Saint and devil, “man of God” and sectarian, peasant and courtier: there seemed to be no end to the definitions characterizing Rasputin. The central and dominant feature of his personality was, without a doubt, the duality of nature: the “old man” was capable of playing one role with extraordinary skill, and then its complete opposite. And it was precisely thanks to the contradictions inherent in his character that he became a great actor.

Mediumistic intuition, coupled with the cunning typical of peasants, turned Rasputin into a creature with supernatural capabilities: he always managed to discover the vulnerable side of a person and benefit from it. When the “elder” firmly established himself in the Alexander Palace, he immediately revealed the weaknesses of the imperial couple; he never flattered them, addressed them only as "you", calling them "mom" and "dad". In communicating with them, he allowed himself all sorts of familiarity and realized that his worn-out boots, peasant shirt and even unkempt beard had an irresistible attractive effect on their august patrons.

Before the empress he played the role of “elder,” which she liked most; as during a large theatrical performance, he demonstrated his talent on the stage of the Alexander Palace. It did not matter that there might be a false saint, a libertine or a sectarian in the imperial residence; All that mattered was what Alexandra Fedorovna wanted to see and hear. Everything else - as she thought - was nothing more than baseness, slander and malice of those who dreamed of alienating her from this “holy man”.

The world in which the empress lived was rather simple and limited, and Rasputin, with his intuition, quickly understood how to win her favor. Surrounded by supposedly enlightened, but in fact depraved courtiers to the core, Alexandra Feodorovna decided that in the person of this ignorant peasant she had met the only one who could bring her and the tsar closer to the people. This man, sent to her by God himself and who came from a Russian village, combined in himself a peasant and a saint; the fact that Rasputin had the gift of healing was, in the eyes of the empress, another manifestation of his holiness. All this took place away from the outside world, in a residence similar to an ancient Russian tower.

And indeed, almost only women lived in the Alexander Palace; the empress, her ubiquitous friends, four daughters, as well as a great many teachers, governesses and maids. As in the days of ancient Russian towers, women from the family of Nicholas II were not supposed to be seen by male persons, except for close relatives, church representatives and high-ranking dignitaries. Alexandra Fedorovna did not consider Rasputin’s presence to be something unacceptable, since the “elder” was a holy man for her and directly expressed the will of the Almighty.

Rasputin did not live in the Alexander Palace, but when he was received there, he was given complete freedom: he entered the rooms of the young princesses at any time of the day, kissed all the women, claiming that the apostles also did this as a sign of greeting, and always found an explanation for his behavior . Rasputin was by nature a rude, primitive and vulgar man, but when he entered the palace, he turned into an “old man” to whom Alexandra Feodorovna and her daughters turned with hope; he was their guiding star, which enlightened them and pointed them in the right direction in the complex whirlpool of life. You just need to follow his advice, Rasputin said, and he will be able to help the imperial family overcome all the troubles that have befallen it: thanks to his gift of a seer, he will take it beyond fate and divine Providence itself.

The “elder” understood perfectly well that he had become necessary for the imperial couple. In addition, he had an irresistible magnetic influence, and a variety of people had already experienced, finding themselves unable to resist, the hypnotic spell of his gaze. Perhaps this is how Rasputin stopped the little crown prince’s bleeding, although it will never be possible to accurately establish his methods of “treatment.” Everything happened in the presence of only relatives and servants, and no one - even those who knew the secret of the Romanovs - could act as a witness.

Rasputin’s role in state affairs should not be exaggerated, since in reality he did not have any specific program: the “old man” was a real devil in psychology, but a complete layman in politics. Dramatic events began during the war, when Alexandra Fedorovna herself, together with Rasputin, had to control the situation in raging Petrograd. Undoubtedly, the “elder” managed to impose on the emperor people he liked, Rasputin, to influence the appointment of new ministers: and indeed, from that moment on, ministers began to replace one another with dizzying speed, and they were all under Rasputin’s heel. However, at that time the entire state machine was in such a deplorable state, and in addition there was such a shortage of suitable people, that there is no basis for asserting that without the direct intervention of the “old man” things would have gone better.

