Ball of the Burning Men & the Story Behind Charles the Mad, A Troubled French King

In this video, the Ball of the Burning Men, Kevin Hicks delves into the intriguing background of Charles VI of France, dubbed Charles the Mad, and looks at his connection to the Ball of the Burning Men, or the Bal des Ardents. Through vivid storytelling Kevin sheds light on the circumstances surrounding the extravagant masquerade ball that took place during the French King Charles VI's reign. What began as a lavish spectacle soon descended into chaos and tragedy.
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Guillotine sound: Epidemic Sound

[@MajSolo]

Kevin is the scary story telling master. It is a little bit like children under a blanket with a flash light trying to scare each other ..... a little bit like that only we learn something and maybe hear true history for the first time.

[@thehistorysquad]

How lovely, thank you 👍🏻

[@kirkmorrison6131]

One of my favorite Medieval stories. A great story to illustration of how life was back then.

[@samsonsoturian6013]

This wasn't exactly considered normal at the time

[@kirkmorrison6131]

@@samsonsoturian6013 Yes, but it shows how our ancestors handled serious situations and treated Royalty even if they were as mad as a hatter

[@samsonsoturian6013]

@@kirkmorrison6131 even so

[@censusgary]

How life was in the royal courts, anyhow.

[@kirkmorrison6131]

@@censusgary It was great and treacherous from what I have read and researched.

[@jodieg6318]

I had heard part of the story of Charles the Mad, namely the one where he charges his own men in his first episode of madness. Its got me on a train of thought of how Medieval doctos and people treated and dealt with mental illness. Ive read few things from peroid medical texts, one for sever melancholia, what we would call non-functioning deppression, is to do everything possible to get a response from the patient; put their feet into very cold water, pinch them, pull their hair, and above all else keep them from sleeping. Others are like what was recommended for King Charles in keep pleasent thing, good smells, food, art ect. Ive also read that its one of the reasons Damascus roses from the Ottoman Empire became prized, a beautiful flower with beautiful scent just might be the pick me up you need to get you over a bout of melancholy. Just this morning I took a nice long wiff of the late rose I had bloom in the garden this month and it put me in a very chipper mood to start the day though the coffee certainly played a part as well 😂

[@thehistorysquad]

😂 a great comment Jodie, thanks. I'm just on my second coffee of the morning and love roses. You're right, their sight and scent do put you in a good mood. 👍🏻

[@censusgary]

Sleep deprivation is listed even today as a treatment for major depression. Some people’s depression goes into remission, at least temporarily, if they are kept awake for, say, 72 hours or more. It’s not clear why, but it must have something to do with how serotonin interacts with sleep cycles.

[@brandonbentley5453]

Scent has-been studied. It has a profound effect on moods and states of mind. Also, memory is triggered strongly with scents.

[@jodieg6318]

Well I can say that the system works. I'm currently working a nuclear refill shut down that is 12 hours a day, 6 days a week with an hour and a half drive there and back. I have been running on fumes this last week and feel so down in the dumps that I got sent home yesterday having fallen asleep during a job brief. Well I got home, passed out and this morning I am happy as a lark and have such a serotonin high I'm ready to tackle tha overtime again :)

[@ebmus9781]

Love the models, background and costume. Perfect setting for this very disturbing tale! Thanks, Kevin.

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you liked it!

[@garywheeley5108]

Yes don't disturb Kevin he's disturbed enough already 😅

[@matimus100]

Wow you love really easy

[@jackekdahl395]

How this channel doesn't have over a million subscribers is beyond my understanding... Thank you and keep it up!

[@davesheppard8797]

Yes!........And he doesn't just talk about History, he gets out there and shoots his longbows and has all the weapons. I model my style of Longbow shooting on Kevin. He's just so relaxed and at ease shooting that bow. Plus, he's a bloody good shot too! Dave.

