BattlefieldsDeath of Lulach at Essie
Early Medieval

Death of Lulach at Essie

1058
Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Also known as: Ambush of Lulach at Essie 1058 · Battle of Essie
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Lulach mac Gille Coemgain
Forces
Lulach mac Gille Coemgain with small retinue (c. 500–800).
VS
Victor
Malcolm III (Canmore)
Forces
Malcolm III's forces (c. 1,000–1,500)
Outcome
Lulach killed by treachery; Malcolm III secures undisputed kingship
The Battle

History & Significance

After killing Macbeth at Lumphanan in 1057, Malcolm Canmore still had to deal with Macbeth's stepson Lulach — nicknamed 'the Simple' or 'the Fool', though likely an ironic epithet for someone considered profound. Lulach had been crowned king at Scone and ruled briefly. Malcolm had him killed at Essie in Strathbogie — the Chronicle says 'by treachery.' His death ended the Moray dynasty's claim to the Scottish kingship for another generation, though Moray would rebel repeatedly thereafter.

Casualties & Losses

Lulach killed

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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