From today's AWAD definition....
"I chaffered with the king of those people, who was a wise and far-sighted woman, and brought her to understand that it would be much to her advantage to accept from me half the arms and ammunition I had brought with me."
Delia Sherman; The Parwat Ruby; Fantasy & Science Fiction (Cornwall, Connecticut); Jun 1999.
I've never heard of "King" being applied to a woman. Has anybody else? Does anybody know of any other instances when this has happened?
I'm not sure I've heard it either, but I don't think it too strange. When refering to a sovereign ruler proper I would think it wrong (since it should probably be 'Queen'), but if it refers simply to someone who is the sole leader of a specific group of people then I don't see why not. That said, Hatshepsut, a ruler in ancient Egypt is sometimes referred to as a 'female king' or 'woman king'.
I noticed that, too, bel; but took my cue from Fantasy & Science Fiction and figured that was why.
The King is always a ruler, but the Queen may be a ruler or just some chick married to the King. For example, Queen Elizabeth II is a ruler (Queen Regnant). Her mother was also called Queen Elizabeth while her husband was king, but she didn't even get a Roman numeral for her troubles. (^_^)
So the guy married to the Queen is not always a King?
Hm. Interesting. Thanks tsuwm.
Its not wise to give parlament the power to make a king--for then, they will have the power to unmake a king..
is allegedly the advise that was given to Vicky when she wanted Prince albert to be make king (so they could be co-rulers.)
William and Mary each had claims to the throne, they were a rare case of being co rulers.
it also depends on rules/laws for kingship.
some 'crowns's don't recognize a daughters right to rule on her own, she must marry a royal prince to become queen --
but some traditions (UK) allow a woman be a prime ruler, (and cast her husband into a secondary role)
But only if she has no brothers - at least in the UK. Anne was 2nd oldest but 4th in line until Charles begatted.
The reason that Elizabeth is Queen is because succession to the British throne is
not based on something called
Salic law. This same law, which in part bars women from inheriting fiefs, is why
Queen Victoria did not become Queen of Hanover instead of
Ernst Augustus I.