Here's a breakdown:
Kings depended on Lords:
* Military Power: Lords provided the bulk of the king's army, comprised of their own knights and vassals.
* Financial Resources: Lords paid taxes and provided resources like food and supplies for the king's court and army.
* Local Administration: Lords acted as the king's representatives in their regions, enforcing laws and collecting taxes.
Lords depended on Kings:
* Protection: The king provided protection from external threats (other kingdoms, raiders, etc.) and internal disputes.
* Legitimacy: The king's authority granted legitimacy to the lord's own rule within their domain.
* Justice: The king could provide a higher court of appeal in cases of dispute.
However, this relationship was often strained by:
* Power Struggles: Lords often competed with each other for power and influence, potentially challenging the king's authority.
* Lack of Centralized Power: Kings had limited control over distant regions and relied on the cooperation of powerful lords, who could sometimes act independently.
* Feudal Obligations: The complex system of oaths and obligations between kings and lords could lead to conflicts, as lords often had conflicting loyalties and interests.
In essence, the relationship was a delicate balance of power, with kings relying on the support of lords for their authority, and lords seeking the king's protection and legitimacy. It was a system rife with potential for conflict, but also one that fostered a unique and complex social structure in the Middle Ages.