King (Title)

By Crusader1307

The term “King” is derived from The Saxon word “Cyning” and the word “Kin”. Both describe a person that is the “Head of his Tribe”. It is applied now to any Male Sovereign Ruler of a County, Nation or Independent State. This “Supreme Ruler” can be installed through hereditary right, election or a mixture of the two. Normally a King is “installed” for life. It is his responsibility to care for his Subject, Noblemen and Kingdom. His is the final “word”.

A King can make war and peace. He can enact taxes and raise Armies. Normally, possessing great wealth himself, this was not always the case. A King was Enthroned by a representative of his religious establishment. This ceremony often included the pronouncement that the King was “placed by God” on the Throne. This created a “link” between The King and Jesus Christ. This position was not contested. Kingship has been often abused and misused (often ending in Civil Wars and bloody Wars of Succession). A King was expected to marry. Often, his “choice” was picked for him (so as to bring together political and economic alliances).

Still, many Kings chose their own Queens. Her “job” was to produce a Male Heir to his Throne (so that his bloodline would continue). Again, this did NOT always happen. A King could however, leave his Throne – through an act called “Abdication”. In this process, a King “formally” renounces his claim (and any future Heirs claim, as well) – on the Throne. Abdication has been initiated to end wars and yes – even for love. A King, for all his authority and power – is still considered inferior to an Emperor.