Kratkoroni

Kratkoroni is a term used in speculative history and fantasy fiction to describe an expedited coronation ceremony in a monarchy. The name combines elements suggesting “short” or “brief” with coronation, signaling a rapid accession to the throne conducted under time pressure, often in moments of political crisis or external threat.

Origins and usage

In worldbuilding and storytelling, kratkoroni serves as a narrative device to explore questions of legitimacy, authority, and symbolism. It appears in novels, games, and other media as a way to stage a transfer of power quickly while conveying the urgency of a moment in history or fiction.

Practice and structure

A typical kratkoroni features a condensed set of rites: proclamation of the new ruler, an oath of office, and a ceremonial gesture such as anointing, but with shortened processions, simpler regalia, and abbreviated vows. The ceremony may be conducted by a regent, a council, or the monarch themselves, depending on the fictional polity’s laws and customs. Full, formal coronations may follow later in the narrative, or kratkoroni may stand as the sole ceremonial act.

Variants and impact

Different settings reinterpret the ritual’s symbolism. Some portrayals emphasize legitimacy gained through expedience, while others frame haste as a sign of fragile governance. The practice can influence public perception, foreign relations, and internal stability within the story world.

See also

Coronation, succession crisis, regent, legitimacy, worldbuilding.