Duke Ludwig II of Bavaria, also known as Ludwig II, was born on August 25, 1845, and ruled from 1864 until his mysterious death in 1886. He is often referred to as the "Fairy Tale King" due to his extravagant castles, including the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, which inspired Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle. Ludwig was known for his reclusive nature and fascination with the arts, particularly music and opera. Ludwig II's reign was marked by significant political challenges, including tensions with the Prussian Empire. Despite his efforts to promote Bavarian culture and independence, he faced criticism for his lavish spending on his projects. His life ended under suspicious circumstances, with his body found in Lake Starnberg, leading to various conspiracy theories about his death.