Charles II of Navarre (b. 1332)

Charles II of Navarre (10 October 1332 – 1 January 1387), posthumously and infamously known as Charles the Bad (Charles le Mauvais), reigned as King of Navarre from 1349 until his death in 1387. Concurrently, he held the title of Count of Évreux from 1343. His extensive and strategically vital territorial holdings, coupled with his ruthless political ambition, positioned him as a central, albeit highly destabilizing, figure during one of the most tumultuous periods of the Hundred Years' War.

Dual Kingdoms and Strategic Holdings

Beyond the Pyrenean Kingdom of Navarre, Charles II possessed substantial and influential lands in northern France, particularly across Normandy. These valuable territories were inherited from both his father, Philip III of Navarre (also Count of Évreux), and his mother, Queen Joan II of Navarre. The acquisition of these Norman domains by his mother was a direct result of a significant political settlement in 1328. Joan II, as the daughter of King Louis X of France, held strong hereditary claims to the French throne, as well as to the rich counties of Champagne and Brie. To solidify the succession of the Valois dynasty and avoid potential disputes, Joan formally renounced these claims in exchange for these extensive French possessions. This complex arrangement, part of a broader resolution of the French succession, saw her granted significant fiefs, which ultimately passed to Charles. His French patrimony included:

• Évreux: The heart of his Norman holdings, a key administrative and military center.
• Mortain: A strategic county providing access to coastal areas.
• Parts of Vexin: A border region between Normandy and the Île-de-France, crucial for influence near Paris.
• A portion of Cotentin: Offering access to the English Channel and potential naval power.

These territories provided Charles with a formidable power base directly bordering and within the sphere of influence of the French crown, allowing him to exert considerable pressure on the Valois kings.

Charles the Bad: A Master of Political Intrigue in the Hundred Years' War

Charles II earned his notorious epithet, "Charles the Bad," through a lifetime characterized by betrayal, opportunism, and ruthless self-interest. He became a major and often disruptive player at a critical juncture of the Hundred Years' War, a conflict that deeply embroiled both France and England. Exploiting the weakening authority of the French monarchy, particularly after devastating defeats like the Battle of Poitiers (1356) and the capture of King John II, Charles frequently switched allegiances between the French and English crowns. His primary objective was consistently to advance his own agenda, which often involved securing more French territory, increasing his personal wealth and power, and at times, even pursuing his own claim to the French throne.

His involvement extended beyond mere diplomacy; he was implicated in:

• Conspiracies against French kings and their advisors.
• Support for peasant revolts, such as the Jacquerie (1358), seeking to exploit civil unrest for his own gain.
• Forming tactical alliances with various factions within France, including disgruntled nobles and the Parisian commune led by Étienne Marcel.
• Negotiating separate treaties and truces with both English and French forces, always seeking the most advantageous position for himself.

His unpredictable nature and willingness to betray allies made him a feared and distrusted figure across Europe.

The Gruesome End: An Accidental Burning

Charles II's life came to a dramatic and widely recounted end on 1 January 1387. At the age of 54, he was suffering from a debilitating illness, possibly leprosy or a form of paralysis, which had left him severely weakened. In an attempt to alleviate his suffering, his physician advised wrapping him in linen soaked in alcohol, likely brandy, for therapeutic purposes. Tragically, a servant, either through carelessness or by accident, ignited the alcohol-soaked bandages while trying to secure them or while disposing of a candle. Charles was horrifically burned alive. This agonizing death was widely interpreted by many contemporaries as divine retribution for his lifelong reputation of treachery, deceit, and political malice, solidifying his infamous legacy as "Charles the Bad."

Frequently Asked Questions About Charles II of Navarre

Why was Charles II of Navarre called "Charles the Bad"?

He earned the moniker "Charles the Bad" due to his notorious reputation for political treachery, opportunism, and involvement in numerous conspiracies against the French crown. His consistent betrayal of allies and ruthless pursuit of self-interest made him a widely distrusted and feared figure.

What were Charles II's main territories?

His main territories included the Pyrenean Kingdom of Navarre and extensive lands in Normandy, France, such as Évreux, Mortain, parts of Vexin, and a portion of Cotentin. These French possessions were inherited through his mother, Joan II, as compensation for her renunciation of claims to the French throne.

What role did Charles II play in the Hundred Years' War?

Charles II was a significant, disruptive player in the Hundred Years' War. He repeatedly switched allegiances between France and England, exploiting the conflict to expand his own power and territory in France. He engaged in conspiracies, supported revolts, and constantly sought to weaken the Valois dynasty.

How did Charles II of Navarre die?

Charles II died tragically on January 1, 1387, in an accident. Suffering from a debilitating illness, he was wrapped in linen soaked in alcohol as a medical treatment. A servant accidentally ignited the bandages, causing him to be severely burned alive. This event was seen by many as a fitting end for his infamous life.