[wbl]

Not so new: the legend of the Fisher king (the source of Parsifal), the implicit theology of the Deuteronomistic history, the substitute king ritual in Assyria all speak to a conception of a connection between a rulers moral and physical health and the realm.

[Terr_]

I suppose the Egyptians sidestepped it a bit, by having the Pharaoh only gain most of their godly power (and responsibility) after death.