Lord: Difference between revisions
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* Lord, under the [[Feudalism|feudal system]] of the Seven Kingdoms, is a hereditary title of nobility, that is expressed through the bonds of vassalage which connect the owners of various strongholds. All lords have vassals, the vassals can have knights, and the feudalism chain continues down to the peasants. In Westeros there are many 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 of "Prince." | * Lord, under the [[Feudalism|feudal system]] of the Seven Kingdoms, is a hereditary title of nobility, that is expressed through the bonds of vassalage which connect the owners of various strongholds. All lords have vassals, the vassals can have knights, and the feudalism chain continues down to the peasants. In Westeros there are many 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 of "Prince." | ||
* Lord Paramount, a title held by various Great | * Lord Paramount, a title held by various Great Houses of the Seven Kingdoms, holding dominion over one of the nine regions of the seven kingdoms, second only to the king. The title has been used since the establishment of the Seven Kingdoms in the [[War of Conquest]]. | ||
* Lord Commander, a rank used in various institutions in the Seven Kingdoms, including the [[Lord Commander of the Kingsguard|Kingsguard]] and the [[Lord Commander of the Night's Watch|Night's Watch]]. Indicating a position of authority and leadership, more often than not the holder of the title is of noble birth, or at the very least a [[knight]] due to his lack of noble birth. | * Lord Commander, a rank used in various institutions in the Seven Kingdoms, including the [[Lord Commander of the Kingsguard|Kingsguard]] and the [[Lord Commander of the Night's Watch|Night's Watch]]. Indicating a position of authority and leadership, more often than not the holder of the title is of noble birth, or at the very least a [[knight]] due to his lack of noble birth. | ||
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* Lords by courtesy, who do not hold actual lordships. Several past [[Hand of the King|Hands of the King]] did not possess lordly titles in their own right{{Ref|TSS}}, but were referred to as "Lord" while they remained in the position{{Ref|acoK|8}}. The [[Master of Whisperers]] may also be called Lord, but it is uncertain whether a formal grant of lordship typically accompanies this style, or whether it was traditionally merely a courtesy{{Ref|aFfC|17}}. This usage sometimes extends to those wishing to show courtesy to a junior member of a noble House during conversation, by addressing them with the title of Lord in conjunction with their personal name{{Ref|aGoT|21}}. The title of Lord in conjunction with the House name is properly reserved for the legal head of the House. | * Lords by courtesy, who do not hold actual lordships. Several past [[Hand of the King|Hands of the King]] did not possess lordly titles in their own right{{Ref|TSS}}, but were referred to as "Lord" while they remained in the position{{Ref|acoK|8}}. The [[Master of Whisperers]] may also be called Lord, but it is uncertain whether a formal grant of lordship typically accompanies this style, or whether it was traditionally merely a courtesy{{Ref|aFfC|17}}. This usage sometimes extends to those wishing to show courtesy to a junior member of a noble House during conversation, by addressing them with the title of Lord in conjunction with their personal name{{Ref|aGoT|21}}. The title of Lord in conjunction with the House name is properly reserved for the legal head of the House. | ||
==Customs== | ==Customs== | ||
Revision as of 20:36, 9 September 2013
Lord is a title given to a person who controls authority. It is most commonly referred to as a title of nobility in the Seven Kingdoms. The title of Lord may also be given as a courtesy[1] to those in a position of power or influence, an honorific usage distinct from the grant of the rank of lordship, which is typically assumed to be accompanied by a grant of lands or a castle[2][3][4]. One may also be legally raised to the style of "Lord" without also receiving lands[5], but such a lordship is effectively an empty honor[5][6].
In addition, speakers sometimes address or refer to those of higher rank as "my lord" or "my lord of", regardless of whether the recipient is highborn or otherwise titled or not. Smallfolk addressing hedge knights[7] or sworn shields referring to their masters[1] may employ this style, rather than using "ser". Similarly, "lordling" is a commonly used term for young men of highborn or wealthy appearance[7][8], regardless of the status of their House or what other titles they may be known to bear[9].
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Types of Lords
- Lord, under the feudal system of the Seven Kingdoms, is a hereditary title of nobility, that is expressed through the bonds of vassalage which connect the owners of various strongholds. All lords have vassals, the vassals can have knights, and the feudalism chain continues down to the peasants. In Westeros there are many 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 of "Prince."
- Lord Paramount, a title held by various Great Houses of the Seven Kingdoms, holding dominion over one of the nine regions of the seven kingdoms, second only to the king. The title has been used since the establishment of the Seven Kingdoms in the War of Conquest.
- Lord Commander, a rank used in various institutions in the Seven Kingdoms, including the Kingsguard and the Night's Watch. Indicating a position of authority and leadership, more often than not the holder of the title is of noble birth, or at the very least a knight due to his lack of noble birth.
- Administrative positions containing lord in the title, such as that of "lord treasurer", which is used in Dorne[10] and on Queen Regent Cersei's small council, and is said to be in the style of the Free Cities[11].
- Lords by courtesy, who do not hold actual lordships. Several past Hands of the King did not possess lordly titles in their own right[1], but were referred to as "Lord" while they remained in the position[12]. The Master of Whisperers may also be called Lord, but it is uncertain whether a formal grant of lordship typically accompanies this style, or whether it was traditionally merely a courtesy[11]. This usage sometimes extends to those wishing to show courtesy to a junior member of a noble House during conversation, by addressing them with the title of Lord in conjunction with their personal name[13]. The title of Lord in conjunction with the House name is properly reserved for the legal head of the House.
Customs
References and Notes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 The Sworn Sword.
- ↑ A Storm of Swords, Chapter 72, Jaime IX.
- ↑ A Feast for Crows, Chapter 29, The Reaver.
- ↑ A Feast for Crows, Chapter 36, Cersei VIII.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 65, Sansa VIII.
- ↑ A Feast for Crows, Chapter 39, Cersei IX.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 The Hedge Knight.
- ↑ The Mystery Knight.
- ↑ A Game of Thrones, Prologue.
- ↑ A Feast for Crows, Appendix.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 17, Cersei IV.
- ↑ A Clash of Kings, Chapter 8, Tyrion II.
- ↑ A Game of Thrones, Chapter 21, Tyrion III.