[@jackekdahl395]

Oh you practice archery? That's very cool! Yeah Kevin does it quite naturally and makes it seem so effortless. Best regards.

[@davesheppard8797]

@jackekdahl395 Yes, I received a new Bickerstaffe bow on Thursday that Pip Bickerstaffe made specially for me. From string groove to string groove, it's 82" and total length is just a quarter of an inch over 7 feet. Unlike Air rifle shooting where once the sights are set, that's it, the Longbow takes a long time to master. I'm getting better but still have a long way to go. I just love the process of shooting and the basicness of it all. I recommend anyone having a go as it's great fun and helps you to focus. Dave.

[@samsonsoturian6013]

The crazy thing is, the masque's premise is almost identical to the plot of "Hop Frog" by Edgar Allan Poe. Except in that story it was deliberate arson planned ahead of time and there were no survivors.

[@bethpemberton7980]

I thought E.A.P. must have known the story!!!

[@orfeo793]

@@bethpemberton7980 yep, it was definitely influenced by it

[@deed5811]

That was my thought. Hmm I've heard a similar story before. Oh it was Poe! 😱💀

[@markiobook8639]

Ah precisely the story I was thinking of but couldn't put a name too. Thanks- that was driving me quite King Charles..

[@moonshadowmagic7116]

Hm, and a similar incident made it into a film of one of Poe's stories, starring (of course) Vincent Price.... most likely Masque of the Red Death

[@randalmayeux8880]

Good story Kevin! I had almost forgotten about the burning men. I had encountered a brief account of it while doing some research on the Hundred Year war when I was working on my degree in western history a long time ago. Good show!

[@davesheppard8797]

Another great video Kev!! I had heard about Charles the sixth in a video about Agincourt. It stated them that he had boughts of believing he was made of glass and about the steel rods in the seems of his clothes!! An horrific experience for those poor dancers to burn like that!! You tell these stories so well it's really addictive. Sometimes I sit and binge watch all your 100 years videos and the Breton succession. Speak soon mate. If you have already shot with the little guy I hope it went well!! He's certainly got a good teacher. Dave.

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Dave, sadly my shoot was put off, but there's always next week. 👍🏻

[@davesheppard8797]

@thehistorysquad I hope that works out Kev! I want to shoot my new Bow next week too!! Can't wait. I'm obviously not in your league but I have great fun. Dave.

[@christopping5876]

Brilliantly done! Thank you.

[@philvanderlaan5942]

I’m glad you did this story!

[@SparrowNoire]

Thanks for another great one Kev!

[@thothtahuti5509]

Great video as ever ❤

[@davidcooke8005]

Funny posting this during the week of the Burning Man festival here in the States.

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow, what a coincidence. I wasn't aware of that 👍🏻

[@gusjeazer]

Wow that was even more interesting than expected. Thanks!

[@chrisruzsa2798]

I absolutely love the way you tell the stories of history Kevin great job.

[@mrperfectedkelly]

Absolutely fascinating stuff as always Kevin 😊

[@Bonkers4Hex]

Really enjoyed it, thank you very much 👍

[@maj0072]

Amazing historical storytelling.

[@MrLaedu]

great as always

[@damedavidfrith55]

Thanks for another cracking vlog very interesting and informative story 😊

[@Celtopia]

Thank you Kevin,.....fascinating as usual.

[@keepitsimple4629]

GOOD JOB as usual. Great optics. You set the standards high!

[@rosemaryus-ct6151]

thank you for a very interesting story. i love history and stories about people.

[@Pauline-wu4ej]

Fascinating!

[@passionforlust]

Have a great long weekend Kevin, excellent video!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks, you too!

[@chrispig7748]

Another brilliant video, learn a lot from this channel. Thanks

[@thehistorysquad]

That's great to hear! 👍🏻

[@malcolmpeters3458]

I love your videos, entertaining & educational. Keep them coming & I'll keep watching. Thanks Kevin.

