The Glass Delusion of Charles VI

Medieval French King Charles VI suffered from a condition known as ‘glass delusion’,

whereby he believed he was made of glass and could quite literally shatter if not careful.

Whilst it’s not an affliction we are aware of today, the condition was not uncommon in

Europe between the 15th and 17th centuries. Charles would often refuse to be touched by anyone for fear

of shattering. He put iron rods in his clothes to protect himself from falling and

breaking. On one occasion, he was even reported to have wrapped himself in blankets

to prevent his buttocks from cracking.