The historical Macbeth was a real person who ruled as King of Scotland from 1040 to 1057. He was a powerful and ambitious man who overcame many obstacles to secure his throne, including defeating his cousin Thorfinn Sigurdsson, Earl of Orkney, in battle. Macbeth was also a capable ruler who brought peace and prosperity to Scotland during his reign. However, he is best known for his association with the play "Macbeth" by William Shakespeare, which portrays him as a villainous tyrant who murders King Duncan to seize the throne. While the play is based on historical events, it takes many liberties with the truth, and the real Macbeth was likely a much more complex and nuanced figure.
