Forms of Greeting

In the kingdom of Eleonis, just like anywhere else, the way a person greets another is a very important thing. Not only is it a nice thing to do, it also symbolizes respect for other people. The form of greeting used depends on the context of a meeting and on the relationship and power dynamic between the individuals.

Regular forms of greeting

Depending on the situation, phrases such as 'Good Morning' or 'Greetings' are commonly used. If a person's proper title or form of address is known, it may also be used for greeting. For example, a Lord will usually be addressed with 'My Lord'.  When addressing a person of higher rank or social standing, it is customary to bow or, for women, to curtsy, to show respect. The further the gap in rank, the lower the bow or curtsy will generally be.

When bowing, people will often place a hand over their heart. Which hand is up to preference or convenience, though the right hand is more commonly used. This is, however, entirely optional, as is any form of verbal greeting, unless one is aiming to have a conversation. When passing in the street, a nod or small bow with an optional hand is entirely sufficient as a passing salutation.

In an informal or familial context, bowing and proper form of address are generally not used. Some people do insist on it in such a context, though this is usually seen as a stuck-up and antiquated behaviour. In a more or less private context, hugging is a common form of greeting, though physical contact is otherwise avoided. Handshakes are almost never used for greeting, as they are normally the symbol of an agreement or deal.

Military salutes

In military circles, specific salutes are used. Individuals will generally be addressed by their rank, such as 'Soldier' or 'General' or by their name added after their title, rarely with just their name. A proper salute is mandatory whenever addressing a person of rank higher than one's own. People with lower ranks generally do not get saluted. A soldiers rank can be deduced from their uniform. Therefore, unsurprisingly, how to identify different ranks is one of the very first things a recruit learns.

Greeting a King or Queen

Another exception is the greeting of a King or Queen, though Eleonis never had a ruling Queen during its history. Since the founding of the kingdom up until a few years before the Great War, it was required to kneel when the King entered a room or one entered a room where the King was present. This is no longer a requirement, though it is still expected to get up and bow in this situation.

Kneeling

The practise of kneeling is now for the most part reserved for a ruler's coronation and his funeral. In most circumstances it is considered rather old-fashioned and often said to be a sign of either begging or bootlicking. There is, however, a situation in which kneeling is still widely accepted. Whenever a person does something worthy of the highest form of respect, kneeling is still the appropriate thing to show that respect.

Interesting fact:

There are very few recorded cases in which a person has earned enough respect to be knelt to. Situations in which this has occurred with a large group of people are even rarer. 

Arguably the most impressive of these recorded cases occurred at the end of the final battle of the Great War, after General Riarcos Angeleos defeated the enemy leader, Laethis Soanis, in single combat. With his victory, Riarcos ended one of the bloodiest and most devastating wars in the history of Leanor.

Eye-witnesses state that Riarcos earned the utmost gratitude and respect of all those who fought for the Southern Alliance and even of some who were forced to fight for the enemy. Apparently, nearly every man on the field of battle knelt for Riarcos Angeleos that day.

Unfortunately, Riarcos didn't have much time to enjoy the glory, since he died of an infected battle wound only days after. Still, Riarcos Angeleos is venerated until today.