Rasputin's real conquest was his close relationship with the imperial couple, friendly and trusting; everything else came later, as a natural consequence of this closeness, which only he, the “Man of God,” was awarded. Rasputin - a healer or Rasputin - a political adviser to the sovereign is nothing compared to Rasputin - an “old man” devoted to the imperial family: it was he who was the real mentor for the Romanovs. Only he was able to alleviate the mental suffering of those to whom history had placed too heavy a burden on their shoulders. The phenomenon of Rasputin originated in the minds of these people themselves, and its appearance became possible precisely because of the weak character of Nicholas II in combination with the mystical exaltation of Alexandra Fedorovna. In other words, the Tsar and Tsarina themselves opened the doors to the swindler, a worthy follower of the numerous charlatans who infested the Russian court in past centuries.

This dissolute man, as such, never existed for them: Rasputin was only a projection of the imagination of two confused creatures, suppressed by the seriousness of the events taking place and by nature prone to irrationality. At all times, monarchs loved to surround themselves with flatterers and mediocre personalities, but, unlike the jesters of bygone eras, Rasputin appeared as a “saint” who also possessed supernatural power. So, Nikolai and Alexandra unconsciously joined a game that could satisfy their spiritual needs, but this home game turned into a tragedy for the entire country.

Outside the walls of the Alexander Palace, Rasputin again became himself: a drunkard, a lover of prostitutes, especially willing to resort to violence against women. Fanfare and bragging, he boasted of his successes at court and, having drunk heavily, told obscene details, sometimes invented by himself. His house was a meeting place for the most different people: grand dukes, priesthood, ladies high society and simple peasant women went to him to get to the sovereign. And everyone, without exception, asked for royal mercy and intercession.

But no matter what Rasputin did, he always took all precautions so that in Tsarskoye Selo the image of a holy man that he managed to create would remain untarnished, which was the real secret of his success. Thanks to his resourcefulness and tenacity, this man knew how to defend the positions he had conquered; Moreover, here he did not encounter any particular difficulties, since Alexandra Fedorovna was unable to admit that he had at least one negative trait. The Empress always rejected all stories about Rasputin’s unseemly behavior, considering them fictitious and slanderous, and could not believe that “her old man” could have another face. Moreover, this illiterate man was absolutely necessary for her, since he personified the traditional triumvirate of the Russian nation: the tsar, the church and the people.

When Rasputin felt that there was a real threat to his career, he relied primarily on the eternal fears and deep religiosity of Alexandra Fedorovna. He used psychological blackmail, describing the future of her and her loved ones in gloomy tones; he also convinced the queen that they could not survive without him, and these predictions sounded like the death knell for the king and his dynasty.

IN Russian history beginning of the 20th century there is no more interesting figure than Grigory Rasputin. A peasant who came from nowhere managed to achieve an incredible position, essentially subjugating the royal couple, which greatly contributed to the fall of the monarchy in Russia.

If for domestic historians of the Soviet period Rasputin was still a minor figure, then in the West entire volumes of research were willingly devoted to him.

But the charisma of the “holy elder” affected not only scientists - the image of a bearded man in a red Russian shirt turned out to be in demand in Western culture. Films, cartoons, performances, songs - Rasputin for Western world became the same symbol of Russia as the matryoshka doll, vodka and balalaika.

In our country, the figure of Rasputin did not cause a stir. Perhaps drinking Russian peasants in the 1990s were excited by the German vodka of the same name, where the old man was twice “depicted on the bottle.”

On the threshold of “rehabilitation”

However, in Lately There has been a tendency to revise the existing image of Rasputin as a dubious personality and a successful swindler. “Declassified documents” allegedly indicate that the “elder” led a very ascetic lifestyle, was not any “great machine of love” and was a righteous man.

In truth, this turn of events was to be expected. The current “historical rehabilitation” of Grigory Rasputin was seen as inevitable just a few years ago.

