In the intricate world of feudalism, power wasn't always a simple top-down hierarchy. While the term 'overlord' evokes images of ultimate authority, the reality could be surprisingly nuanced. An overlord, a lord who held dominion over vassals, could, in turn, *be* a vassal to another, even more powerful lord!
Think of it like this: Lord Elmsworth might rule over a dozen villages and answer to the Duke of Blackwood. Lord Elmsworth is an overlord to those villagers. But, the Duke of Blackwood answers to the King! Thus, Elmsworth, while an overlord in his own right, is also a vassal to Blackwood. This 'vassal of my vassal' system created a complex web of obligations and allegiances. It highlights how power could be layered and interconnected, with lines of authority flowing upwards through multiple levels. Understanding this 'nested' nature of overlord-vassal relationships is crucial for grasping the true dynamics of medieval societies.
