yaoi.caLudwig II - About
My Journey
Once upon a time I had a number of friends who were heavily into manga. At that point I was already into anime, and I was holding out, knowing full well that I needed another hobby like a horny seme needs a frigid uke.
So then I finally decided that I should own just one manga and that I'd choose very carefully. After researching for something with quality art, perhaps historical, and with a definite translation, I settled on Ludwig II. Actually, immediately upon seeing an image of the cover I knew I had to own it. So I made my purchase and waited.
By the end of reading Ludwig II, I was bawling like a love sick teenager who had just been dumped. Very few stories move me, but this one -- straight to the heart and soul.
I love history -- especially European history. Personages of interest, such as Ludwig II, have always held a special place in my heart. And to see this pacifist King's life reasonably accurately portrayed so beautifully and dramatically in a manga tugged on every heartstring I had and a few I didn't know I had. I was smitten. I know I will be hard pressed to find another manga that will move me this much.
Summary
Other web sites have said it best, but for the purpose of this little area of my own web site, allow me to subject you to a very brief summary of the manga.
This is the story of the latter part of Ludwig's reign, where he fought and embraced a curious type of madness on a daily basis. While not a true madness, the King was eccentric and these eccentricities were used in various plots to have him deposed in a time when war was necessary and politics played with extreme prejudice.
Ludwig cared little for political affairs but he was clever enough to know what truly was best for Bavaria. He could make snap decisions when pressed, much to the annoyance of his counsel. What the Dreamer King truly cared for were the arts and all things beautiful. Music, opera, plays, castles and more. He was intent on building the divine on Earth, and he bankrupted his own country to do so (being patron to Wagner didn't help much). He also cared for pretty bois.
Enter Hornig, the head of stables and footman for the King. Their romance is turbulent, passionate, angst filled (to the extreme) and the most tragic of any two characters ever. There is more irony in this story than you could imagine. One such example is the King's desire and actions to save Hornig from physical harm whenever Hornig is threatened (abducted, raped, runaway horse etc.). However, the reason Hornig is in a state of requiring rescue is that this very devoted and bright man is constantly caught in the midst of trying to prevent even worse disasters from befalling the King. Sadly, Ludwig only seems to pay attention to the conspiracies and plots when Hornig is around, and even then he'd sooner not see them.
Hornig wishes only to serve his King and lover, protect the man and shield him from those who would do him harm. Ultimately, Ludwig feels that Hornig is making him weak and dismisses Hornig from his service and bed. It's perhaps the most devastating scene in the manga -- just TRY and have dry eyes by the end of that one.
Without Hornig, Ludwig finally falls prey to the conspirators and is declared insane (homosexuality, pacifism and the construction of grand castles is sufficient to declare one insane). Confined to one of his beautiful castles, Hornig arrives by the barred window with a plan to steal the King away to the safety of his cousin, the Empress Elizabeth of Austria.
One more tragedy is necessary for this story, and during Ludwig's escape across a turbulent river, his physician chloroforms the deposed King, causing him to drown. Sadly, Hornig could not save his lover this time and barely survives the waters himself. Hornig, however, is cheered with the knowledge that so many arrived for the Swan King's funeral, and was deeply moved by how much the Bavarians truly loved their lost King.
Review
The manga itself is top notch. You Higuri is one of the best artists out there, and her attention to detail is just phenomenal. And not just in her artistry, but the story as well. My summary above cannot do the story justice -- there is so much more depth that I just cannot convey in this mere web site. You must read and explore for yourself.
You Higuri performed considerable research. She reveals Ludwig's relationship with Prince Taxis quite well (the two were caught fucking on more than one occasion in real life). The romance between Ludwig and Hornig may or may not have actual historical basis. Ludwig adored Hornig, that much is certain, but they were either very discreet or it was a truly unfulfilled romance.
The characters are all evocative, and brilliantly conveyed. The story is never dull and constantly moves. In fact, as you read, you just do not wish the story to ever end. But it does. Sadly.
I cannot recommend this manga enough. Top marks from this fussy little redhead.
Web sites & Translations
Please note that many of these web sites have even more resources (galleries, fan fiction etc.) and information than I provide below. Please take some time and explore these sites. You won't be disappointed.
Manga Translations
Manga Resources
- A Walk in the Garden of Dreams (from "A Higuri Yuu Shrine")
- Vol. 1 Review (from "Aestheticism")
- Vol. 2 Review (from "Aestheticism")
- Vol. 3 Review (from "Aestheticism")
- Manga for Purchase (from JPQueen)
