King Ludwig II of Bavaria. A Drama Lasting a Lifetime. 1845—1886

Ludwig II (1845–1886) is the most famous and popular king of Bavaria, a patron of the arts, a benefactor of composer Richard Wagner, and the creator of architectural masterpieces such as Neuschwanstein Castle, and the palaces of Linderhof and Herrenchiemsee.... Ludwig II, as he wished, remained for his contemporaries and future generations an "eternal enigma for himself and others." There are still numerous rumors and legends surrounding the personality of the king. Pacifist Ludwig II was involuntarily drawn into the wars for the unification of Germany, which brought him great suffering, causing him to distance himself more from the surrounding world and build his own dream world, becoming a "shadow king without power."