The Prose Edda
"What are the simple terms for men? Each, in himself, is Man; the first and highest name by which man is called is Emperor; next to that, King; the next thereto, Earl: these three men possess in common all the following titles: All-Ruler, as this song showeth:
I know all All-Rulers East and south, o'er the Ships' seat Sveinn's son in proof is better Than any other War-Prince.
Here he is called War-Prince also; for this reason he is called All-Ruler, that he is sole Ruler of all his realm.
Host-Arrayer, as Gizurr sang:
The Host-Arrayer feedeth The wolf and the raven in folk-mote; Óláfr gladdens, in Skögul's sharp showers Of battle, the geese of Odin.
"A King is called Host-Arrayer because he divides his war-host into companies.
Leader, as Ottarr the Swarthy sang:
The Leader taketh Odin's loved Wife, The lordless land; His a warrior's life.
Lord or Lording, as Arnórr sang:
The Lord of Hjaltland, highest Of heroes, gained the victory In every thunderous sword-clash: The bard will extol his glory.
An earl is called Host-Duke, and a king also is so termed, forasmuch as he leads his host to battle. Thus sang Thjódólfr:
He who put to shame the Host-Duke Thrust out the eyes of prisoners,— He who speeds the sacrifices; In song I chant his praises.
Signor, or Señor, as Sigvatr sang:
O Norway's gracious Signor, Grant the wretched, as the happy, May now enjoy thy wise laws; Give greatly, hold thy word!
Munificent One, as Markús sang:
The Munificent Prince brought fire's destruction O'er the base people; to the pirates Death was fated: Thief-Compeller, South at Jóm highest flame-glow kindle!
Illustrious One, as Hallvardr sang:
No Illustrious One nearer Under Earth's Hazel liveth Than thou, O Monks' Upholder: The Gold-Minisher Danes protecteth.
Land-Driver, as Thjódólfr sang:
The guileless Land-Driver sprinkles Kraki's gleaming barley,
as was written before; he is called so because he drives his host about the lands of other kings, or drives a host out of his own land.