1. Ludwig II of Bavaria

2. Introduction This presentation will discuss briefly: Ludwig’s life
His famous castles
The association with Wagner
Ludwig’s mysterious death
His place in history

3. Ludwig’s Life Childhood Father’s death The young king
The castle builder
His final days

4. Childhood Isolated and lonely Disinterested parents
His imagination ruled his life
Otto, his brother

5. Father’s Death
Ludwig’s father died when he was only nineteen. He was not prepared to become the king.

6. The Young King
Ludwig knew little about politics or ruling a nation. When he found royal duties unpleasant or incomprehensible he retreated to the Bavarian countryside.

7. The Castle Builder
Ludwig dealt with the burden of governing Bavaria, in part, by building castles – Linderhof, Neuschwanstein, and Herrenchiemsee.

8. His Final Days
Depression
Arrest
Death

9. Ludwig’s Castles Linderhof Ettal – 1870-1878, Rococo Neuschwanstein
Fuessen – , Romanesque
Herrenchiemsee
Chiemsee Lake – , Replica of Versailles

10. The Wagner Association
Ludwig admired Richard Wagner and his music. He supported him financially until his advisers and public opinion forced him to withdraw that support.

11. Ludwig’s Mysterious Death
Although the events leading up to his death are documented, his actual death by drowning will forever remain a mystery.

12. Ludwig’s Place in History
Ludwig as a king and a man was an individual born after his time. His castles are his legacy.

13. References http://www.german-way.com/german/ludwig.html