you know, means 'sick.' This may not be regarding his health, it may refer to his lack of ability, but who actually can be sure?
His father Crinan was hereditary Lay Abbot of Dunkeld. A Lay Abbot was one given the position in spite of having no formal religious position. His mother, Bethóc ingen Maíl Coluim meic, (Of course I cut & Pasted it), was daughter of Malcolm II, a powerful King of Scots.
Duncan became King on the death of his grandfather Malcolm II and this appears to have been an undisputed enthronement, though some suggest any possible alternatives had been 'removed' by Malcolm before his demise. Whether Malcolm died in battle or on his death bed is disputed, but had he died in battle would Duncan have reigned?
Who Duncan married is also disputed though he he managed to produce two sons anyway, one later becoming King Malcolm III, King from 1058 - 1093, who became King by the simple expedient of bumping off 'Lulach,' Macbeth's stepson, and after him Donald III 'Donalbane,' Duncan I's other son became King.
Alongside Duncan rode his 'Dux' this was a man called 'Macbeth.' This implies Malcolm realised the lack of talent in Duncan and ensured a powerful 'Dux' alongside him. Macbeth certainly considered himself able to rule as we see later.
In 1039, Duncan advanced into England and laid siege to Durham, not the easiest place to lay siege. This followed on from the attack on Strathclyde by Earldred, Earl of Northumbria in 1038. The result was disaster for Duncan and he slogged home defeated.
The next year he entered Moray and attacked Macbeth in an effort to ensure his two sons inherited the throne, this too was unfortunate as he was killed in the struggle on the hill and Macbeth became King. The two sons escaped and later took up the throne in time.
Any defamation written by English playrights can be burnt at this point.
Duncan was buried near Elgin but they say he was later placed in Iona.
The similarities beteen Scotland a thousand years ago and Afghanistan today are striking. England also was a mass of warlords fighting for control, aided or otherwise by Danes who also considered they owned whatever was around. While some kings were able to dispense justice and develop the economy of their land much time was also spent fighting of enemies both at home and abroad. Other family lines decided they had a right to the throne, Danes from outside, various English from below, as well as weather, economy problems and ill health all had to be faced just as they do today. The main difference today is that political weapons remove opponents, not the Claymore.
