sacred kingship

Table of Contents

Introduction
Principal schools of interpretation
Status and functions
- The sacred status of kings, leaders, and chieftains
  - The possessor of supernatural power
  - The divine or semidivine king
  - The king as the principal agent of the sacred
- Functions of the sacred king: the king as the source of cosmic power, order, and control
  - The king as bringer of blessed power
  - The king as shepherd
  - The king as judge
  - The king as warlord
  - The king as priest and seer
  - The king as the centre of ruler cults
- Regal ceremonies
  - Modes of selection and succession
  - Forms and types of sacred legitimation of kings
  - Ritual roles prescribed for kings in public or state functions
  - Private ritual forms peculiar to kings and their families

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sacred kingship: Facts & Related Content

Written and fact-checked by The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Facts

Also Known As	divine kingship

Photos

Taking prisoners

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Topics

reth tianzi oba divine right of kings ruler cult religion monasticism priesthood shamanism asceticism Christianity Scientology Judaism Hinduism Buddhism Islam

Key People

Sir James George Frazer

British anthropologist

Hirata Atsutane

Japanese religious leader