Difference between revisions of "Feudalism"

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{{Stub| Needs to be rewritten to reflect ASOIAF world, see [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/Concordance/Section/2.3./ Concordance] and [[:fr:Société féodale des Sept Couronnes]] for reference}}<hr>
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{{Stub| Needs to be rewritten to reflect ASOIAF world, see [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/Concordance/Section/2.3./ Concordance] and [[:fr:Société féodale des Sept Couronnes]] for reference}}
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'''Feudalism''' describes the society structure of the [[Seven Kingdoms]], as it is largely resembles the [[w:Feudalism|feudal system]] of medieval Europe.
 
'''Feudalism''' describes the society structure of the [[Seven Kingdoms]], as it is largely resembles the [[w:Feudalism|feudal system]] of medieval Europe.
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==Social hierarchy==
 
==Social hierarchy==
The feudal system has rigid structure of social classes. Those who are born commoners can expect to die as commoners. There are no provisions for the advancement of individuals from a lower class into the higher classes. This is not to say that it is impossible, only that it is very difficult, usually bestowed by lords to those who have done a great service to them, or [[knight]]s bestow the rank and title of Knighthood on any individual who has proven himself worthy.
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The feudal system has a rigid structure of social classes. [[Arya Stark]]{{Ref|AGOT|15}} and [[Tyrion Lannister]]{{Ref|AGOT|38}} are examples of '''highborn''', born into prestigious families. One cannot gain or lose the status; the impoverished, exiled, and powerless [[Daenerys Targaryen]] is still highborn,{{Ref|AGOT|3}} as is [[Alliser Thorne]]{{Ref|AGOT|60}} despite joining the [[Night's Watch]] to avoid execution,{{Ref|AGOT|21}} while former smuggler [[Davos Seaworth]] of [[Flea Bottom]] says that highborn do not consider him one of them despite his knighthood, land, [[keep]], and [[banner]].{{Ref|ACOK|0}}{{Ref|ACOK|10}}
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Highborn status is desirable; [[bastard]] [[Jon Snow]] dreams that his unknown mother is "beautiful, and highborn".{{Ref|AGOT|19}} People expect highborn to differ from others in behavior,{{Ref|AGOT|2}} dress,{{Ref|AFFC|26}} speech,{{Ref|ASOS|1}}{{Ref|AFFC|2}}{{Ref|ADWD|14}}{{Ref|ADWD|32}} given names,{{Ref|ASOS|2}} and even their [[flowering]]{{Ref|AGOT|60}} and [[maidenhead]]s.{{Ref|AFFC|28}} Highborn bastards have special surnames,<ref name=SF>[http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/2999/ SF, Targaryens, Valyria, Sansa, Martells, and more (June 26, 2001)]</ref> highborn lords rarely ride with [[hedge knight]]s{{Ref|tmk}} (and highborn women are unlikely to marry them),{{ref|tss}} and highborn prisoners of war are held for ransom when others are killed.{{Ref|ACOK|20}}
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Those who are not highborn are lowborn or [[smallfolk]]. Smallfolk who become members of nobility are still lowborn, such as [[Janos Slynt]]'s family despite his receiving [[Harrenhal]] and [[small council]] membership.{{Ref|ACOK|2}} Despite [[House Seaworth]]'s creation most highborn scorn Ser Davos, and being lowborn embarrasses his sons,{{Ref|ACOK|0}}{{Ref|ACOK|10}} but if [[Stannis Baratheon]] wins the [[War of the Five Kings]] they may become knights, and Davos's grandchildren will be highborn.{{Ref|ASOS|36}}{{Ref|ADWD|29}} Most lowborn can, however, expect to die as commoners. There are no provisions for the advancement of individuals from a lower class into the higher classes. This is not to say that it is impossible, only that it is very difficult, usually bestowed by lords to those who have done a great service to them, or [[knight]]s bestow the rank and title of Knighthood on any individual who has proven himself worthy.
  
