Rigsmarsk

The Marshal of the Realm (Danish: Marsk, from 1536 Rigsmarsk), was the chief advisor to the King on military matters concerning the infantry and cavalry. It was the third highest office in the country after the Steward of the Realm and the Chancellor. The Rigsmarsk was appointed by the king from among Danish-born nobles. In the beginning the Marsk was one of the king's men and Stig Andersen Hvide used the title Regis Danorum Marscalcus (transl. Marshal of the Danish King) shortly before his conviction in 1287 for the murder of King Eric V. Over the course of the 15th century, the Marsk came to represent the Realm (Privy Council), rather than the King, and in 1536 the title was finally changed to Rigsmarsk or Marscalcus Regni. After the Scanian War and with the introduction of absolute mona...