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A Short Biography on Some of Europes Most Loved and Hated Monarchs - Pt 3 King Ludwig II
King Ludwig II of Bavaria, named after his grandfather, was born in Nymphenburg Castle outside Munich on August 25, 1845 and was the eldest son of King Maximillian II and Queen Marie. As a boy, Ludwig's favourite time of the year were the summer holidays spent at the Royal Castle Hohenschwangau which his father restored between 1832 and 1836. In 1858, at the age of thirteen, Ludwig was introduced to Wagner's opera - Lohengrin, the story of which centres around the heroic medieval Swan-knight Lohengrin, by his governess. The young Ludwig instantly fell in love with its concept and it was the begining of a life long love with all of Wagner's works. It was not long before he was acquiring and reading every book written by Wagner. On February 2nd, 1861, Ludwig attended his first Wagner opera - Lohengrin, the Knight of the Swan which left a lasting impression on the young Prince. In March of 1864, his father died at the age of 53 and Ludwig, at the age of eighteen, became King Ludwig II. With in days of coming to the throne a young and impressionable King ordered his officials to seek out Wagner and bring him back to Munich, taking it upon himself to become Wagner's patron. He settled his debts, and set him up comfortably in an Italianate-style villa. Munich society began to grow weary of Wagner's arrogance and were also increasingly jealous of his hold over their young King. Eighteen months after his arrival, Wagner left Munich for Switzerland and Ludwig fled to Hohenschwangau. The one person that brought joy into his life had been taken from him. In 1866 war broke out between Austria and Prussia in what became known as the Seven Weeks War. Because of her strong links with Austria, Bavaria was drawn into the conflict on the Austrian side. In a secret treaty King Ludwig II placed the Bavarian army at the disposal of the Prussian General Staff. Ludwig was to marry in August of 1867 but he was unhappy with the relationship so changed the date to October 12th, which incidentally was the date that both his grandfather and father married. Ludwig was very unsettled at the prospect of marrying and as such voiced his apprehension to his Court Secretary, confessing that he would rather drown himself than marry. He wrote to Wagner "Oh, if only I could be carried on a magic carpet to you . . . at dear, peaceful Tribschen (Lucerne, Switzerland.) - Even for an hour or two. In November, King Ludwig II broke of his engagement fleeing to his beloved Alps. He wrote to Wagner from Hohenschwangau on 21 November, 1867; "I write these lines sitting in my cosy gothic bow-window, by the light of my lonely lamp, while outside the blizzard rages. It is so peaceful here; this silence is stimulating, whereas in the clamour of the world I feel absolutely miserable. "Thank God I am alone at last. My mother is far away, as is my former bride, who would have made me unspeakably unhappy. Before me stands a bust of the one, true Friend whom I shall love until death. . . If only I had the opportunity to die for you." It was at this point that Ludwig began to plan and build his castles. The task of being king was becoming a heavy burden. He had at the age of only 20, sent thousands of his countrymen to fight in the Seven Weeks War. Two years after his failed romance, Ludwig again had to send his countries men into battle. This time it was against the French in what became the Franco-Prussian War. From then on Ludwig withdrew into himself and into a world of make-believe. The plans for both Neuschwanstein and Linderhof originated from this time in his life (1869). Ludwig was a changed person. He went from a slender youth to a huge man in just a few years, spending all his time in the mountains at Hohenschwangau and Linderhof as well as his small mock-Gothic castle at Berg, beside Lake Starnberg. He refused any contact with his ministerial staff and sought only the companionship of the mountain people. The only time King Ludwig II ventured out of the mountains and into Munich was at the annual investiture and banquet given in the Residenz for the Knights of the Order of St. George, Bavaria's highest Order of Chivalry which Ludwig was the Grand Master. Shortly after Prussia's victory in the Franco-Prussian War, Bismark sought Ludwig's approval for Bavaria to enter a unified German Empire with Prussia as leader. After several days, Ludwig succumbed and wrote a letter inviting Wilhelm II to become Emperor of a united Germany. King Ludwig II handed over his beloved Bavaria, becoming a lonely figurehead in a constitutional monarchy. Life had dealt Ludwig blow after blow and it was these events that were the root of his seclusion and alleged "madness". With his world falling apart around him King Ludwig II withdrew from it into a world of his own making. I hope you have enjoyed reading about King Ludwig II. In my next article will learn about the life of Queen Mary I of England or as she was nicknamed "Bloody Mary". Until then, Best wishes and have a great day Stuart Bazga A Guide to Castles of Europe was born from childhood dreams and aspirations. It is my hope to educate and stimulate you into exploring these castles for yourselves.