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Malcolm!!

[@patty4091]

Oh I love your stories, you do a wonderful job of telling them!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you so much!

[@N1xon45]

This is an absolute gem of a youtube channel. Absolutely legend!

[@nickwebb9290]

That was fascinating Kevin and as always, so well told. The models added to the story as did the artwork in the video. Thank you for the time and trouble you go to in producing these excellent videos 🙏

[@thehistorysquad]

Thats so kind of you Nick, thanks 👍🏻

[@andrewedwards7246]

Fantastic Kevin... Your a natural story teller. And also a great model maker. I have also severd England as an officer in the special forces UK. Hey mate thanks for your service. Respect is given. Keep up the good work Kevin. ☺👍

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers mate, will do 👍🏻

[@andrewedwards7246]

@@thehistorysquad Hey thanks for your reply.

[@PeterDay81]

That was excellent sir.

[@danacomstock7598]

Loved it!

[@yoptastic8463]

Thank you Kevin, I agree you are the History story-telling Master!!! Love your videos, been back-watching your previous videos as I haven't been subscribing quite a year yet and have kept up with each of your current releases but needed some quiet time to catch up on your previous ones and I'm soooo pleased that I have as you have covered loads of subjects and answered questions on Medieval History I've always wanted to know. Your Longbow videos for instance are thrilling and have given me (and loads of other Medieval nuts out there) a really good insight into the lives of Longbow men and how it all was in battle. You know your stuff like no-one else on YT and I feel I could listen to you all day and I feel that wearing the correct costume really adds to the authentic (time period) vibe of the History your teaching us. I will watch and learn from you Sir and hope you continue to produce these top-notch videos. Didn't Charles VI of France believe in his madness that he was made of glass? Have I got the right king?😀👍❤⚔🏹🛡

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks so much for your kind comment and yes he did think he was made of glass, I think I mentioned it 👍

[@sdick7295]

love your videos!

[@DRMEEKS]

This was great history talking, I had no idea about this and I again come away with more than I came here with?. Thank you sir,

[@sk8mysterion]

What a brilliant story teller:). Thanks to the whole team ✌️

[@thehistorysquad]

😜 Glad you enjoyed it, Julie & I thank you 👍🏻

[@MichaelSmith-mc8bd]

Brilliant background to a very unusual time. . As usual Kevin, superbly informed and delivered, may thanks for your weekly presentation’s

[@thehistorysquad]

You're very welcome 👍🏻

[@sorryofficer1]

Fascinating story.

[@dmcarpenter2470]

Brother Kevin, another good 'un! Thanks much.

[@BrunoDeMarques]

Crazy story. Outlandish indeed. You are such a treasure, Kevin

[@thehistorysquad]

Haha, cheers Bruno 👍🏻

[@awesomeinmortal3499]

Thank you good sir

[@helenwood1]

Kevin, you are the master storyteller! Your channel is underrated for its brilliance!

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow, thank you!

[@lonniekimler8140]

Great historical presentation!

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@lisaconner7609]

My goodness Kevin, another fabulous history lesson!

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers!

[@metalwellington]

great story thanks!

[@arthurdoucette1786]

Greetings once again from nova Scotia, thanks Kevin, I always imagined how terrifying it must have been to realize the king is mad. What kind of stress were the nobility, and the people under, knowing that all commands, had to be obeyed, no matter how odd or dangerous. Thanks for another great video, this story isn't as well known as it deserves, and you told it with style and class. Thanks again, as always best regards, Arthur

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you enjoyed this one Arthur. All the best 👍🏻

[@ek8710]

Well told Kevin, thankyou :)

[@cymro6537]

Fascinating story! The Welsh Prince , Owain Glyndwr corresponded with Charles the VI for military aid - which he got . But any latter alliance seemed to be hamstrung by Charles's bouts of insanity.