 
===King===
 
===King===
The King on the [[Iron Throne]], the [[Lord of the Seven Kingdoms]], is at the top of the pyramid; beneath him are the various lords and knights, with peasants, also known as [[smallfolk]], at the bottom. The king sits on the Iron Throne, claims ownership of the land, has the final political authority and holds the ultimate power in all matters. Although in practice the king is constrained by political realities, and while no individual command is likely to be countermanded, he could still lose his position to intrigue if he were to offend the wrong people. Of course, as kings do not retire, this loss of position would involve his death.
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The King on the [[Iron Throne]], the [[Lord of the Seven Kingdoms]], has the highest feudal rank; beneath him are the various lords and knights, with peasants, also known as smallfolk, at the bottom. The king sits on the Iron Throne, claims ownership of the land, has the final political authority and holds the ultimate power in all matters. Although in practice the king is constrained by political realities, and while no individual command is likely to be countermanded, he could still lose his position to intrigue if he were to offend the wrong people. Of course, as kings do not retire, this loss of position would involve his death.
  
Kings in turn have vassals, the high lords of great houses. These high lords control the major regions of the Seven Kingdoms, and in turn employ vassals of their own; even these lords might have vassal lords sworn to them. This system terminates with the lowest level subordinate knights or minor land owners.
 
<!-- King, royal family, high lords of great houses, lords, minor lords, landed knights, knights and peasants at the bottom. -->
 
 
===Nobility===
 
===Nobility===
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====Lord====
 
:{{Main|Lord}}
 
:{{Main|Lord}}
  
In [[George R. R. Martin]]'s world there are only lords, some bigger and some smaller, some sworn to others, but still all with the same title - save for the Lords of [[Sunspear]], who still hold the title "[[Prince of Dorne]]." Nobility is a hereditary title, that it is expressed through the bonds of vassalage which connect between them the various owners of strongholds. Each lord has vassals; sometimes the vassals themselves have vassals, and this may continue onward down the line.
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In Westeros's system of nobility, above knights and below the king there are only [[lord]]s, some greater and some lesser, some sworn to others, but all with the same title; the exception is the Lord of [[Sunspear]], who still holds the title "[[Prince of Dorne]]". Nobility is hereditary, expressed through vassalage which connect between them the various owners of strongholds. Each lord has vassals; sometimes vassals have vassals.
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The lords of the [[great houses]] have the highest ranks in their regions of the seven kingdoms, and are vassals only to the king. Petty lords at the bottom have a few villages. It is the Lord's responsibility to govern his lands, keep the king's peace, enforce [[law and justice]] on local matters, and ensure that taxes due to the king are collected in a timely manner.
  
The lords of the great house are at the top of the societal order, holding dominion over one of the nine regions of the seven kingdoms, second only to the king. There are petty lords at the bottom, entrusted with only a few villages. It is the Lord's responsibility to see to the affairs of his lands, keep the King's peace, [[Law and justice|judge]] on local matters, and ensure that taxes due to the king are collected in a timely manner.
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Some lords have titles which belong only to their houses: [[House Greyjoy]], for example, has the title of "[[Lord Reaper of Pyke]]", [[House Lannister]] has "Shield of Lannisport", [[House Royce of the Gates of the Moon]] has the title of Keeper of the Gates of the Moon made hereditary for them, and [[House Manderly]] has several titles, many of which relate to their past life in the [[Reach]] and make no sense in the [[North]], but are preserved as tradition. These titles do not elevate a lord above others—the Prince of Dorne has no more authority than other great lords—but demonstrate a house's history.
  
Some lords have extra titles which belong only to their houses: [[House Greyjoy]], for example, has the title of "[[Lord Reaper of Pyke]]", [[House Lannister]] has "Shield of Lannisport", the newly-created [[House Royce of the Gates of the Moon]] has the title of Keeper of the Gates of the Moon made hereditary for them, and [[House Manderly]] has several flowery titles, many of which relate to their past life in the [[Reach]] and make no sense in the [[north]], but are preserved as tradition. These titles do not elevate a lord above others, they serve as markers of a house's history.
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Foreign societies also have hierarchies. A daughter of the [[Prince of Pentos]], a sister of the [[Archon]] of [[Tyrosh]], and highborn girls from [[Myr]] attended the [[Maiden's Day Cattle Show]] restricted to members of nobility.{{Ref|fab|Under the Regents - War and Peace and Cattle Shows}}
  
 
*A '''steward''' is a man responsible for running the day-to-day affairs of the castle and acting on the lord's behalf. He may be entrusted with the castle in the lord's absence.
 