The miraculous transformation of Rasputin into a righteous man would have greatly amused his contemporaries. They would probably also be surprised Russians XXI century, if they found out that their descendants in the XXII century praise “miracles” Grigory Grabovoi.

But who really was Grigory Efimovich Rasputin and what role did he actually play in Russian history?

Grigory Rasputin surrounded by women. Photo: www.globallookpress.com

Coachman, don't drive...

His biography is quite confusing, and Grigory Efimovich himself had a hand in this. The difficulties begin with the date of birth, which “walks” from 1864 to 1872.

Some historians believe that Rasputin himself “added years to himself” in order to better fit the role of an “old man.”

In fact, Grigory Efimovich did not at all look like an “old man” - at the time of his tragic death in 1916, he was about 50 years old.

He was born into the family of a coachman in the village of Pokrovskoye, Tyumen district, Tobolsk province. Grisha did not study for a day at school and had no education whatsoever.

Ill since childhood, Gregory sought healing in religion, traveling to holy places. In 1890 he married Praskovya Fedorovna Dubrovina, who bore him three children.

At all, most of information about Rasputin’s young years came from himself, and it is impossible to be sure that Grigory Efimovich was telling the truth.

“Miracle! Miracle!

Marriage did not stop Rasputin’s wanderings, and after one of his trips he suddenly announced that he had miraculous powers to heal people.

It should be noted here that the institution of healing in Russia did not arise at the turn of the 20th-21st centuries. There was always an abundance of people who declared themselves shamans, sorcerers, magicians, “men of God” in Rus', so Rasputin was by no means unique here.

In 1903, Grigory Rasputin first appeared in St. Petersburg, already having behind him the glory of a “man of God” endowed with a “gift.” Among Rasputin's adherents there are also very influential people, including representatives of the church.

There is nothing surprising in this - “officials in the church,” of whom there were many at all times, needed people who performed miracles “in God’s name.” Of course, under strict and attentive control. Rasputin seemed a very suitable candidate.

For many years, historians have been arguing - did Rasputin have the ability to hypnosis? Quite possible. In any case, he knew how to influence people to achieve his goals perfectly.

So, during his first visit to St. Petersburg in 1903, Rasputin met Rector of the Theological Academy Bishop Sergius, and Inspector of the St. Petersburg Academy Archimandrite Feofan.

They learn about the “holy elder” in the circles of high society society in St. Petersburg, and a stream of elite representatives suffering from health and spiritual grace begins to reach out to the righteous Gregory.

Why suddenly educated and smart people start to believe a peasant with a dubious biography? This phenomenon is more a part of psychology and psychiatry, rather than historical science.

It existed both before and after Rasputin. In the early 1980s scientist Abai Borubaev And psychic Mirza Kymbatbaev They put together a sect in the USSR, into which representatives of creative circles joined in rows and columns in search of grace. Huge amounts of donations flowed to the creators of the sect, made by smart, educated and successful people. This story ended tragically - by order of the head of the sect, its adherents beat to death one of the members of the “brotherhood”, the famous Soviet actor, star of “Pirates of the 20th Century” Talgat Nigmatulin.

"The Great Love Machine"

But let's return to Rasputin. Already in 1903, in the Tobolsk province, local priests signaled that the “elder” was “healing” the high society ladies who came to him in too strange a way. For some reason, getting rid of worldly passions takes place in a bathhouse, half-dressed, with actions that somehow do not look very much like pacifying the flesh.

Rasputin was accused of heresy, but the case was successfully hushed up. Supporters of Rasputin say that due to the lack of evidence of a crime, opponents claim that influential fans stood up for the “old man.”

The “bath days” will haunt Rasputin until his death, and they, in fact, will give rise to the legend of the “great Russian love machine.”

Here we must not forget that the “old man” by that time was less than 40 years old, his sexual health is evidenced by the presence of three children, the ladies who came to him were very good-looking and, unlike Siberian peasant women, very well-groomed.

Gradually the fame of the “holy elder” reaches the royal court and personally Empress Alexandra Feodorovna.