[@sueamos3860]

This was really good

[@dominicalberto2179]

Just found this channel! Good stuff!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks & welcome 👍🏻

[@stevebarley8413]

Another story narrated excellently by Kevin as usual

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Steve!

[@annabellelee180]

Entrancing tale. Love it!

[@laurentdevaux5617]

It's the first time I hear this tragic story, still very famous in France, wonderfully (as usual) told by a foreigner (and an Englishman, I can't believe it !). Though you did'nt taught me anything, I guess it won't be the same for many of your followers, so I thank you for that, Kevin. The only thing I will reproach you is being too kind with queen Isabeau, still widely despised now in France and often considered as a traitor as she litterally gave the throne of France to Henry V of England by the infamous Treaty of Troyes, instead of the Dauphin of France. If Henry didn't became king of France, that's only because he (fortunately ?) unexepectedly died before king Charles... but that's another story that you may tell us someday !

[@TheMadPoetHimself]

This was really helpful for one my projects, thank you! Sounds like Charles could do with his own movie.

[@DallingerM]

Glad we’re back to medieval videos!!

[@desperatelyseekingrealnews]

Nice, I've never heard this tale before , thanx for an enjoyable and informative video

[@thehistorysquad]

My pleasure!

[@mickharrison9004]

Fantastic presentation as always freind ,superb dedication to your great chanel and thanks for your time ,amazing detail with the story 🤝

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Mick 👍🏻

[@mickharrison9004]

@@thehistorysquad your welcome mate it's a treat to watch and listen ,I wonder how you have so much historical knowledge ,is it just since you kicked chanel off or have you been a history teacher ,or even a university lecturer .

[@thehistorysquad]

I've always had a love for history and happened to be a good storyteller too. Although not formally educated past high school, I've taught in schools through costumed workshops and presentations for over 25 years, and continue to teach the Inuit now via remote learning here in Canada. 👍🏻 @@mickharrison9004

[@mickharrison9004]

@@thehistorysquad great story mate ,got you and all respect to your achievements .

[@russellcox1465]

Brilliant as ever Kevin, well done! Sending best wishes from Stone, Staffordshire 😊

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you kindly! The county where I grew up 👍🏻

[@Zanuth-001]

Madness and horror - I can't even imagine how that must have been to witness. I've heard of this event from a different video or two, but you've got a talent for spinning grizzly tales!

[@gregkral4467]

Yet again, a great story that I had not heard before. Thanks, neighbour.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks for listening 👍🏻

[@catalyticcentaur5835]

I really like your story telling. Well done, fellow human! (Thank you. / Dankeschön.)

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you too!

[@unclenogbad1509]

Another great tale well told, thanks. 'm going to have to brush up on this period as I'm ashamed to say I hadn't heard of this. On the other hand, it looks very likely to be the inspiration for Edgar Allen Poe's short story 'Hop-Frog the Jester' (also partly incorporated into Roger Corman's film version of Masque of the Red Death). Definite recommended reading.

[@okancanarslan3730]

Amazing story, costume and models

[@theboss12390]

Very intersting story, i sat on the end of my chair for this story. Enjoyed this one, Thanks!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks for listening

[@RighteousnessWillPrevail]

Again. Thank you for your gift of how you tell history. And your friends who do the cinematography. You guys are great. =] Have a pleasant day.

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Timothy, it's actually just me and my wife Julie with our iPhones, so thank you 👍🏻

[@JuliaARubin]

Your videos are absolutely amazing, I’m very glad to have stumbled upon your channel. Have you ever done anything on Buckland Abbey? I know it has a fascinating history, would love to hear your perspective.

[@thehistorysquad]

Not yet! But I might take a look, thanks & welcome to the channel 👍🏻

[@JuliaARubin]

@@thehistorysquad thank you ☺️.

[@philipdemaeyer1665]

Nice to see a continuation of the 100 year war series 😊

[@andrewschmidt5312]

Would it be possible to see a video of you constructing the models you use? I enjoy these more obscure stories and how you allude and tie into later historical events. History is a continuous connection between many events. Thank you!

