Ludwig II of Bavaria was born on August 25, 1845, and became king in 1864 at the age of 18. He is often referred to as the "Fairy Tale King" due to his extravagant castles, including Neuschwanstein Castle, which inspired Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle. Ludwig was known for his reclusive nature and fascination with the arts, particularly music and theater. Despite his popularity, Ludwig's reign faced political challenges and financial difficulties. In 1886, he was declared insane and was removed from power. Shortly after, he died under mysterious circumstances in Lake Starnberg, leading to speculation and intrigue surrounding his life and legacy.