This excellent introductory chapter also refers to:
"...none less than Brechdan Ironrede, Protector of the Roidhun's Grand Council." (p. 201)
The Roidhun is the Merseian Emperor, always chosen from the landless Vach Urdiolch.
Brechdan, the main villain of the previous novel, Ensign Flandry, is the Hand of the Vach Ynvory. His title of "Protector" means that he is the Prime Minister of a unified Merseia.
I like to think that, just as the King of England and his Prime Minister have a weekly briefing meeting, there is a similar regular meeting between the Roidhun and the Protector. Although we do see two of the Terran Emperors, Hans and his son Gerhart, we never see a Roidhun. This figure remains as remote as "the God" of the Roidhunate.
4 comments:
Kaor, Paul!
We also see Emperor Josip, while he was still crown prince, in ENSIGN FLANDRY. And it's a pity we never see his father Emperor Georgios and his wife.
It does seem a bit odd we never see any of the Roidhuns of Flandry's lifetime. Since it seems reasonable that, like in the UK, Merseian Protectors would regularly meet their sovereigns, either Brechdan or Tachwyr the Dark could have been shown conferring with them.
Even Uldwyr the Seeker, the nephew of the then reigning Roidhun, doesn't give us his name in A CIRCUS OF HELLS!
Ad astra! Sean
This is another Japanese analogy.
The Emperor of Japan was theoretically all-powerful; in practice, authority resided with the Shoguns, warlords. In some instances the Shoguns were puppets too!
Shoguns also tended to have the heir to the throne marry one of their daughters, and quite often "induced" Emperors to resign (usually becoming, in theory, Buddhist monks) in order to keep the reigning Emperor young and pliable.
During the Tokugawa period, the imperial court at Kyoto was kept under strict control -- at times, theoretically high-ranking courtier/aristocrats had to sell their calligraphy to get enough money to eat.
The Meiji "Restoration" theoretically restored the direct authority of the Emperor, but in fact while he and his successors prior to 1945 had more influence than under the Tokugawas, it was a clan-led clash between samurai/daiymo factions.
Japanese history is replete with individuals who seem powerful, but are really the puppets of collective cliques operating behind the scenes. It's a virtual trope there.
For example, between the Restoration and the 1930's, Japan was actually run by various groups of 'genro', respected 'elders', who used the party system and Parliament as a false-front.
Kaor, Mr. Stirling!
Again, fascinating comments! I did a little study of Japanese history in college and the pattern you summarized was as you described. Esp. after the end of the Heian period, when the system of Shoguns emerged. Emperors could be puppets of former Emperors, who were puppets of the shoguns. Or shoguns could be figureheads themselves. This Japanese passion for subtle intrigues could hardly get more complex!
Your comments about the Roidhun reminded me of this bit from Chapter XII of A CIRCUS OF HELLS, after Yydwyr the Seeker told him he was the nephew of the reigning Roidhun: "Who might or might not be a figurehead, depending on the circumstances of his reign--and surely, that he was always elected from among the Urdiolchs, by the Hands of the Vachs and the heads of Merseian states organized otherwise than the anciently dominant culture--from among the Urdiolchs, the only landless Vach--surely this was in part a check on his powers--but surely, too, the harshest, most dictatorial Protector regarded his Roidhun with something of the same awe and pride that inspired the lowliest "foot" or "tail"--..."
My point being that not all Roidhuns were completely impotent to act in Merseian politics, esp. if he shrewdly that reverence and awe for his office to exert influence even over the most autocratic Protector. This quote from Chapter 6 of THE GAME OF EMPIRE is telling, because its about an Urdiolch member of the Grand Council conferring with Tachwyr the Dark, the then Protector: "The question had been ridiculous, especially since the entire strategy had been under repeated, intensive discussion. However, Gwynadion was new on the Council--and not very intelligent--and a nephew of the Roidhun--You used what materials the God put at your disposal."
Iow, one means of exerting influence by Roidhuns determined not to be complete puppets of their Protectors would be by insisting a member of the Vach Urdiolch sit in the Grand Council. And Protectors might maneuver in turn to have that kinsbeing of the Roidhun not to be too forceful/intelligent.
Wheels within wheels on Merseia!
Ad astra! Sean
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