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Visit The *EVEN NEWER* Barrow-Downs Photo Page |
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#22 |
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Ghost Prince of Cardolan
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Pennsylvania, WtR, passed Sarn Gebir: Above the rapids (1239 miles) BtR, passed Black Rider Stopping Place (31 miles)
Posts: 1,548
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I think portraying the western polities as
"absolutist" monarchies goes too far. there were at a minimum councils which the kings found it necessary to consult and seek their advice, with apparently an influence at least that of the nobility in post-1066 England (not sure of Anglo-Saxon politics). And if the peoples in Northwestern middle-earth were "free" how could they be ruled by absolutist leaders? + what is to be made by the (apparently) pro forma acclamation of Aragorn? It would seem to include an at least inferred right of all the people, not only the nobility, to consent to be the governed. And if in the course of human events the king became abusive of their rights to (say) life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness wouldn't it be their right to dissolve the political bands which connected them.....hmm. Also, while Beorn's descendants were leaders were they nobility, or chosen by the woodsmen?
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Aure Entuluva! |
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