Was Rasputin really Russia’s greatest love machine? Did he drink poisoned wine and say “I feel fine?” Was he the lover of the Russian queen? The song “Rasputin” by Boney M. weaves a dramatic and sordid tale about Grigori Yefimovich Rasputin, a peasant turned preacher turned healer who, during the early 1900s, exerted a shocking level of influence on Russia’s royal family. However, not much is known for sure about the mysterious man nicknamed the “Mad Monk.” In this post, we’ll use HeinOnline, particularly the World Trials Library, to explore the facts and fiction surrounding the life and death of this scandalous mystic.

Humble Beginnings

Rasputin was born in the Siberian village of Pokrovskoe^[1]Frederick A. Mackenzie. Twentieth Century Crimes (1927). This title can be found in HeinOnline’s World Trials Library. to a peasant family—the date of his birth is uncertain, but sources put it as sometime between 1869 and 1871. Not much is known about his childhood, except that he likely did not receive a formal education and did not learn to read or write until later in his life. He had a brother and a sister, both of whom died early in life. There’s also evidence from local records that he may have been a troublemaker,^[2]Frederick A. Mackenzie. Twentieth Century Crimes (1927). This title can be found in HeinOnline’s World Trials Library. drawing the attention of authorities for various petty crimes.

In 1886, he married Praskovya Dubrovina, a peasant girl with whom he had seven children, only three of whom lived to adulthood. Despite the scandalous rumors about Rasputin’s behavior and his extensive travels throughout his life, the couple remained married.

In 1897, at the age of 28, Rasputin left Pokrovskoye and went on a pilgrimage to the St. Nicholas Monastery at Verkhoturye. The reason for this is unknown. Some speculate that it was to escape punishment for horse theft. Others believe that it was because of a religious vision that he experienced. Regardless, this pilgrimage changed him completely.^[3]Frederick A. Mackenzie. Twentieth Century Crimes (1927). This title can be found in HeinOnline’s World Trials Library. He spent several years after visiting the monastery living as a strannik, or a holy pilgrim, traveling across Russia and spending time at a variety of holy sites. During his travels, he collected a small group of followers.

Royal Healer

Rasputin began to gain notoriety throughout the country during his travels. Many viewed him as a mystic and faith healer, while others believed that he was a fake and was having sexual relations with his female followers. Regardless of his true actions and motives, he met the royal family in November 1905. Tsar Nicholas II wrote of his first encounter with Rasputin that he and his wife, the Tsarina Alexandra Feodorvna,^[4]Frederick A. Mackenzie. Twentieth Century Crimes (1927). This title can be found in HeinOnline’s World Trials Library. had “made the acquaintance of a man of God – Grigori, from Tobolsk province.”

Nicholas and Alexandra’s son, Alexei Nikolaevich, suffered from hemophilia. On several occasions, it was said that Rasputin healed the ailing prince by reducing his pain and bleeding. In particular, during the summer of 1912, Alexei was suffering from a hemorrhage and was near death—yet Rasputin assured Alexandra, “God has seen your tears and heard your prayers. Grieve no more, your son will live.”^[5]Frederick A. Mackenzie. Twentieth Century Crimes (1927). This title can be found in HeinOnline’s World Trials Library. He also instructed, “Let the doctors not torture him.”^[6]Warren B. Walsh, Editor. Readings in Russian History (3). This title can be found in HeinOnline’s World Constitutions Illustrated database. Two days later, Alexei’s health began to significantly improve. Today, researchers suspect that Rasputin may have prevented doctors from continuing to provide Alexei blood-thinning aspirin, which would explain the recovery. But regardless, Nicholas and Alexandra were convinced of Rasputin’s healing powers and devoted their loyalty to him. He gained significant political influence, much to the chagrin of Russian elites, and rumors spread^[7]Frederick A. Mackenzie. Twentieth Century Crimes (1927). This title can be found in HeinOnline’s World Trials Library. that he was having an affair with Alexandra and that he was secretly a German spy. His drunkenness and “sexual exploits”^[8]Warren B. Walsh, Editor. Readings in Russian History (3). This title can be found in HeinOnline’s World Constitutions Illustrated database. served as fodder for gossip that spread like wildfire amongst the Russian elites.

Deadly Drama

As World War I raged across Europe and the Russian army suffered numerous defeats, Nicholas and Alexandra became deeply unpopular. Nicholas left St. Petersburg to command the Russian army, and during his absence, Alexandra relied upon Rasputin for guidance. Much of the nobility resented Rasputin for his influence on the noble family.

The details of Rasputin’s assassination have been disputed over the years. According to the biography of Prince Felix Youssoupov, Nicholas’s nephew-in-law,^[9]Joseph Dean. Hatred, Ridicule or Contempt. A Book of Libel Cases (1954). This title can be found in HeinOnline’s World Trials Library. on December 30, 1916, Youssoupov and several friends invited Rasputin to his palace to meet his wife, the Countess (who, of course, was not there). The Prince served Rasputin wine and cakes laced with poison,^[10]Joseph Dean. Hatred, Ridicule or Contempt. A Book of Libel Cases (1954). This title can be found in HeinOnline’s World Trials Library. but, shockingly, the poison had little affect on Rasputin. Then, Youssoupov used the czar’s cousin’s revolver and shot Rasputin several times—but the bullets did not kill him.^[11]Frederick A. Mackenzie. Twentieth Century Crimes (1927). This title can be found in HeinOnline’s World Trials Library. He wrote, “This devil who was dying of poison, who had a bullet in his heart, must have been raised from the dead by the powers of evil. There was something appalling and monstrous in his diabolical refusal to die.” Youssoupov and his friends then threw Rasputin’s body into the Neva River, where it was found days later.

Most of this story is more fiction than fact. Rasputin’s daughter claimed that her father did not like sweets and therefore would not have eaten the poisonous cakes served to him. The autopsy reports found that the cause of Rasputin’s death was in fact a gunshot wound to the head.

Rasputin’s death received mixed reactions in Russia. Noble elites were elated, while the proletariat saw it as yet another attempt by the nobility to maintain power over them. Nicholas abdicated the throne in March 1917, and he and his family were killed^[12]Frederick A. Mackenzie. Twentieth Century Crimes (1927). This title can be found in HeinOnline’s World Trials Library. by the Bolsheviks the following year. Many have attributed the overthrow of the House of Romanov to Rasputin’s assassination. In fact, after the Russian Revolution, Alexander Kerensky, leader of the Provisional Government, stated that, “Without Rasputin, there would have been no Lenin.” Whether this claim is true, we will never know—but Rasputin’s story continues to be one that fascinates historians today.

Mystery, Murders, & More

History lovers and true crime buffs alike will love diving into the lurid tales within our Heinous Histories series. Take a look at some of our previous posts such as:

• Heinous Histories: The Tragedy at Ireland’s Eye
• Heinous Histories: The Arrest and Trial of Lizzie Borden
• Heinous Histories: The Murder of Mary Phagan