Latest News:Site: Yahoo! News Search Results for news [News] 5 O'Clock Shadow News you can't leave work without: Asamoah makes a deal News of record News of record reports for Chelan and Douglas counties Newport News police seek help on wave of thefts from cars NEWPORT NEWS A rash of summer-night car break-ins and vandalism has police asking the public for help, and warning them to lock their vehicles. Newport News hit with rash of car break-ins NEWPORT NEWS -- Police are asking for help in solving a large number of car break-ins and vandalism cases in Newport News. According to police, 134 cases were reported in the area between J. Clyde Morris Blvd. and Oyster Point Road since June 1. Most of the incidents were between J. Clyde Morris and Middle Ground Blvd. and happened during the early evening hours. Police say many thefts happened ... NEWS ALERTS: Sign up to get breaking news on your mobile phone Get breaking local news as it happens. Enter your phone number: Standard Messaging Rates or other charges apply. To Opt-out text STOP to 4INFO (44636). For more information text HELP to 4INFO (44636). Contact your carrier for more details. Powered by 4INFO. Newport News police search for suspects in string of car thefts Newport News detectives are seeking assistance from the Community, in solving a large number of cases involving damage to, and larcenies from, cars. Newport News police seek information regarding larcenies and property damage NEWPORT NEWS -- Police are investigating 134 cases of damage to cars and larcenies from cars that occurred between June 1 and July 25, according to police. News in brief Here are a selection of brief news items from this week?s paper edition, and possibly a few news briefs that didn?t make it in the paper. Newport News townhouse damaged by fire NEWPORT NEWS A townhouse in the 1000 block of Willow Green Drive was damaged by fire this morning, fire officials said. One of the residents had minor burns to his hand, a Fire Department news release says. An off-duty city firefighter/medic helped evacuate the adjoining homes. News of the Past who has deep genealogical roots to Winston County, provides news from past editions of the Winston County Journal. The Winston County Board of Supervisors posted a notice of the new "Dog Law" which was passed in the July term. Site: news - Google News Arizona News Round Up - San Francisco Chronicle (blog)
MORE RESOURCES: Site: Yahoo! News Search Results for humanities Diane Ravitch Named Fellow of The Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture Dallas - The Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture has named Diane Silvers Ravitch, Ph.D., as a Fellow of the Institute. Sandwich School Curriculum looks ahead: Languages, math, humanities see changes Sandwich Superintendent of Schools Mary Ellen Johnson presented the district?s current curriculum and her plans for the future at the school committee?s meeting last Wednesday July 21. Valley Couple Donate $100,000 to Cleveland Magnet Program Cleveland Humanities Magnet High School in Reseda has received a $100,000 donation from Hagai and Jill Gefen, who credit the school for instilling a passion for learning in their three sons. Florida Public Library wins Picturing America Grant Florida - The Florida Public Library has won a $2,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities for its Picturing America program. New living-learning programs focus on entrepreneurship, digital cultures By: Maria Romas The University Honors Program?s fall curriculum will include two additional living-learning programs, with new focuses on entrepreneurship and computer science joining existing technology, humanities and interdisciplinary curricula.... Maryville High School teacher attends Lowell workshop A Maryville High School teacher?s quest to be a lifelong learner will directly benefit her students this year. Dr. Penny Ferguson recently attended a National Endowment for the Humanities Landmarks of American History and Culture workshop. Humanities University Going Global Efim Pivovar is president of one of Russia?s leading universities ? Russian State University for the Humanities. In a conversation with the Chief Editor of RussiaProfile.org, Andrei Zolotov, Jr., Prof. Pivovar speaks about the opportunities for foreign students at his university ? and the shortcomings of its present programs aimed at foreigners. Indiana Humanities Council gets $100K grant The Indiana Humanities Council says it will use a new grant to continue its statewide celebration of food and other programs. Former congressman on civility tour; Jim Leach wants politicians to be nice It's been bad before. Aaron Burr bad. Live music in Stanley Sunday and Wednesday Dr. Eric Furuseth of Minot State University brings his vocals back to local listeners Sunday. Eric offers a variety of songs and arias plus humorous stories from his international travels. Site: humanities - Google News Diane Ravitch Named Fellow of The Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture - dBusinessNews Dallas (press release)
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