*A '''steward''' is a man responsible for running the day-to-day affairs of the castle and acting on the lord's behalf. He may be entrusted with the castle in the lord's absence.
  
===Knights===
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====Landed knights====
:{{Main|Knight|Landed knight}}
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:{{Main|Landed knight}}
  
Knights are the lowest rank of the nobility. This class is made of landed knights, who have been given a keep and grant of land to administer. They have their own peasants and men-at-arms, and may even take sworn swords. Landed knights are sworn to fight for the lord who holds dominion over their land. While the wealthiest knights manage more land than the poorest lords, landed knights do not have the authority to deliver [[law and justice]] in their land. Rather, they must appeal to their liege lord.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/1203/ Knights and Lords (March 02, 2002)]</ref>
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[[Landed knight]]s are the lowest rank of the nobility: [[Knight]]s who have been given a [[keep]] and grant of land to administer. They have their own peasants and men-at-arms, and may even take sworn swords. Landed knights are sworn to fight for the lord who holds dominion over their land. While the wealthiest knights manage more land than the poorest lords, landed knights do not have the authority to deliver [[law and justice]] in their land. Rather, they must appeal to their liege lord.
  
 
Landed knight is a rare rank in the [[north]] and is almost nonexistent on the [[Iron Islands]], because knighthood is culturally linked with the [[Faith of the Seven]], which is not widely practiced in those lands.
 
Landed knight is a rare rank in the [[north]] and is almost nonexistent on the [[Iron Islands]], because knighthood is culturally linked with the [[Faith of the Seven]], which is not widely practiced in those lands.
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==Reference and Notes==
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==Reference==
 
# Heavily based on Real life, medieval [[w:Feudalism|Feudal system]], [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/Concordance/Entry/2064/ Knighthood] and [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/Concordance/Section/2.3./ Customs] entry at the Concordance.
 
# Heavily based on Real life, medieval [[w:Feudalism|Feudal system]], [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/Concordance/Entry/2064/ Knighthood] and [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/Concordance/Section/2.3./ Customs] entry at the Concordance.
  
{{references|2}}
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{{references|}}
  
 
[[Category:Terms]]
 
[[Category:Terms]]

Revision as of 09:14, 2 March 2019

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Needs to be rewritten to reflect ASOIAF world, see Concordance and fr:Société féodale des Sept Couronnes for reference.


Feudalism describes the society structure of the Seven Kingdoms, as it is largely resembles the feudal system of medieval Europe.

Feudalism was introduced to Westeros by the Andal traditions[citation needed] and is practised within the borders of the Seven Kingdoms. This society is based on a rigid social structure and government consisted of kings, lords, and the peasants. Nobles rule over the smallfolk within their territory through a system of fealty and sworn oaths. In this system each man owes military service to his lord in return for protection, a grant of land, and the peasants to work it.

Social hierarchy

The feudal system has a rigid structure of social classes. Arya Stark[1] and Tyrion Lannister[2] are examples of highborn, born into prestigious families. One cannot gain or lose the status; the impoverished, exiled, and powerless Daenerys Targaryen is still highborn,[3] as is Alliser Thorne[4] despite joining the Night's Watch to avoid execution,[5] while former smuggler Davos Seaworth of Flea Bottom says that highborn do not consider him one of them despite his knighthood, land, keep, and banner.[6][7]

Highborn status is desirable; bastard Jon Snow dreams that his unknown mother is "beautiful, and highborn".[8] People expect highborn to differ from others in behavior,[9] dress,[10] speech,[11][12][13][14] given names,[15] and even their flowering[4] and maidenheads.[16] Highborn bastards have special surnames,[17] highborn lords rarely ride with hedge knights[18] (and highborn women are unlikely to marry them),[19] and highborn prisoners of war are held for ransom when others are killed.[20]

Those who are not highborn are lowborn or smallfolk. Smallfolk who become members of nobility are still lowborn, such as Janos Slynt's family despite his receiving Harrenhal and small council membership.[21] Despite House Seaworth's creation most highborn scorn Ser Davos, and being lowborn embarrasses his sons,[6][7] but if Stannis Baratheon wins the War of the Five Kings they may become knights, and Davos's grandchildren will be highborn.[22][23] Most lowborn can, however, expect to die as commoners. There are no provisions for the advancement of individuals from a lower class into the higher classes. This is not to say that it is impossible, only that it is very difficult, usually bestowed by lords to those who have done a great service to them, or knights bestow the rank and title of Knighthood on any individual who has proven himself worthy.

