No, Donalbain is younger than Malcolm in Shakespeare's play "Macbeth." Malcolm is the oldest son of King Duncan.
Donalbain - Macbeth - was created in 1603.
King Duncan had two sons: Malcolm and Donalbain. After fleeing Duncan's murder, Donalbain fled to Ireland, and Malcolm fled to England. Malcolm later led the attack on Dunsinane and took the throne after Macbeth was killed.
Malcolm and Donalbain fled for fear that they might be the next one's to be murdered.
Donalbain leaves because he is suspected of killing his father, King Duncan.
When hearing of the murder, Malcolm and Donalbain immediately fled away without consulting anyone...
Donalbain and Malcolm are the sons of King Duncan in Shakespeare's play "Macbeth." They suspect that Macbeth is responsible for their father's murder. To ensure their safety, Donalbain flees to Ireland and Malcolm goes to England.
Donalbain
Not in Shakespeare's Macbeth
Older than
"Malcolm and Donalbain, the king's two sons, are stol'n away and fled, which puts upon them suspicion of the deed."
Donalbain and Malcolm were the sons of King Duncan I [d. August 14, 1040]. Malcolm must have been the elder son. The indication of his being the older of the two brothers was his receipt of the title of Prince of Cumberland, as heir apparent to his father. Malcolm indeed ascended to the throne before his brother, under the name of King Malcolm III [d. November 13, 1093]. His brother succeeded him as King Donald III [d. 1099]
Malcolm fled to England while Donalbain fled to Ireland to avoid being targeted as potential suspects in their father's murder. They did this to protect themselves and stay alive in the dangerous political environment of Scotland at that time.