Grigory Rasputin

Rasputin Childhood Named after Saint Gregory of Nyssa Would have had 8 siblings, but only he and his sister survived (5th of 9 children) Did not attend school (most of village illiterate) Seen as outsider, but maybe with gifts

Russian Monarchy ~ European Connections Nicholas II, Wilhelm II and Alexandra were all first cousins of King George V of England

Russian Monarchy ~ European Connections Nicholas II and George V

Partner Discussion 1. What are some possible effects from having family connections between rulers in different countries?

Russian Monarchy ~ European Connections Nicholas II married Alexandra in 1895 Alexandra was the granddaughter of Queen Victoria Nicholas II was related to Prince Albert (Victoria’s husband) Victoria, a carrier of the gene for hemophilia, passed this trait to many descendents Hemophilia: A hereditary blood-coagulation disorders in which the blood fails to clot normally because of a deficiency or abnormality of one of the clotting factors. Hemophilia: A recessive trait associated with the X-chromosome, is manifested almost exclusively in males.

Victoria’s Connection to Hemophilia in European Royalty

Victoria’s Connection to Hemophilia in European Royalty

Grigory Rasputin’s Experiences Russian Orthodox Church Studied to be Monk Met hermit outside monastery – influenced by him (Not Jewish, no yarmulke)

Czar and Czarina: Power of Mystics Czarina especially; Russian Monarchy ~ European Connections Nicholas and Alexandra had one son – a male carrier for hemophilia Took extra pre-cautions to provide for the safety of Alexei Alexandra grew increasingly reliant on a Siberian holy man, Grigory Rasputin, to help ease Alexei’s symptoms

Russian Monarchy Grigory Rasputin Mysterious holy man from Siberia Was humble and respectful with Nicholas and Alexandra Was a filthy, heavy-drinking, womanizer who had a bad reputation among the citizens of Russia

Treatment of Alexei Stopped aspirin treatments Some say use of illegal herbs After first healing Rasputin leaves Some time later: Alexei sick again Rasputin sends telegram Son won’t die Don’t let doctors touch Son heals day after Telegram arrives

Partner Discussion 2. How would the events of Rasputin healing of Alexei lead the Royal Family to trust Rasputin?

Why did Russia Dislike Rasputin? Romanovs: very isolated, Rasputin visits multiple times over short period Reports of immoral behavior outside of Royal Family Rumored to have joined the Khlyst, an underground sect from Russian Orthodox Church

Partner Discussion 3. Was Russia’s anger and dislike of Rasputin warranted? Did they have good reasons to dislike him? Explain.

Rasputin Song But when his drinking and lusting and his hunger for power became known to more and more people, the demands to do something about this outrageous man became louder and louder. "This man's just got to go!" declared his enemies But the ladies begged "Don't you try to do it, please" No doubt this Rasputin had lots of hidden charms Though he was a brute they just fell into his arms Then one night some men of higher standing Set a trap, they're not to blame "Come to visit us" they kept demanding And he really came RA RA RASPUTIN Lover of the Russian queen They put some poison into his wine RA RA RASPUTIN Russia's greatest love machine He drank it all and he said "I feel fine" RA RA RASPUTIN Lover of the Russian queen They didn't quit, they wanted his head RA RA RASPUTIN Russia's greatest love machine And so they shot him till he was dead There lived a certain man in Russia long ago He was big and strong, in his eyes a flaming glow Most people looked at him with terror and with fear But to Moscow chicks he was such a lovely dear He could preach the bible like a preacher Full of ecstacy and fire But he also was the kind of teacher Women would desire RA RA RASPUTIN Lover of the Russian queen There was a cat that really was gone RA RA RASPUTIN Russia's greatest love machine It was a shame how he carried on He ruled the Russian land and never mind the Czar But the kasachok he danced really wunderbar In all affairs of state he was the man to please But he was real great when he had a girl to squeeze For the queen he was no wheeler dealer Though she'd heard the things he'd done She believed he was a holy healer Who would heal her son

Rasputin Song States Top of charts in West Germany and Austria No. 2 in UK and Switzerland Highly popular in Soviet Union (removed from album in release, barred from performing song in Moscow (10 shows) Sang in Poland (asked not to), broadcast omitted song, but still on radio

Discussion Questions 4. Is Rasputin worth the trouble? Does he deserve all the attention he gets? 5. What parts of Rasputin’s life does the song address? What parts are left out?