In 1845 Ludwig II was born in Nymphenburg Castle, Munich. He was a member of the Wittelsbach dynasty, and became king of Bavaria at the age of 18. Disillusioned after a lost war with the Prussians, Ludwig lost all interest in politics and became increasingly eccentric.

He loved the theatre and music, especially Richard Wagner's operas. He built three castles - Linderhof, Neuschwanstein and Herrenchiemsee - at stupendous expense. Linderhof, the only one to be completed, was the king's favourite. Louis XIV became Ludwig's inspiration: his dream of absolute rule. But his extravagance, homosexuality and near or actual insanity worried the Bavarian government. Ludwig was certified insane in his bedroom at Neuschwanstein and, a few days later, on 13 June 1886 he and his physician were found drowned in the Lake Starnberg (Starnberger See). It has never been ascertained whether this was an accident or an assassination.