Ludwig II of Bavaria, also known as the "Fairy Tale King," reigned from 1864 until his mysterious death in 1886. He is best known for his extravagant castles, including Neuschwanstein Castle, which inspired Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle. Ludwig was a patron of the arts and had a deep admiration for the composer Richard Wagner, whose works he supported and promoted. Despite his artistic contributions, Ludwig's reign was marked by political challenges and financial difficulties. He became increasingly reclusive, leading to concerns about his mental health. In 1886, he was found dead under suspicious circumstances in Lake Starnberg, prompting various conspiracy theories about his demise.