Etterføyeretterfølger

Etterføyeretterfølger is a theoretical concept within certain speculative fiction and philosophical discussions, particularly those concerning complex systems of inheritance or succession. It refers to a successor that inherits a position, title, or role that was itself inherited. This implies a chain of succession where each subsequent holder is a successor to a predecessor who was also a successor.

The term is a compound in Norwegian, translating roughly to "successor-successor." The first "etterfølger" signifies a successor, and the second "etterfølger" signifies that this successor is itself a successor. This recursive nature highlights a lineage that is at least two generations removed from the original holder of the position or role.

In practical terms, this concept might arise in discussions of dynasties, long-standing organizations, or even biological lineages where traits are passed down through multiple generations. For instance, if a king has a son who becomes king, and that son then has a daughter who also becomes queen, the daughter is an "etterføyeretterfølger" in relation to the original king.

While not a commonly used term in everyday language or formal academic discourse, "etterføyeretterfølger" serves as a useful linguistic tool for precisely describing a specific type of hereditary relationship, emphasizing the extended chain of succession. Its usage is typically confined to contexts where nuanced descriptions of lineage are important, such as in world-building for fictional narratives or in thought experiments about governance and legacy.