At the Russian court, as it happened historically, there was a staff of hangers-on who posed as holy fools, soothsayers, healers and the like. During times Nicholas II and his wife Alexandra Feodorovna, this phenomenon blossomed in full bloom.

There were reasons for this - the queen could not give birth to an heir and was ready to believe in anything in order to achieve her desired goal. Her husband was a gentle man, he loved his wife sincerely, tried not to contradict her and, most importantly, he also dreamed of a son.

Caricature of the Russian royal house. Photo: www.globallookpress.com

Physician to the Tsarevich

And then a blow fell on the royal couple - the heir suffered from hemophilia, that is, inability to coagulate blood. This disease is transmitted through the female line, but only men suffer from it.

Let's digress from the royal status of the Romanovs. Ordinary parents learn that their son is doomed to suffer all his life from a terrible disease that will most likely lead him to a young grave. The mother knows that it was her genes that “gave” this disease to her son. Terrible pain, terrible guilt. And when a child begins to suffer from terrible pain, you will do anything and believe in anything just to save him from suffering.

And then Grigory Rasputin appears on the horizon, who, according to his later stories, came to St. Petersburg at the behest of the Mother of God to heal the prince.

On November 1, 1905, at the height of the first Russian revolution, Nicholas II met Grigory Rasputin in person for the first time. In his diary, the emperor wrote: “We drove to Sergievka for 4 hours. We drank tea with Militsa and Stana. We met the man of God - Gregory from Tobolsk province."

We must pay tribute to the imperial couple - Rasputin was not allowed to see the prince right away. But in 1907, the best doctors began to throw up their hands and mentally prepare parents for the imminent death of their son. And in one of these moments of complete despair, Alexandra Feodorovna called on Rasputin. The “elder” came and... relieved the boy’s attack.

Let's be objective - apparently, Grigory Rasputin really alleviated the suffering of the prince. Was it hypnosis? psychic abilities, God's grace - this can be debated. But the fact that Rasputin really helped Tsarevich Alexei can hardly be denied.

From that moment on, both Alexandra Fedorovna and Nicholas II himself were ready to pray for Rasputin. And who can blame them for this?

Rasputin addiction

Moreover, Rasputin himself declares: “The Tsarevich will be alive as long as I am alive.” He couldn’t think of a better safe conduct for himself.

And Rasputin enjoyed his newfound power. Gradually, he began to influence the solution of government issues, explaining his ideas with “visions.” After some time, people appointed to government positions in the empire were forced to go through the “Rasputin filter.”

Before the outbreak of the First World War, only revolutionaries openly criticized what was happening. Abroad they look at all this as Russian exotica.

But when Rasputin begins to get involved in personnel and even military decisions during the First World War, even to the point of replacing the Commander-in-Chief, this causes general rejection.

Members of the royal family are trying to influence the ruling couple, saying that all this is becoming dangerous for the prestige of the monarchy. Alexandra Fedorovna refuses to listen to critics.

Failures at the front fuel passions in society. The State Duma openly opposes Rasputin, people gossip that not only ladies-in-waiting sleep with “Grishka”, but he also cuckolded the Emperor himself.

Common sense demanded that the source of growing irritation be eliminated—Rasputin removed, at least temporarily. But the empress was not distinguished by her flexibility of character, and most importantly, the well-being of her son interested her most of all.

Colonel Dmitry Loman, Grigory Rasputin and Prince Mikhail Putyatin. Photo: www.globallookpress.com

Conspiracy of the Higher Spheres

In 1914, the first attempt was made on Rasputin. He was stabbed in the stomach and seriously wounded Khionia Guseva, who came from Tsaritsyn. The “elder” was sure that he was the victim of a conspiracy, but in the end Khionia was declared mentally ill.

The real conspiracy matured at the end of 1916, and its participants were Prince Felix Yusupov, prominent monarchist Vladimir Purishkevich and even Grand Duke Dmitry Pavlovich. The participants in the conspiracy believed that it was necessary to rid the monarchy of Rasputin until he himself rid Russia of the monarchy.

