Viktor von Isenborn

Viktor, Prince von Isenborn (1673-1725) was a Braslander soldier and later courtier who played an important role in the founding of the Kingdom of Brasland.

He was the son of Baron Karl Emanuel von Wöllenstein and his wife, Erika von Lundern. He joined the Braslander rebels at an early age, and rose through the ranks until he fell under the direct orders of Frederick Balkronn, the most popular of the generals and the de facto leader of the Braslanders (the official one was Count Ulrich von Henslen), to whom he became very close, being one of his closest advisors alongside Lazarus Balkronn, Engelbert von Altenhaus and Maximilian von Lorensberg.

When the War of Independence was won by the rebels and Brasland was declared a kingdom, Frederick was elected as the new king. Like the rest of the Balkronn entourage, Viktor was lavished with gifts. He was given lands and a position at court, but being Frederick's favorite, the King gave him the best gift of all. In 1700, he arranged a marriage between Viktor and the richest heiress in Brasland, Isabella, daughter of the last vassal Prince of Isenborn. To prevent the extinction of that family, the princely title was recreated for him, although without sovereign rights. Since then, the Isenborns have held the fourth place among the great noble houses of Brasland, only behind the Kerlichs, the Henslens and the Hohenburgs.

Viktor and Isabella's marriage was harmonious. She was very shy and led a sheltered life, so she obeyed her husband in everything, even though she always considered him to be beneath her in rank. Isabella served at court as the Grand Mistress of Queen Caroline's household. The couple had nine children: Martha (1701-1703), Erika (b. and d. 1703), Friedrich (1705-1709), Isabella (b. 1706, nun), Konrad (born 1707), Richard (b. and d. 1708), Ursula (1710-1727), Henriette (b. and d. 1711) and Heinrich (1714-1734, bachelor).

There were many rumours about Viktor's relationship between King Frederick I, but the truth is that there is no evidence to suggest they were anything other than friends. Balkronn enemies, many of them from the Henslen camp, spread many lies and even plotted to depose Frederick, unsuccessfully. Their letters are stored in the Royal Archives, but have been reviewed by historians on several occasions. Viktor was also known for having affaires outside his marriage, and it is known that he fathered at least two illegitimate children.

During his life, Viktor held a prominent place at court but always refused to be part of intrigues. He was always on the side of Lazarus Balkronn, the King's brother and his Minister of State. Because of this, he never had problems and was a valued member of the royal entourage. He died in 1725, and was deeply mourned by Frederick and his family.

He was succeeded as Prince (Fürst) von Isenborn by his son Konrad.