King

The King on the Iron Throne, the Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, has the highest feudal rank; beneath him are the various lords and knights, with peasants, also known as smallfolk, at the bottom. The king sits on the Iron Throne, claims ownership of the land, has the final political authority and holds the ultimate power in all matters. Although in practice the king is constrained by political realities, and while no individual command is likely to be countermanded, he could still lose his position to intrigue if he were to offend the wrong people. Of course, as kings do not retire, this loss of position would involve his death.

Nobility

Lord

In Westeros's system of nobility, above knights and below the king there are only lords, some greater and some lesser, some sworn to others, but all with the same title; the exception is the Lord of Sunspear, who still holds the title "Prince of Dorne". Nobility is hereditary, expressed through vassalage which connect between them the various owners of strongholds. Each lord has vassals; sometimes vassals have vassals.

The lords of the great houses have the highest ranks in their regions of the seven kingdoms, and are vassals only to the king. Petty lords at the bottom have a few villages. It is the Lord's responsibility to govern his lands, keep the king's peace, enforce law and justice on local matters, and ensure that taxes due to the king are collected in a timely manner.

Some lords have titles which belong only to their houses: House Greyjoy, for example, has the title of "Lord Reaper of Pyke", House Lannister has "Shield of Lannisport", House Royce of the Gates of the Moon has the title of Keeper of the Gates of the Moon made hereditary for them, and House Manderly has several titles, many of which relate to their past life in the Reach and make no sense in the North, but are preserved as tradition. These titles do not elevate a lord above others—the Prince of Dorne has no more authority than other great lords—but demonstrate a house's history.

Foreign societies also have hierarchies. A daughter of the Prince of Pentos, a sister of the Archon of Tyrosh, and highborn girls from Myr attended the Maiden's Day Cattle Show restricted to members of nobility.[24]

  • A steward is a man responsible for running the day-to-day affairs of the castle and acting on the lord's behalf. He may be entrusted with the castle in the lord's absence.

Landed knights

Landed knights are the lowest rank of the nobility: Knights who have been given a keep and grant of land to administer. They have their own peasants and men-at-arms, and may even take sworn swords. Landed knights are sworn to fight for the lord who holds dominion over their land. While the wealthiest knights manage more land than the poorest lords, landed knights do not have the authority to deliver law and justice in their land. Rather, they must appeal to their liege lord.

Landed knight is a rare rank in the north and is almost nonexistent on the Iron Islands, because knighthood is culturally linked with the Faith of the Seven, which is not widely practiced in those lands.

Commoners

Commoners or smallfolk are the bottom of the social structure. They do not own lands or titles; they work the land of their lords, and do not have a say in their own governing. While this may seem similar to slavery, the difference is that commoners own themselves, and can make appeals to their local lord regarding violations of the law or general disagreements between parties; they are recognized as having a right to fair and just treatment by the nobility and society in general. Most Houses have laws protecting the local population from abuse or mistreatment, even by members of the nobility. However, those laws differ and are enforced in varying degrees, mostly depending on the disposition of the local lord.

Many of the tradesmen and craftsmen belong to guilds, such as the Alchemists' Guild.

There is little social mobility; odds are that if you are born a commoner, you will never be able to rise above commoner status. However, it does happen, and there several examples of people who have managed it. Varys was a common-born slave, and rose to be the spymaster of the Seven Kingdoms. Dunk was born a commoner in Flea Bottom, yet he was able to rise to be a member of the Kingsguard.

Terms

  • Warden, commanders who exercise military functions for the north, east, south, and west of the Seven Kingdoms. There are also wardens for smaller geographic locations, such as the Wyman Manderly being Warden of the White Knife.
  • Liege, the primary lord of a vassal who holds by military tenure. The liege lord and vassal each have responsibilities to one another; the vassal must remain loyal to the liege lord above any other lords, while the liege is the vassal's principal protector.
  • Vassal, a person granted the use of land, in return for rendering homage, fealty, and usually military service or its equivalent to a lord or other superior. They are frequently referred to as "bannermen".

Reference

  1. Heavily based on Real life, medieval Feudal system, Knighthood and Customs entry at the Concordance.