The True Story of the Man in the Iron Mask

"The Man in the Iron Mask" refers to an individual who was imprisoned around 1669 and was subjected to the harrowing experience of wearing an iron mask, according to lore. This narrative stems from the real-life account of Eustache Dauger. As years passed, this story transformed into legend, and eventually, the legend morphed into myth, captivating imaginations through countless retellings in children's literature, novels, and films worldwide.

Archival Remnants of the Man in the Iron Mask

Our understanding of Eustache Dauger primarily originates from the exchanges between his captor, Bénigne Dauvergne de Saint-Mars, and the Parisian authorities. Details about Dauger's life before his incarceration, including the reasons for his arrest and the origins of his mask, are scant.

Interestingly, historical records do not support the notion that the mask was iron, but suggest it was made of black velvet instead. The myth of the iron mask likely evolved from later embellishments of the story.