The Deadly Fire that Consumed a Royal Ball 🔥

A Fateful Celebration

In January 1393, French King Charles VI hosted a masquerade ball, known as the Bal des Ardents, to celebrate the remarriage of a noblewoman. The king, recovering from a mental illness, participated in the festivities, dressing up as a “wild man” with five courtiers. They covered themselves in costumes made of linen and pitch-coated flax, meant to look like shaggy beasts.

A Dangerous Amusement

As the dancers moved through the hall, they played pranks on the guests, growling and howling. However, the mood turned deadly when the king’s brother, Louis of Orléans, entered the room with a torch, against strict orders to keep all flames away from the dancers. The torch ignited one of the costumes, and in seconds, the fire spread to the others.

A Royal Rescue

The Duchess of Berry quickly threw her skirt over the king, protecting him from the flames. Three courtiers died on the spot, and a fourth succumbed to his injuries days later. Only one other dancer, Sieur de Nanteuil, managed to survive by jumping into a vat of wine.

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