Plot Summary

In 1864, King Ludwig II is crowned the fourth King of Bavaria at the young age of 18, following the sudden death of his father, King Maximilian II. However, the government bureaucrats do not understand his actions as a patron of the arts, valuing beauty and art over politics, and he gradually becomes isolated within the royal court. Ludwig, who is wounded, is visited by a beautiful vision (a giant bird), which is neither dream nor reality.