The Characteristics Of Sacral Kingship In Ireland

Kinship has been around for many years and has been part of many societies since as far back as nearly the hunter gather period. Some societies today still have this monarch and kingship leading them but it is also seen that without this type of leadership societies and communities are able to run just as well without them. Countries like the United Kingdom and Sweden however still have some sort of kingship leading them. Up to the 18th century Ireland was ran by a sovereign but now is run by an elected government. These type of sacral kings were located all over Ireland some more important than others. There were different kings for each country and smaller towns inside these counties than king’s from provinces who had the most power. The
There are many examples of sacral kings, presiding in different areas in Ireland and holding different titles and power. Ard ri is known as he kin of all provinces. He or she is superior of all the lower kings and princes of provinces. The high kings of Ireland were seen and claimed to have lordship over the whole of Ireland. This type of king was the highest grade of king as there was no body in a higher rank above them. The Irish name that is known for this type of king is “ri tuirech” meaning “king of great kings” or “provincial king”. The king a rank lower the ri tuirech is known as “ri tuatha”. This sacral king would be in charge of smaller kings within their ruling county. They would have some sort of power but no as much as the high kings of Ireland. Below these kings again there are kings of lower power known as “ri tuatha”. There as much more of these kings in Ireland over time and ruled between 150-200 kingdoms in early medieval Ireland. There is not always one kingship per country but a few can coincide throughout a county. Most people are led to believe that there is a sacral king per country but this is not the case in
Though this article we find out how kings were selected and what characteristics and rules they should follow. Becoming a king is not destined by how much your or your family have. Wealth does not play a role in becoming a king as it is possible to be rich in these societies and have no family connection to a kinship. These sacral kings are portrayed as a prisoner to the throne and to their people. As when you become king you have to go by certain rules and have to act in a certain way that sees fit as a king. Becoming a king may be easy but this is not the case if you want to stay as a king. The installation ceremony is only the first step of becoming king as you have to live up the expectations of your people and of what a king should be. If you do not live up to these expectations and fail in any way of how a king should act or the choices you make as a king you will lose the title as king and more than likely be killed. As a king in some cases they have to abide by certain rules. For example they have to be carried everywhere, having to stay in their homes in certain time, having to wear special clothing and sometimes being prevented from talking to some people who aren’t of a certain status. In today’s world these are still how some of the royals are treated. The main reason for being a king is to separate them from everyday people. This increases the royalty of the king and stops