Mary, Queen of Scots, was a 16th-century monarch who reigned over Scotland from 1542 to 1567. She was the daughter of King James V of Scotland and Mary of Guise. Mary became queen when she was just six days old, following the death of her father. Her tumultuous reign was marked by political intrigue, religious conflict, and personal tragedy. She was also a cousin of Queen Elizabeth I of England, and their rivalry played a significant role in the politics of the time. Mary's life ended tragically when she was executed in 1587, after being implicated in a plot to assassinate Elizabeth I. Her life and reign continue to be a subject of fascination and study in history.