The Fabulous Life of ...Ludwig II!

Posted by Lorri Brown Jan 16, 2007

I recently read that Britney Spears bought a multimillion-dollar mansion in Malibu. She also bought all the previous owners furniture, because “she liked it.” Then I wondered why I was reading this story. I don’t even like Britney Spears. What is it about celebrities that lure us in? Why are we so captivated by the tiniest mundane details of their lives? That, in turn, made me think about life B.C. (before celebrities). Before they could surf Yahoo! Entertainment, how did people waste their lunch hour? Before there were movie stars, rock stars, sports stars and Paris Hilton, whom did people discuss around the water cooler? What did we all do before we became obsessed with the lives of the rich and famous?

Celebrity watching is not a new concept. Before movie stars, royalty were among the most talked about people. Ludwig II of Bavaria did not disappoint royal watchers with his eccentric lifestyle and outrageous palaces. A reclusive monarch by nature, Ludwig began spending more and more time away from public view, holing up in his castles. After a disastrous defeat from Prussia in 1867, Ludwig was forced to relinquish much of his political power. This came as a great blow to Ludwig. After all, he had been raised with the knowledge that he alone, had been chosen by God to rule over Bavaria. It is not surprising that Ludwig set about to create his own world, one in which he was the supreme ruler.

Ludwig spent his time acting out scenes from his favorite Wagner operas, and playing Parzival, the Grail King. Beginning in 1875, Ludwig began sleeping during the day, and could be seen roaming his vast estates during the night. Like many of today’s celebrities, Ludwig built himself lavish homes to escape from the trials and tribulations of being King. The most famous is the fairy tale castle, Neuschwanstein.

Meaning “New Swan Stone,” Neuschwanstein was designed by Ludwig, with the help of architect Eduard Riedel. Many of the rooms in Neuschwanstein were designed from theatrical backdrops, adding even more storybook flair to the castle. The entire castle became a tribute to the knights of the middle ages. There was a huge throne room, and a “knight’s bath” was planned, though never built. With soaring turrets and rooms gilded in gold, Neuschwanstein has fueled people’s imagination for over a century. Walt Disney helped to popularize the palace, modeling Sleeping Beauty’s castle at Disneyland after Neuschwanstein.

Ludwig II was called the “Fairy Tale King” for a reason. He built an entire fantasy world in the forests of Bavaria, and played his role as king to the fullest. His lasting legacy is the magnificent castle, Neuschwanstein, which tourists have visited for over one hundred years. I wonder if people will flock to visit Britney Spear’s former living quarters in a hundred years from now? God, I hope not.