The History of

Murder

Following Tanistry laws, Finlay’s older brother Maelbrigde would have been the next heir after Malcolm II, and it is not clear how or when Maelbrigde died. It is possible that Finlay did away with Maelbrigde to gain succession to the throne.

It could be that the sons of Maelbrigde, Malcolm and Gillacomgain, understood the mediocrity of Finlay and resolved to take this matter into their own hands by murdering Finlay or it could be a retaliatory event for the death of their father, these circumstances are unknown. Sadly, this was the beginning of a blood feud within the House of Moray. Murder had become a political tool. Macbeth fled to Ireland in exile where he lived for several years. He was 20 years old.

In Moray, Malcolm, aided by this brother Gillacomgain, assumed his uncle Finlay’s position and then crowned himself king of the north. Understandably, this incensed King Malcolm II.

Another contender for Malcolm II’s throne was a young man named Maelbaethe. He was the heir through a senior line of decent from Malcolm I. Like Malcolm of Moray, his claim to the throne would be ignored by Malcolm II in favour of Duncan. Malcolm II planned the eventual transfer of power to Duncan through the ‘removal’ of all those with well-founded rights. Given this, Malcolm of Moray and Maelbaethe formed an alliance, with Maelbaethe’s sister Gruoch given in marriage to Gillacomgain. They soon had a son Lulach, cementing the relationship between the two families. They became known as the Northern Alliance.

Fortunately for Malcolm II, Malcolm of Moray died in 1029. There is no record of any violence associated with his death but there is no doubt that the alliance’s plans were weakened but still the competitors for Duncan’s throne had not been dealt with.

In 1030 Macbeth laid plans to return to Alba. To do so required contacts, and messages were sent to families who had serious doubts about Gillacomgain’s leadership qualities. Macbeth returned to Moray by boat, having sent forces over the plains of Moray to meet him near Gillacomgain’s hall. Surrounding the hall with piles of firewood and candle grease, the wood was set ablaze by one of his companions. Over 50 men were inside, having eaten and drunk their fill of Gillacomgain’s largess. It took some time for those inside to notice the danger. When Gillacomgain burst through the doorway to safety, Macbeth ran him through. The remainder of Gillacomgain’s men either burned to death or were slaughtered when exiting the hall.

Retribution for Finlay’s death was served.

In the aftermath of this killing, Macbeth married Gruoch. This was a common occurrence during this age, women marrying the victor of war, and the marriage united two royal lines of descent. It was a message to Malcom II and Duncan that Macbeth was still in the game though Macbeth did nothing further. Over the next few years Macbeth solidified his holdings in Moray and beat off plunderers in the Orkneys, cementing his rule in Moray. He was a patient man. This was the final testing ground on which Macbeth became a warrior worth following.

It became increasingly apparent that Malcolm II continued to have designs to pass the throne to Duncan and in November 1034 Macbeth raised a force that made its way to Glamis. Macbeth and Malcolm II lined up beside the village of Glamis on the plain of Strathmore and battle commenced. On November 25, Malcolm II died of severe wounds. Within 5 days, Duncan had been inaugurated as king at Scone. Such a speedy transfer of power hints at an attempt to pre-empt trouble. Duncan had support from several great houses and Macbeth returned to Moray understanding that the political situation was not entirely in his favour.