The King who was initially known as Charles – the Beloved, was eventually known as the Mad King of France. Charles VI inherited one of the most powerful kingdoms in Europe, unfortunately with power and money, darkness and destruction followed. His mind grew darker and darker which led to his reign almost vanishing from the maps of France.
Born amidst the chaos, Charles VI inherited the throne at 11. His parents King Charles V and Joanna of Bourbon were the epitome of a power couple who managed to defeat the English at every turn. They were close to winning the whole war against England, but who knew their only son would ruin it all? Let’s dive into the history of The Mad King of France.
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How Did The Beloved King Charles Become Mad King Of France?
While King Charles V and Joanna of Bourbon triumphed on the battlefield, they faced a horrible tragedy back home. After many unsuccessful attempts, they finally bore a son – Charles VI. But little did they know, that the little boy’s survival would be the end of what they had built all along. At the early age of only 11 years old, Charles VI inherited the throne, but amidst a decade-long conflict, what can go wrong with a preteen ruling over France?
The 11-year-old was guided by his greedy, selfish uncles and dukes who destroyed his fortune. While his uncles were busy draining the treasury of France, Charles VI became a total hunk – all fit and attractive, and hence it was time to find a queen for The King. Soon he married Isabeu – a witty, brilliant, and beautiful girl and the couple was labeled a hot young couple. Soon the fairytale became a horror story. At the age of 21, he terminated the regency and took over the kingdom himself.
Charles VI got off with a good start by firing his greedy uncles and replacing them with his father’s old advisors. Soon was titled The Beloved King until his dark gene kicked in. Charles’ maternal grandfather was infamous for his debilitating mental breakdowns. His mother, Joanna also suffered from the same condition. Gradually Charles VI became the victim of mental illness and earned the title of Charles – The Mad.
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Mental Illness Of Charles VI Through A Modern Lens
Charles VI eventually called the Mad King suffered from numerous mental illnesses. He went through many psychotic episodes including forgetting his name and that he was king, murdering four of his own knights, at times not recognizing his wife and kids, screaming uncontrollably due to unseen enemies, and running through the halls of his castle until exhausted. Moreover, Charles VI also thought he was made of glass and did not let anyone touch him.
Modern psychologists believe that Charles VI suffered from schizophrenia or bipolar disorder and occasional mental breakdown. Modern physicians and scholars have studied glass delusion, but it still remains a mystery. According to experts, he also suffered from a delusion. Recently psychiatrists have also asserted that the glass delusion could be related to a fear of physical contact and a desire to distance oneself from other people. It can also be associated with a phobia as well. Charles VI became a menace to himself and to France.
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