The participants in the conspiracy subsequently changed their testimony many times, so it is difficult to absolutely reliably establish the picture of the incident. It is clear that on the evening of December 16, 1916, Prince Yusupov lured Rasputin to the Yusupov Palace on the Moika. There they first tried to poison Rasputin, but potassium cyanide had no effect on him. The conspirators opened fire with pistols, and the “old man” fell. While they were deciding what to do with the body, Rasputin came to his senses and tried to escape. They overtook him only at the high wall of the garden, where they seemed to have finished him off, after which they took the corpse by car to a pre-selected place not far from Kamenny Island and threw it from the bridge into the Neva polynya in such a way that the body ended up under the ice.

The conspirators were let down by amateurism - the body was found quite quickly, and even faster there were witnesses who said that they saw Rasputin entering the house of Prince Yusupov. During the search in the prince's house, so much evidence was found that there was no point in denying it.

Irreversibility

The investigation, however, did not proceed quickly - persons from the royal family participated in the conspiracy, and even the emperor found it difficult to decide to punish the culprits to the fullest extent.

While the process was going on, the February Revolution broke out. After the overthrow of tsarism, no one was interested in the perpetrators of Rasputin’s murder anymore.

His death in December 1916 could no longer affect anything - Rasputinism became the last nail in the coffin of the Russian monarchy.

It is possible to understand the motives that forced Alexandra Fedorovna to stick with Rasputin. But what is excusable for an ordinary mother, exhausted by her son’s illness, is unforgivable for the empress.

History judges monarchs much more harshly than ordinary people.

But a hundred years later, it seems to someone that history has subjunctive mood and it can be changed by “drawing” an improved version of it instead of the image of the real Rasputin.

Exactly 146 years ago the famous Grigory Efimovich Novykh, known as Grigory Rasputin, was born. A friend of the last Romanovs, a doctor for a sick son of the royal family, a secret adviser and a legendary reveler: the “elder” was famous throughout Russian Empire his supernatural abilities, and even after his murder, Rasputin’s personality was not forgotten, but was only surrounded by new rumors. Subsequently, at the height of the revolution, serious political decisions of Emperor Nicholas were attributed to him. What role did this mystical, but still real historical character play in the history of Russia? Amateur. media found out from experts

Questions:

What role did the famous “old man” play in the history of Russia? Is it more of a positive or negative role?

Alexey Uminsky

Today, in the 21st century, looking back, it seems that his role was very dangerous, very seductive. This was a man who took on the role of a certain prophet and interpreter of the will of God in the royal family, and in many ways his own presence in the family of the sovereign greatly strained the atmosphere before the First World War. Of course, there were a lot of rumors about him, his name became the talk of the town, but his figure was so strange and cloudy.

German Lukyanov

This historical figure is always a little demonized, believing that he determined something there. In fact, he could only determine minor moments in history. He could not command events and predetermine fundamental events. I am deeply convinced that with his actions he, of course, entered the history of Russia, but with such a disadvantage that one cannot talk about his advantages.

Was Rasputin directly involved in solving the political problems of Tsarist Russia?

Alexey Uminsky

The empress refers to him in her letters. Rasputin, of course, influenced not only the royal family, but also the structure of the church, its personnel policy, and he tried to remove those people who were opposed to him from the sovereign’s entourage.

German Lukyanov

Sometimes this is attributed to him, but I believe that he could not influence political events, both within the country and in the outside world. This was not given to him, including due to the existing political regime. Of course, he could influence some decisions, but he played a minor role there. I could recommend someone for some positions, but the last word- for the monarch.

Is it possible to believe that Rasputin really had some kind of supernatural power?

Alexey Uminsky

This is confirmed by fairly reliable things. But what the component of this force was is unknown. He had a special power, a special charm that allowed him to attract attention and dominate the minds and souls of those people who trusted him. I can’t say that his talent was bright and God-given, but it was there. He gathered around himself a whole circle of admirers and admirers, mostly who trusted him greatly. But the rumors about him as a depraved person who organizes some kind of orgies are, of course, far-fetched accusations. Some of the clergy were very supportive of Rasputin, Bishop Feofan introduced him into the royal family. But the Reverend Elizaveta Feodorovna reacted very harshly to his influence.

