**This is History Presents: The Glass King

Episode 1: "Fracture"
Release Date: July 29, 2025
Host: Danielle Cybulsky
Production: Sony Music Entertainment

Introduction to King Charles VI

The episode opens with Danielle Cybulsky introducing listeners to the tumultuous reign of Charles VI of France, known as Charles the Mad. Set against the backdrop of 1389, France is portrayed as a kingdom emerging from decades of warfare, optimistic about a bright and prosperous future under the young and charismatic King Charles VI.

Key Highlights:

• Setting the Scene: The grandeur of the Sainte Chapelle in Paris is vividly described, illustrating a moment of royal celebration where Charles VI and his wife, Queen Isabeau of Bavaria, are adored by their subjects.

  "Torchlight flickers off the riot of brilliantly colored stained glass that soars toward the vaulted ceiling... Charles and Isabeau are the perfect couple." (00:00)

• Royal Union: The marriage of Charles VI and Isabeau is depicted as a union of love and strategic alliance, symbolizing hope for a unified and prosperous France.

  "Together the brothers partied, tournamented and dreamed of what heights they could achieve when Charles finally shook off the yoke of his overbearing uncle Philip." (05:43)

Rise to Power and Early Reign

Danielle delves into Charles VI's ascent to the throne at the tender age of 11, following the death of his father, Charles V. Under the tutelage of powerful uncles—Philip the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, and John, Duke of Berry—Charles is groomed to be a benevolent and beloved ruler.

Key Highlights:

• Charles’s Upbringing: Emphasis on Charles's favorable upbringing, his affable nature, and strong bond with his brother, Louis of Orleans.

  "He excelled so greatly in affability that he would unexpectedly and by name extend greetings even to people of humble rank." (05:43)

• Political Maneuvering: Philip the Bold's influence and strategic alliances are highlighted, showcasing the complex dynamics within the royal family.

  "Philip's greedy tax policy created a teensy weensy multi-city rebellion in 1383." (05:43)

Marriage and Political Alliances

The strategic marriage between Charles VI and Isabeau of Bavaria is explored, illustrating how alliances were crucial in medieval politics. Philip the Bold orchestrates this union to strengthen ties with powerful families across the Holy Roman Empire.

Key Highlights:

• Arranged Marriage: The clandestine arrangement and subsequent love between the young royals are depicted as both a romantic and political maneuver.

  "The Duke agreed under the puzzling condition that his daughter Isabeau not be told that she was being sent out on the marriage market." (05:43)

• Impact of Marriage: The marriage consolidates power and garners public adoration, reinforcing the image of a united and strong monarchy.

Early Challenges and Governance

Despite initial successes, Charles VI faces mounting challenges, including internal strife and external threats. His attempts to assert independent rule lead to tension with his uncles, particularly Philip the Bold.

Key Highlights:

• Failed Invasion Plans: Charles's aborted invasion of England due to unfavorable weather showcases his preference for diplomacy and his aversion to unnecessary warfare.

  "If all had gone according to plan, Charles would have helped Richard right off the throne of England." (05:43)

• Financial Struggles: The draining of the French treasury by his uncles' ambitions forces Charles to take decisive action in 1388, emancipating himself and appointing his own council.

  "By 1388, he decided he'd had enough... appointing a new collection of church-trusted people he chose to his new royal council." (05:43)

The Fracture: Charles’s Breakdown

A pivotal moment in the episode is Charles VI's mental collapse in August 1392. While leading his army into Brittany, signs of his deteriorating mental state manifest dramatically, resulting in the death of five of his loyal men.

Key Highlights:

• Early Signs: Prior to the breakdown, Charles exhibits strange behavior, as noted by the chronicler, The Monk of St. Denis.

  "Earlier that month, even when he was seemingly recovered from his fever, the king had already begun acting strangely." (15:53)

• The Incident: Overcome by delusion and fever, Charles mistakenly attacks his own men, leading to chaos and fear within the court.

  "Panicked and blind with delusion, Charles spurs his horse and rides at Louis, who flinches in horror and flees out of range." (15:53)

• Aftermath: The king's near-death experience and subsequent confession reveal the depth of his mental turmoil, leaving the kingdom in uncertainty.

  "For a king who cared enough to remember the names of even the lowliest people in his retinue, the news that he had murdered five of them is devastating." (15:53)

Political Turmoil and Usurpation

Charles's vulnerability opens the door for Philip the Bold and John of Berry to seize control, sidelining Charles's trusted council and consolidating their own power amid public unrest.

Key Highlights:

• Power Grab: Philip justifies his takeover by declaring Charles unfit to rule, disregarding established protocols for royal succession.

  "Philip the Bold steps in. The King, he says, is not dead, so the kingdom shouldn't go to the heir." (23:50)

• Public Fear: The populace, fearing executions and further instability, becomes restless, intensifying the pressure on the royal family.

  "The citizens of Paris are so convinced that there will be some executions that they start hanging out in the Place de Greve." (23:50)

• Council Repression: Charles, though weakened, resists the complete overthrow of his council, allowing only temporary removal and maintaining a semblance of stability.

  "Charles leans on the strength of character he's always been known for and refuses to sell out his friends." (23:50)

Recovery and Lingering Fragility

As the year progresses, Charles begins to recover, reestablishing his presence and repairing relationships within the royal family. However, the stability remains fragile, hinting at future challenges that could shatter the kingdom's newfound peace.

Key Highlights:

• Signs of Recovery: Charles regains strength, resumes public duties, and reconnects with his brother Louis, suggesting a hopeful return to normalcy.

  "Little by little, he gets stronger. He starts making public appearances and royal decisions." (23:50)

• Ongoing Tensions: Despite apparent recovery, underlying tensions persist due to Philip's continued control and the unresolved mental health issues of the king.

  "But the beautiful dream of the reign of King Charles the Beloved has been fractured and it's about to shatter into a million pieces." (23:50)

Conclusion and Teasers for Future Episodes

Danielle wraps up the episode by reflecting on the precarious state of King Charles VI's reign, setting the stage for upcoming episodes that will delve deeper into the ensuing chaos, power struggles, and the ultimate fate of France under his tumultuous rule.

Engagement Invitation: Listeners are encouraged to join the Patreon community to engage further with the content, participate in discussions, and influence future episodes.

"Find out how next time on This is History Presents: The Glass King." (23:50)

Key Takeaways:

• Complex Leadership: Charles VI's reign exemplifies the delicate balance between personal challenges and political responsibilities in medieval leadership.

• Power Dynamics: The episode underscores the intricate power struggles within royal families and the impact of mental health on governance.

• Historical Insight: Through vivid storytelling and primary sources like The Monk of St. Denis, listeners gain a nuanced understanding of the fragility of power and the human aspects of historical figures.

Note: Advertisements, sponsorship messages, and non-content segments have been excluded from this summary to maintain focus on the episode's core narrative and insights.