The Man In The Iron Mask.

[Ojisama]

So, when I was a lot younger, I read the translations of the original Alexander Dumas novels about the "The Three Musketeers" and "The Man In The Iron Mask."

I always thought that this was an inspired work of fiction. The brother of the King of France. Locked away with his identity erased to prevent any problems with the succession.

Of course, this has lead to a few Film adaptations.

Imagine my surprise to find that the story was inspired by real life events.

The Man In The Iron mask actually existed.

To this day we don't know who he was, or why he was imprisoned with such harsh restrictions. To have to wear the mask 24/7. To never speak his name. To never speak to his jailers. After his death, his belongings were burnt. His cell was sanitised to the ultimate available at the time to ensure that even scratchings on the walls were erased.

Who was the Man in the Iron Mask? A legendary, unexplained enigma (msn.com)