Sacred Kingship and Its Exposure

The Killer

This flow traces the religious and ceremonial claims that legitimize Duncan and how the violence at court undermines them.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The Healing Reputation The Healing Reputation from "The Killer". The Healing Reputation Royal Cure The Officer announces that sick people have come to Duncan for healing through his sovereign gift.

The Healing Reputation from "The Killer". The Healing Reputation Royal Cure The Officer announces that sick people have come to Duncan for healing through his sovereign gift.

The Healing Reputation Royal Cure The Officer announces that sick people have come to Duncan for healing through his sovereign gift. Authority Beyond Politics The King’s public image depends on a power presented as sacred as well as governmental.

Crown and Blessing Crown and Blessing from "The Killer". Crown and Blessing Ritual Investiture A monk blesses Duncan’s crown and cloak, gives him the scepter, and confirms his sovereign power.

Crown and Blessing from "The Killer". Crown and Blessing Ritual Investiture A monk blesses Duncan’s crown and cloak, gives him the scepter, and confirms his sovereign power.

Crown and Blessing Ritual Investiture A monk blesses Duncan’s crown and cloak, gives him the scepter, and confirms his sovereign power. Legitimacy Performed The ceremony presents political authority as divinely sanctioned and protected.

Suffering Answered by Command

Suffering Answered by Command Patients Transformed Duncan touches the sick with his scepter, and their pain gives way to health or calm. Power Displayed The sequence makes the King appear to govern bodies as well as the state.

The Ceremony Betrayed The Ceremony Betrayed from "The Killer". The Ceremony Betrayed Disguise Within Ritual The conspirators enter under the appearance of sick visitors and attack during the sacred performance.

The Ceremony Betrayed from "The Killer". The Ceremony Betrayed Disguise Within Ritual The conspirators enter under the appearance of sick visitors and attack during the sacred performance.

The Ceremony Betrayed Disguise Within Ritual The conspirators enter under the appearance of sick visitors and attack during the sacred performance. Protection Reversed The ceremony that promises healing becomes the setting for Duncan’s murder.

Symbols Left Behind Symbols Left Behind from "The Killer". Symbols Left Behind Authority Disrobed Duncan loses his cloak, scepter, and crown as the conspirators close around him.

Symbols Left Behind from "The Killer". Symbols Left Behind Authority Disrobed Duncan loses his cloak, scepter, and crown as the conspirators close around him.

Symbols Left Behind Authority Disrobed Duncan loses his cloak, scepter, and crown as the conspirators close around him. Sacred Power Exposed The fallen insignia reveal that ritual can dignify authority but cannot protect it from political violence.

Before the monthly palace ceremony

At the beginning of the healing rite

During the sequence of royal healings

At the conspirators’ attack

During Duncan’s final struggle