German Lukyanov

Naturally, he had extraordinary abilities, this is a well-known fact. It is known that he stopped the blood of the royal heir, and somehow he calmed the hearts of parents regarding their sick son. Yes, he was close to members of the royal family and communicated closely with them, but nothing more.

Why did the emperor stop loving Rasputin?

Alexey Uminsky

The Tsar was dissatisfied with the influence that Rasputin had on his family, but could not do anything about it, apparently because Rasputin had the ability to stop the blood of Tsarevich Alexei, thus influencing the royal family.

German Lukyanov

Because the emperor realized what role he occupied at court, and decided that Rasputin should be removed from the imperial court. Nicholas had already expelled Rasputin several times, but somehow he managed to appear before the royal eyes again. He had extraordinary ability, studied hypnosis, but these were all artificial techniques, so he was a bit of an adventurer, solving his own problems.

Rasputin and the Jews. Memoirs of the personal secretary of Grigory Rasputin [with photographs] Simanovich Aron

Rasputin's personality

In appearance, Rasputin was a real Russian peasant. He was a strong man, of average height. His light gray, sharp eyes were set deep. His gaze was piercing. Only a few could stand it. It contained a suggestive force that only rare people could resist. He wore long hair that flowed over his shoulders, which made him look like a monk or priest. His brown hair was heavy and thick.

Rasputin did not rank clergy highly. He was a believer, but did not pretend to be, he prayed little and reluctantly, he loved, however, to talk about God, to have long conversations on religious topics and, despite his lack of education, he loved to philosophize. He was greatly interested in the spiritual life of man.

He was an expert on the human psyche, which was of great help to him. He did not like regular work, as he was lazy, but could, if necessary, work hard physically. At times physical work was necessary for him.

Countless legends have gathered around Rasputin. I do not intend to compete with the authors of all sorts of scandalous stories and want only to convey my observations of the real Rasputin.

Rasputin had a bump on his forehead, which he carefully covered with his long hair. He always carried a comb with him, with which he combed his long, shiny and always oiled hair. His beard was almost always in disarray. Rasputin only occasionally brushed her with a brush. In general, he was quite clean and often bathed, but at the table he behaved with little culture.

He used a knife and fork only on rare occasions and preferred to take food from plates with his bony and dry fingers. He tore large pieces like an animal. Only a few could look at him without disgust. His mouth was very large, but instead of teeth, some black roots were visible in it. While eating, food remnants often got stuck in his beard.

He never ate meat, sweets or cakes. His favorite dishes were potatoes and vegetables, which were brought to him by his admirers. Rasputin was not anti-alcoholic, but he did not think highly of vodka either. Of other drinks, he preferred Madeira and port. He was accustomed to sweet wines in monasteries and could tolerate them in very large quantities.

In his clothing, Rasputin always remained faithful to his peasant attire. He wore a Russian shirt, belted with a silk cord, wide trousers, high boots and a hoodie over his shoulders. In St. Petersburg, he willingly put on silk shirts, which were embroidered for him and presented to him by the queen and his admirers. With them, he also wore high patent leather boots.

Rasputin loved to teach people. But he spoke little and limited himself to short, abrupt and often even incomprehensible phrases. Everyone had to listen to him carefully, since he had a very high opinion of his words.

Rasputin's admirers can be divided into two categories. Some believed in his supernatural powers and his holiness, in his divine purpose, while others simply considered it fashionable to look after him or tried to achieve some advantages for themselves or their loved ones through him.

When Rasputin was reproached for his weakness for the female sex, he usually replied that his guilt was not so great, since many high-ranking officials directly hang their mistresses and even wives around his neck in order to achieve some benefits from him for themselves. . And most of these women entered into intimate relations with him with the consent of their husbands or loved ones.

