The King

Alternate Titles: Prince, Rightful Heir, Bridegroom, Lover

The King is the archetypal realization of the idea of legitimate worldly authority. Under his auspices, the Kingdom is guaranteed to prosper -- whether it is a broad kingdom of valleys and dells, or a kingdom of a single hearth and a woman's heart. His authority derives its legitimacy from the fact that it is always directed towards the highest good for his people or his Princess. This is why he is often to be found traipsing around the world, or his army camp, dressed as a commoner. It is important to him to know what his people need, in order that he can provide it. His willingness to stand against the enemies of the realm in single combat -- rather than subject his subjects to needless danger in battle -- is an eloquent testimony to the sincerity of his political priorities.
In many cases, the King's story begins before he has actually managed to claim his throne. In these stories he must overcome various obstacles in order either to win the girl, or to become the King. If he is involved in a Romance plot, there is only one woman in the world, and he will overcome all obstacles to prove himself worthy of her hand.

Archetypal Events: Survey Kingdom, Foot Washing, Banquet, Herald Quest, Single Combat, Rally

Common King Plots:

Return of the King: The line of Kings was broken long ago, and the Kingdom has fallen into disrepair -- the stewards are corrupt, or there simply isn't any leadership to speak of. The rightful heir is persuaded, usually with some reluctance, to go forth and claim the throne of his fathers.

Rescue the Princess: The Princess has been captured by a Usurper and dragged off into his underworld lair. The Prince descends through death and trials in order to bring her back and make her his wife.

Most Worthy Suitor: The old king has declared open season on the hand of his daughter and half the Kingdom. The Prince must perform deeds of valour in order to prove himself worthy.

The King's Castle: Although he is willing to go slumming it amongst the commoners, and may be found in exile at certain points during his plot, the King's proper home is a castle. Specifically, it is a place of grandeur where he is able to adequately govern his Kingdom and provide for the needs of his bride. The Castle, like the Kingdom, responds to the King's presence: when he is there, it is in order and all of its inhabitants are happy. When he is away, a pall is cast over it which does not lift until he has returned.
The Sword of Great Reknown: The proper weapon for a King is a sword; but it is almost never an ordinary, common sword. It is often a named sword, old beyond telling, possessed of magical properties and forged by the gods. Often, it belongs to him alone and he is the only one who is able or qualified to use it. Odysseus' bow is a variant on the theme: Odysseus was a Rogue when he left for Troy, but the bow that he left behind is Kingly: Odysseus himself is the only man capable of drawing it.
The King's Crown: The circle is the most perfect of the shapes, and gold is the most perfect of metals. These elements combined are a powerful symbol of divine authority; the King, by placing the crown on his head places himself under the authority of God, indicating that the authority he brings to his Kingdom is neither arbitrary nor self-serving.
The Throne of the Heart: At the centre of the human heart there is a seat, and whatever is placed on this throne has primacy over all other loyalties. The throne has been made to be the seat of the other -- a person who seats himself on the throne of his own heart is self-centred; a person who puts something less than human on it is enslaved to lower things. When the Lover is placed on the throne, everything else falls into order: his right to rule is founded on selfless concern and love, which allows the person to place him or herself under authority without becoming subject to exploitation. Whether the King ascends to the throne of the Kingdom, or to the throne of his beloved's heart, this is the reality that is reflected when he claims his prize.
Minor Symbols: Horses, Gold

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