Chapter 1
The fragile mind on the throne
Chapter 2
Playing pretend in the palace
Chapter 3
Obsessive builders and magic seekers
Chapter 4
The self-declared monarchs
Ch 1 · The fragile mind on the throne
Glossary
glass delusion (noun)
A psychiatric disorder in which an individual believes their body is made of glass and susceptible to shattering. King Charles VI of France suffered from this, wrapping himself in protective blankets to prevent breaking.
A psychiatric disorder in which an individual believes their body is made of glass and susceptible to shattering. King Charles VI of France suffered from this, wrapping himself in protective blankets to prevent breaking.
Fun Fact
Glass delusion: King Charles VI of France was so terrified of shattering that he refused to let anyone touch him for decades.
Quiz
Who was the personal physician who became the de facto ruler of Denmark due to King Christian VII's mental instability?
Quiz
How did King Eric XIV of Sweden famously die in 1577 after being imprisoned by his brothers?
Quiz
Which country's royal family did Princess Alexandra, the famous writer who suffered from the glass piano delusion, belong to?
Quiz
What was the relationship between King Christian VII's wife, Caroline Matilda, and the royal physician Struensee?
Quiz
Which historical event in 1393, involving a masquerade ball tragedy, is believed to have worsened French King Charles VI's mental fragility?
Quiz
How did King Charles VI of France physically protect his body from shattering during his glass delusions?
Quiz
Princess Alexandra of Bavaria, who believed she swallowed a glass piano, was also famously obsessed with which of the following?
Quiz
During his worst fits of paranoia, what did King Eric XIV of Sweden do after murdering members of the influential Sture family?