The "King of Bavaria" refers to the monarchs who ruled the Kingdom of Bavaria, a historical state in Germany. The kingdom was established in the early 19th century and became a significant part of the German Empire in 1871. Notable kings include Ludwig I, known for his patronage of the arts, and Ludwig II, famous for his fairy-tale castles like Neuschwanstein. The monarchy in Bavaria ended in 1918 following World War I, when the last king, Ludwig III, abdicated. Today, Bavaria is a federal state within Germany, and the legacy of its kings can still be seen in its culture, architecture, and traditions.