So we get a lot of kings, or similar, in fantasy literature. Some are bad guys to be defeated, others just guys who happen to sit on a really old seat and get a whole lot of problems for it.

Others are KINGS. They rule by virtue of who they are, and they do it bloody well. It is always worthwhile to see an impressive King. I was just wondering who you found the most impressive, and of course I did some thinking on the subject myself. At first, I was pretty well stuck on Aragorn/Elessar of LotR fame, but then I checked myself. There was someone I had forgotten and I kinda had to slap my head over it.

My vote is for Carrot Ironfoundersson.

It's not just because I love practically everything Discworld, and the Ankh-Morpork stories above the rest. Carrot can be funny just like all the other characters, and in most of the books where he figures at all, the main character is usually Sam Vimes. Carrot hasn't even claimed a throne.

Which is actually the first factor which, to me, put him in the company of Aragorn. Save the nation first, maybe rule it later. But Carrot radiates authority, and often times you get the very strong impression that he rules everyone around him despite a strong desire NOT to do so.

It's hard to put a finger on, but for all his talent in humor writing, I think Pratchett created the ultimate fantasy king.