Born into the House of Valois on December 3, 1368, a young prince inherited a fractured nation. France endured a catastrophic era of weather-induced crop failures, the Black Death, and the Hundred Years’ War. The population plummeted, and the countryside was overrun by famine and bandits.
The country desperately needed a hero. A young royal received the finest education available, groomed to guide his people out of the darkness. Yet, a single expedition would soon derail these high hopes and plunge the monarchy into total chaos.
A Kingdom in Crisis
Charles VI became king at eleven years old following his father’s death. The government fell under the control of a regency led by his four uncles. Instead of stabilizing the realm, these men operated as thieves. They looted the royal treasury, imposing extortionate taxes on the starving populace to keep the government functioning.
This financial drain triggered revolts across the provinces. It took Charles six years to finally expel his uncles from Paris in 1386. With his father’s former advisors restored, Charles prepared to confront the English threat.
The Shocking Hunting Trip
During his youth, Charles showed no signs of mental instability. The turning point occurred in 1392 when the twenty-three-year-old king embarked on a hunting trip with his retinue. Without any warning, Charles seized a sword and attacked his own men.
He immediately struck down a knight known as the Bastard of Polignac and killed three more members of the hunting party before being physically restrained. The trip was abruptly canceled, and the king was returned to Paris in chains for his safety.
The Delusions of a Ruler
Following the violent outburst, the king’s lucid periods became rare. By 1393, Charles appeared to forget his own name and failed to recognize his wife. He spent the winter of 1395 to 1396 claiming to be Saint George, demanding the royal crest be altered to match his new identity.
He frequently sprinted wildly through the palace, ending up naked in the dirt of the royal gardens. Court attendants walled up the palace corridors to contain him.
The Glass King
According to Pope Pius II, Charles spent several months in 1405 refusing to bathe. He threatened to kill anyone who attempted to touch him, insisting his body was made entirely of glass and would shatter upon impact. While he suffered, the French treasury emptied and a full-scale civil war erupted.
The English took advantage of the conflict, occupying large territories. Charles VI died in 1422 at the age of 61. In the chaotic aftermath, two different descendants were crowned to replace him, alongside the infant King of England.