The flamboyant aristocrat was also famous for his eccentric lifestyle and appearance: he is said to have lost his nose in a drunken duel as a student and used various prostheses of gold, silver and copper. His favourite pet was a moose that entertained the guests at his castle on the island of Hven off the Danish coast, accompanied by a supposedly clairvoyant dwarf named Jepp. The moose died after falling down the stairs following a dinner party when it was given too much beer to drink.