Rasputin: The drunk Russian monk who refused to die | ASSASSINS

The Assassination of Grigori Rasputin

Key Concepts:

• Grigori Rasputin: A Siberian peasant and self-proclaimed holy man who gained significant influence over the Russian Imperial family.
• Romanov Dynasty: The last ruling dynasty of Russia, overthrown during the Russian Revolution.
• Hemophilia: A genetic blood clotting disorder affecting Tsarevich Alexei, for which Rasputin provided relief.
• Cyanide Poisoning: The initial, failed method of assassination attempted by Prince Yusupov.
• February & October Revolutions: The two phases of the Russian Revolution in 1917, leading to the fall of the Romanovs and the rise of the Bolsheviks.
• Mysticism & Occultism: The prevalent interest in alternative religions and spiritual practices within Russian high society.

The Context: Russia on the Brink (1916)

In December 1916, Russia was embroiled in World War I, facing internal unrest and a declining faith in the ruling Romanov dynasty. Prince Felix Yusupov, nephew-in-law of Tsar Nicholas II, hosted a gathering at his palace under the guise of a party. However, this was a carefully orchestrated trap designed to eliminate Grigori Rasputin, whose growing influence over the Tsar and Tsarina was perceived as detrimental to Russia. The attendees included Vladimir Purishkovich, a monarchist politician who had publicly denounced Rasputin and called for his death just a month prior, and other members of the Russian nobility. Rasputin himself, despite warnings from allies about potential plots against him, accepted the invitation and attended the gathering.

The Failed Assassination Attempts

Yusupov and his co-conspirators attempted to poison Rasputin with cyanide, laced into his wine and pastries. Remarkably, the poison had no discernible effect, with Rasputin continuing to consume the laced refreshments without showing any signs of illness. “There was something appalling and monstrous in his diabolical refusal to die,” Yusupov later wrote, highlighting the frustration and disbelief of the assassins. After consuming a dose of cyanide sufficient to kill a bear, Yusupov resorted to shooting Rasputin in the heart with a revolver at 2:30 a.m. The group then attempted to conceal their involvement by dressing Rasputin in his own clothes and driving his body to his apartment to create the illusion he had returned home safely.

The "Resurrection" and Final Act

Upon returning to the palace to dispose of the body, the conspirators were shocked to discover Rasputin seemingly regaining consciousness. His eyes opened, and he attacked Yusupov, forcing the prince to flee. Purishkovich then shot Rasputin twice, after which the group bound his body and threw it into the frozen Nievka River. The assassins, fearing supernatural forces, believed Rasputin had been resurrected by Satanic powers.

Rasputin's Rise to Power & Influence

Born in 1869 in Siberia, Rasputin initially lived a simple life before embarking on religious pilgrimages. He arrived in St. Petersburg in the early 1900s, quickly gaining access to Russian high society due to his perceived mystical abilities and social skills. In 1905, he met Tsar Nicholas II and Tsarina Alexandra, becoming particularly close to the latter. Rasputin’s ability to alleviate the suffering of Tsarevich Alexei, who suffered from hemophilia, cemented his position within the royal family. Alexandra believed Rasputin possessed unique healing and spiritual powers, crucial for her son’s survival. Over time, Rasputin’s influence extended beyond Alexei’s health, encompassing advice on royal court matters and wielding considerable power.

The Erosion of Romanov Authority

By 1914, with the outbreak of World War I, Rasputin was deeply entrenched in the Russian court. Tsar Nicholas II’s decision to lead the army at the front left the Tsarina in charge, further increasing Rasputin’s influence. However, the Tsar’s military failures, coupled with the Tsarina’s unpopularity (partly due to her German heritage during wartime) and Rasputin’s scandalous behavior, fueled public discontent. Rasputin engaged in excessive drinking, sexual exploits, and openly flaunted his influence, leading to widespread rumors and cartoons depicting him as a corrupting force. He was accused of sleeping with numerous women, including members of the nobility, and his actions were seen as a symbol of the Romanovs’ detachment from the realities of the Russian people. The nobility questioned his legitimacy, criticizing his lack of education, noble lineage, and religious ordination.

The Post-Mortem & Historical Debate

The official account of Rasputin’s death, as detailed in Prince Yusupov’s memoir, has been widely questioned by historians. A post-mortem examination revealed a single gunshot wound to the forehead at point-blank range, indicating this was the fatal injury. No traces of cyanide or evidence of drowning were found. The autopsy also revealed bullet wounds to his liver and kidneys, which would have eventually proven fatal, but were not the immediate cause of death. Yusupov’s account is believed to be embellished for personal gain and to portray himself as a patriot.

Rasputin's Legacy & The Revolution

Rasputin’s assassination was met with mixed reactions. While many celebrated his removal, others, particularly commoners, viewed him as a symbol of the dynasty’s failings and resented the nobility for eliminating him. The February Revolution erupted just weeks after his death, forcing Tsar Nicholas II to abdicate. The Bolsheviks seized power in the October Revolution later that year, and the Romanov family was executed in 1918. While Rasputin’s death did not directly cause the revolution, his behavior and influence contributed to the growing discontent and erosion of faith in the Romanov dynasty.

The Myth of the Preserved Genitals

Rumors surrounding Rasputin’s alleged anatomical endowment persisted even after his death. Stories circulated claiming his genitals were preserved in a jar and displayed in a museum, attributed to his supposed sexual prowess. These rumors, fueled by his reputation as a ladies’ man, gained traction in the 1920s. A purported specimen surfaced in 1994, but was later identified as a pickled sea cucumber. The Museum of Russian Erotica in St. Petersburg claims to possess the genuine artifact, but its authenticity remains unverified. Rasputin’s wife reportedly dismissed the rumors, stating he “had enough for all.”

Synthesis/Conclusion:

Grigori Rasputin’s life and death were inextricably linked to the downfall of the Romanov dynasty. His rise from a Siberian peasant to a powerful figure within the Russian court, fueled by his perceived healing abilities and the Tsarina’s desperation to save her son, created a climate of scandal and distrust. While his assassination was intended to restore faith in the monarchy, it ultimately served as a catalyst for the revolutions that swept Russia, bringing an end to centuries of imperial rule. The enduring myths surrounding his life, including the sensationalized rumors about his anatomy, continue to fascinate and contribute to his enduring legacy as a controversial and enigmatic figure in Russian history.