Why is Sigismund of Luxembourg not treated as one of the bigger rulers in the history of Hungary?

Why is Sigismund of Luxembourg not treated as one of the bigger rulers in the history of Hungary? Sigismund of Luxembourg (1368–1437) ruled Hungary as king for over 50 years (1387–1437), yet he doesn’t quite enjoy the same prominence in Hungarian history as other rulers. Here’s why:

Outsider Status and Dynastic Complications:

Sigismund wasn’t Hungarian by birth; he came from the Luxembourg dynasty. His rule began not as a national hero but through marriage to Queen Mary of Hungary, which made him somewhat of an outsider in the eyes of many Hungarians. He had to rely on his connections to gain and hold power, often struggling with local nobility.

Domestic Instability:

Sigismund faced persistent conflicts with Hungarian nobles who opposed his policies. He spent significant effort in maintaining his rule through compromises, which limited his ability to make transformative changes in Hungary. His reign was marked by uprisings and tensions, especially with the Hungarian aristocracy, weakening his perceived impact on Hungary’s long-term development.

European Focus:

Sigismund was a major European figure who also became Holy Roman Emperor in 1433. His attentions were often split among Hungarian, German, Czech, and Italian affairs. He devoted considerable energy to the Council of Constance (1414–1418) to resolve the Western Schism, as well as campaigns against the Hussites in Bohemia, which diverted his focus from Hungary.

Military Challenges:

His campaigns against the Ottomans were unsuccessful and cost Hungary significantly. Notably, his defeat at the Battle of Nicopolis in 1396 was a substantial blow to his reputation. Hungary’s southern defenses remained vulnerable, which required future rulers to undertake significant efforts to protect the kingdom.

Mixed Legacy:

Although Sigismund did contribute to the Kingdom of Hungary, establishing legal reforms and strengthening the monarchy in some ways, he’s often overshadowed by more “national” kings, like Stephen I or Matthias Corvinus, who made more direct, tangible contributions to Hungarian culture, territory, and national identity.

In summary, Sigismund’s reign, though lengthy and influential in certain ways, is often viewed as secondary in Hungarian history because his achievements were overshadowed by foreign concerns, aristocratic resistance, and military setbacks.