King Charles VI of France, often called Charles the Mad, had a reign deeply affected by severe mental health issues that profoundly impacted both his rule and the kingdom. Born in 1368, Charles became king at a young age and initially showed promise as a capable ruler. However, his mental health began to deteriorate in his mid-twenties, leading to a series of increasingly bizarre and troubling behaviors.
One of the most infamous manifestations of his illness was his persistent belief that he was made of glass. Charles feared that any physical contact could shatter him into pieces, so he took extreme precautions to protect himself. He would often sit motionless for hours, wrapped in thick clothing to “protect” his fragile body, and forbade anyone from touching him. This delusion became so consuming that he had iron rods sewn into his clothing to prevent accidental breakage.
This peculiar belief severely hampered his ability to rule effectively. During his periods of madness, Charles would fail to recognize his family and courtiers, and his fear of shattering made it nearly impossible for him to participate in courtly duties or engage in governance. His episodes of insanity were unpredictable, ranging from violent outbursts to prolonged states of catatonia.
The king’s mental instability led to significant political turmoil and power struggles within the French court. Various factions vied for control, and the kingdom was left vulnerable to external threats, most notably from England during the Hundred Years’ War. Charles’s wife, Queen Isabeau of Bavaria, and his brother, Louis of Orleans, played crucial roles in managing the kingdom during his incapacitated periods.
Modern historians and medical experts have speculated about the nature of Charles VI’s illness, suggesting he might have suffered from schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or a genetic condition like porphyria. Regardless of the precise diagnosis, his delusion of being made of glass remains one of the most striking examples of his profound mental distress.
Charles VI’s reign is remembered not only for the political and social challenges it faced but also for the deeply personal suffering of a king trapped by his own mind. His struggles highlight the vulnerabilities of medieval monarchies and the intense personal agony of those afflicted by mental illness in an era lacking understanding and treatment.