Macbeth vs Mac Bethad

The Way They Reign
Did you know that Shakespeare’s Macbeth was based off of an actual Scottish king named Mac Bethad mac Finlaich, otherwise known as Macbeth? Comparing death and murder, how they led, and their pitiful downfalls, these two men are nearly polar opposites apart from their common names, titles, and their deaths.
In Shakespeare’s Macbeth we are introduced to this noble, virtuous, and altruistic King Duncan, who captivates audiences by his ability to show necessary appreciation, his kindness and respect towards the members of his court, and his talent of leading an army. In short, King Duncan ruled Scotland flawlessly, without objection to his presence. This differs to the historical King Duncan whose lofty and proud attitude made him subject to an excessive amount of dislike, and an extreme incompetence on the battlefield. On the day of his death, King Duncan decided, against the better judgment of his advisors, to split his army in half with himself leading one of the battalions. This ignorant tactic resulted in a complete abomination. Mac Bethad, cousin to King Duncan but fighting with the opposing army, conquered King Duncan’s army, killing him in the process, which was actually a time honored way in which king came to the throne. Macbeth, on the other hand, was of no royal bloodline, and yet was honored for bravery in war by hosting King Duncan at his home. During King Duncan’s stay, Macbeth murdered him out of pure hatred and envy of his throne while King Duncan slept.
Despite both men being married and becoming kings, the events and attitudes surrounding their reigns are blatantly different. For instance, Macbeth experienced extreme paranoia and insecurity due to the murderous lengths he went through to become king. This insecurity brought about more extreme measures, such as repeatedly murdering to secure his throne. Described as malicious as well as a tyrant, by the end of his reign Macbeth was left without support, wifeless, and hated