This episode explores the historical mystery of the Man in the Iron Mask, examining various theories surrounding his identity and imprisonment during the reign of Louis XIV. Against the backdrop of 17th-century French absolutism and the context of Louis XIV's reign, the hosts discuss three primary contemporaneous accounts mentioning a masked prisoner, highlighting inconsistencies in the descriptions of the mask itself. More significantly, the discussion pivots to several prominent theories regarding the prisoner's identity, including the possibility of him being Louis XIV's illegitimate brother, an identical twin, or even his father. For instance, Voltaire's account significantly shaped the narrative, though his embellishments are noted. Ultimately, the hosts conclude that the most likely candidate is Eustache Dauger, a valet whose proximity to powerful figures and involvement in secret negotiations likely led to his imprisonment and the creation of the enduring legend. What this means for historical interpretations is that even seemingly minor figures can become central to major historical narratives through the lens of later storytelling and speculation.
