[the guy who be short]

Originally Posted by Bêthberry

My interest lies in the attitude towards power and authority which the texts portray, rather than the author's personal beliefs

Then let us return to them.

Originally Posted by Aiwendil

There is no religion, but there are divinities. Aragorn's right to the kingship is ultimately derived from the right of kingship given to Elros by the Valar. And it is noteworthy that this right is renewed by the presence of Gandalf - an emissary of the Valar - at Aragorn's coronation; indeed it is Gandalf who literally crowns him.

This is very interesting. As well as the Kingdom of Gondor, there are others to consider. Rohan's king was acknowledged by the King of Gondor (and land given to them) and thus indirectly from the Valar. The same applies to the Hobbits; they too were originally granted land by Kings of the Realms in Exile. We seem to see a theme of Kingship being handed down, in grades, from Eru himself.

What about the Kings of the Eldar? Were their leaders leaders before they awoke? Were they preplanned to be kings of their Houses? The Dwarven kings were appointed by Aule, and thus indirectly by Eru. Does this hold for the Elven race too?

Now, I know I'm digging myself into a hole here. Dale was not lead by a divinely appointed ruler, nor Mirkwood, to give some few examples. But these seem to be more minor and distant kingdoms.

Finally, I am too pressed for time to check, but I believe King Bard of Dale had some sort of right to the throne in the Hobbit. To what extent was this, or does it seem to be, divine?

There we go. Many questions, and no answers.