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Ancient Wisdom

  As each new king ascends the throne, an ancient wisdom is intoned: "A power that's accumulated is a target to be hated so for long reigns to be fated make sure that crap gets delegated!"

The King

 

Source of Power

  In a typical monarchy of Mythoversal Hellas, all power flows from the Gods of Olympus directly into the body of the king. This happens daily, at about half an hour before dawn.   The exact method of transfer is a closely guarded secret, but palace insiders have hinted at a process that involves a chamber-pot and much loud singing.  

Holding Power

  Within the body of a king, the Power of the Gods is stored in a colon-adjacent organ known to healers as the royal appendix (or appendix royale in the Kingdom of Mycenae).   The royal appendix can be found attached to the intestines of all persons of true royal birth, and is not to be confused with the common peasant's appendix, or appendix de classe inférieure.   Being insufficiently coated in gold, and not properly lined with velvet, the common peasant's appendix has an unfortunate, often fatal tendency to burst with a comical splat!   In contrast, the royal appendix ruptures with a more dignified popping sound, reminiscent of a miniature cannon.  

Extent of Power

  The daily renewal ritual grants the king absolute authority over every living creature, every speck of matter, and every thought within every mortal mind contained within the boundaries of a kingdom's sovereign territory.  

Duration of Power

  Most kings, according to their individualized levels of intestinal fortitude, are able to hold onto this level of power for between three to six seconds.   It's said that King Agamemnon, a famously power-retentive monarch, was able to hold on for up to ten seconds.   But eventually, the power erupts outward from the most conveniently located orifice as the king's duty is performed.   The Power of the Gods then drifts downwind from the palace, invisible but somehow still perceived, and diffuses throughout the kingdom.  

Delegation of Power

  Some royal authority vests in the high priest, allowing the priesthood to operate under as the king's divine proxy.   Some royal authority vests in the magistrate, allowing city governments to keep the king's peace.   Some royal authority vests with the general of the army, allowing the military to perform operations under the king's seal.   The remainder flows to the queen, who uses it to run the royal household.  

The Balance of Power

  Although all official actions are done in the name of the king, a proper king will have relieved himself of all duties before breakfast time, freeing his day for such pursuits as hunting, napping, feasting, drinking, getting frisky with the staff, and sleeping it off until the cycle of power begins anew.   Thus the common expression, "It's good to be king."

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Read the Manuscript

Poetry! (Mythic Verse, Vol. 1)

Mythology
Greek/Roman
Title
"Ancient Wisdom"
Date Published
July 8, 2020

Linked Notes


Comments

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Jul 20, 2020 21:18 by Chris L

Wow! This is hilarious and why Kings are going to be the "profession that recently became illegal" prompt.


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Jul 20, 2020 21:44 by Cryptoversal

Hmm. That's going to be a fun prompt as well.

Greg R. Fishbone, Author in Residence at Mythoversal, is releasing his young adult mythic fantasy, BECOMING HERCULES, as a weekly serial on Kindle Vella. This diverse coming-of-age drama shares its ancient roots with the Percy Jackson series, Song of Achilles, and Lore Olympus.
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