[@thehistorysquad]

Here's one I did last year .... kzbin.info/www/bejne/gajbh6lrn8lobdk

[@AttitudeIndicator]

I love your medieval history videos

[@matimus100]

You love anything really easy these days

[@AttitudeIndicator]

@@matimus100 the years i was with you were the worst years of my life, i'm happy with a boyfriend who loves me and doesn't verbally abuse me. stop contacting me on social media, we're through.

[@marcoengelbracht4141]

As always Kevin, great story telling, and this one was completely new to me. Isabeau... reminds me of an old film I like. Who knows it, will know which film I have in mind. Please reveal more of this kind of stories for us! 😊

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you enjoyed it Marco, I'll keep looking out for this kind of story 👍🏻

[@arjunsandhar578]

Great vid

[@julesl6910]

You kick ass bro love you!

[@thehistorysquad]

Haha, cheers!

[@UnessasryGestures]

Nice Bosworth Boar badge. Thanks great vid.

[@gazzertrn]

Jackanory for adults , real life stories , dont we just love it ? Thanks Kevin i could listen to you all day , a fountain of knowledge .👍

[@thehistorysquad]

Ah yes, Jackanory wasn't it great 👍🏻

[@BleedEaglesGreen023]

Mental health problems would have been so misunderstood in those times and the King of all people not being sound minded would have caused so much chaos. Great video Kevin.

[@michaelpage4199]

As always you story telling is without match. This was pretty hot stuff. Cheers

[@thehistorysquad]

Haha, nice pun. Cheers buddy 👍🏻

[@Ukraineaissance2014]

That doctor had a suprisingly modern treatment for the king. I thought it was going to be something insane.

[@jimmillward3505]

that was brilliant

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Jim

[@desastermaster2010]

Dear Sir, if there were a Nobel Price for teaching - you deserve it!

[@thehistorysquad]

How lovely of you, thanks 👍

[@rickeymariu1]

I missed this when it came out!

[@thehistorysquad]

YT notification process leaves a lot to be desired, but check out todays video about jousting, it'll be on in about an hour 👍🏻

[@jerritucker6510]

I’ve never heard these stories. Thank you for the great telling of a scary tale. P. S. Love your outfit and hat 😊

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you! 😊

[@JCOwens-zq6fd]

Well done sir. By the by Porphyria is also a good candidate for madness in the royal lines as well.

[@censusgary]

Porphyria is typically the explanation offered today for George III of England’s madness.

[@khukri_wielderxxx1962]

This is a crazy story, so crazy even Game of Thrones wouldn't think it up. Very entertaining, though!

[@bostonrailfan2427]

you did a great job on those models, they are simple yet detailed. and the plus side from them is you have your own ghillie suited soldiers for the future if you ever decide to tell the story of the daring snipers of the military

[@thehistorysquad]

Haha, yes indeed. Cheers 👍🏻

[@sheep1ewe]

Thank You! I remember that horror story written by EA Poe, loosly inspired by this event whan i was a child, but i had not heard the original origin of it until now.

[@jackbrowning8013]

Sound quality sounds excellent, I bet you were well advised 😉

[@thehistorysquad]

I was 😂. Cheers Jack - have a great weekend!!

[@karlbeaulieu7624]

Thanks!

[@thehistorysquad]

Hey, thanks so much for the SUPER, it's appreciated. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. 👍🏻

[@coyotedust]

I remember reading about this

[@markhuckercelticcrossbows7887]

that was interesting kev, i enjoyed that :)

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad to hear it. Did you ever get anywhere with shooting on location?

