Louis IV was a King of France who reigned from 936 to 954. He was part of the Carolingian dynasty and was the son of Charles III, also known as Charles the Simple. His reign was marked by struggles to maintain control over the nobility and the growing power of local lords. Louis IV is often referred to as "Louis the Overweight" due to his physical appearance. His rule faced challenges from Viking invasions and internal conflicts, which weakened royal authority. Despite these difficulties, he is remembered for his efforts to strengthen the monarchy and stabilize the kingdom during a turbulent period.