King Ludwig II of Bavaria became a legend during his lifetime. A lover of the arts, a connoisseur of music and architecture, an exalted young man... Yes, it is hard to imagine a less suitable candidate for the Bavarian throne — especially in an age of belligerent empires. The handsome Ludwig, more interested in opera than refilling the treasury, was himself in doubt about whether he could live up to his father's hopes of becoming a worthy successor. Meanwhile, feeling a taste of political play, Ludwig became a key figure in Bavarian history.