[@markhuckercelticcrossbows7887]

@@thehistorysquad hiya kev, cadw wanted 150 for filming rights at caerphilly, i asked.. what about all the tourists who film there then? they said they have not investigated them yet.... so i done some digging and discovered king charles the 1st, hid, in abertillery. on the run from oliver cromwell. so im going to do a little video on that. where king charles hid in a local farm at llanhileth, on his way to Raglan castle, where he was captured by cromwells men and tried for treason.

[@thehistorysquad]

Excellent, as a Cromwellian, I'd say that's a great topic 👍🏻 Interesting isn't it about Cadw and the like. We're about to head out on a road trip into the US and hoped to do a couple of little videos, there's just me and Julie, so like you it's a scant crew. The National Parks state on their website a permit is required, but there's no fee for commercial videos that include upto just 2 people, but when we enquired at a specific site, there was a $100 admin fee. Julie questioned it and the guy actually went to the bods in DC to question it too, and it turns out that providing we're shooting

[@markhuckercelticcrossbows7887]

@@thehistorysquad well ar caerphilly, using the spiral staircases, i just wanted to demo, how the centre column was designed to stop a right handed attack, and easy to defend from above with cRossbow, dagger or sword..... ill come up with something though, other non cadw sites to look at. yes very interesting how they can monetise these things. i do hav e a few videos on a whippe crossbow coming up, id never seen one, until last month..... think i may just do some covert filming, just using a walking stick.. ;) lol. have a lovely trip to the states, but dont gio anywhere near the whitehouse with matchs, they get funny over that ;) lol

[@thehistorysquad]

Haha, I'll bear that in mind. BTW, I've just emailed you a question. 👍🏻@@markhuckercelticcrossbows7887

[@calneigbauer7542]

Would love to see more castle tours and the story’s I’m behind them

[@thehistorysquad]

Yes, it's on the cards, but we live in Canada so can only do the videos when we're back in the UK visiting. Another trip is planned for next spring and I have one castle tour up my sleeve for release this autumn.

[@calneigbauer7542]

@@thehistorysquad oh man knowing that can we see some old battlefields from the wars fought between England and France maybe some old forts also love the channel

[@jtl-en4yx]

Love how this was posted while Burning Man Festival is going on in America!

[@davidstrother496]

Good day Kevin. I missed this story while I was on vacation. It is a great one, as usual. Insanity in charge of the kingdom is not a good thing. I'm hoping you and Julie are enjoying your road trip. Cheers from Texas.

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers David, we don't head off until the end of September, so are busy trying to make some videos to upload while we're away. I hope you had a good holiday. 👍🏻

[@Rhino_King]

I would love for you to do a story about Knights Templar I love your dedication to medieval history, as an American I’m sad that my country really didn’t take place in the middle times but either way I love the history!

[@readmylisp]

Americans didn't just pop up out of the ether in 1776 . Most of them were British . So European history is also American history.

[@Rhino_King]

@@readmylisp Just fascinated with them and I have noticed the detail in the history that this man gives us, I hate asking for things like these, I wouldn’t say that it’s all European in our history but there is little

[@als3022]

Always a winner of the macabre.

[@lorriebrady4956]

I am familiar with this story as i study French History. To think the Kings brother started the fire and a fourteen year old girl shielded the King with her cloak. I like your props, models and knowledge of history. Love from America 🇺🇸🇬🇧

[@polartechie]

Keviiiin. Your topics and handsome outfits always draw me in ❤

[@chriscookesuffolk]

One wonders in a parallel universe if there is a medieval health and safety executive coning events like off. Cheers Kev for another enlightening tale.

[@davesheppard8797]

Good point!! A medieval H&S man!! Wonder if they had such a thing? "Na, na, na, you can't shoot sharp pointed Arrows like that mate you could injure someone!!" 😳😳😳. Dave.

[@sgtblackrock4997]

Great content... subbed immediately. Keep up the fantastic work please?

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks, will do!

[@DamonNomad82]

I first heard of the incident when I read an Edgar Allen Poe story that was loosely based on it ("Hop-Frog").