[Torwald]

> I wonder how much of our modern idea of kings as supremely powerful dictators is just a result of posturing and good PR by past kings.

Depends on how you want to look at it. Kings of ancient times where often seen as gods or god-like beings.

In the West and the Middle East these kings where well remembered through the religious sacred texts. It was part of the common knowledge, much like today Darth Vader.

A story like that of Jude would be known by virtually everyone and do much of what you'd term "PR".

In the Far East however, these mighty kings or emperors where in power in some countries up until very recent times.