Rasputin had admirers who visited him on holidays to congratulate him, and at the same time hugged his tar-soaked boots. Rasputin, laughing, said that on such days he especially generously smears his boots with tar so that the elegant ladies lying at his feet would get more dirty on their silk dresses.

His fabulous success with the royal couple made him some kind of deity. All St. Petersburg officials were in a state of excitement. One word from Rasputin was enough for officials to receive high orders or other distinctions. Therefore, everyone sought his support. Rasputin had more power than any high official. You didn’t need any special knowledge or talent to make the most brilliant career with his help. Rasputin's whim was enough for this.

Assignments that required long-term service were carried out by Rasputin in a few hours. He brought people positions that they had never dared to dream of before. He was an all-powerful miracle worker, but at the same time more accessible and reliable than some high-ranking person or general. No tsar's favorite has ever achieved such power in Russia as he did.

Rasputin did not try to adopt the manners and habits of well-bred St. Petersburg society. He behaved in aristocratic salons with impossible rudeness.

Apparently, he deliberately showed his peasant rudeness and bad manners.

It was an amazing picture when Russian princesses, countesses, famous artists, all-powerful ministers and high-ranking officials courted a drunken man. He treated them worse than footmen and maids. At the slightest provocation, he scolded these aristocratic ladies in the most obscene manner and in words that would make the grooms blush. His impudence was indescribable.

He treated ladies and girls from society in the most unceremonious manner, and the presence of their husbands and fathers did not bother him at all. His behavior would have outraged the most notorious prostitute, but despite this, there were almost no cases when anyone showed their indignation. Everyone was afraid of him and flattered him. The ladies kissed his food-stained hands and did not disdain his black nails.

Without using cutlery, at the table he distributed pieces of food among his fans with his hands, and they tried to assure him that they considered this some kind of bliss. It was disgusting to watch such scenes. But Rasputin’s guests got used to this and accepted it all with unprecedented patience.

I have no doubt that Rasputin often behaved outrageously and disgracefully in order to show his hatred of the nobility. With special love, he cursed and mocked the nobility, called them dogs and claimed that not a drop of Russian blood flowed in the veins of any nobleman.

When talking with peasants or his daughters, he did not use a single swear word. His daughters had a special room and never entered rooms where guests were. The room of Rasputin's daughters was well furnished, and from it a door led to the kitchen, in which Rasputin's nieces Nyura and Katya lived, who watched his daughters. Rasputin's own rooms were almost completely empty and contained very little of the cheapest furniture.

The table in the dining room was never covered with a tablecloth. Only in the work room there were several leather armchairs, and this was the only more or less decent room in the entire apartment. This room served as a place for intimate meetings between Rasputin and representatives of high St. Petersburg society.

These scenes usually proceeded with impossible simplicity, and Rasputin in such cases would escort the lady in question out of his workroom with the words: “Well, well, mother, everything is all right!” After such a lady's visit, Rasputin usually went to the bathhouse located opposite his house. But the promises made in such cases were always fulfilled.

During Rasputin's love affairs, it was striking that he could not stand intrusive persons. But, on the other hand, he annoyingly pursued ladies who did not give in to his lusts. In this regard, he even became an extortionist and refused all assistance in the affairs of such persons. There were also cases when ladies who came to him with requests directly offered themselves, considering this a necessary prerequisite for the fulfillment of their request. In such cases, Rasputin played the role of the indignant and read the most severe moral teaching to the petitioner. Their requests were still fulfilled.

This text is an introductory fragment.

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Rasputin's power Rasputin often claimed that he possessed a special power with which he could achieve everything and even save his life in dangerous moments. Skeptics didn't believe it. In reality, Rasputin had a special ability, which he called his

“The Power” of Rasputin Rasputin often claimed that he possessed a special power with which he could achieve everything and even save his life in dangerous moments. Skeptics did not believe this. In fact, Rasputin had a special ability, which he called his

Rasputin's gift of insight I always visited Rasputin in the morning, and he and I set the program for the day. At the same time, I learned about the events of the previous evening. We always exchanged our information. One day I found Rasputin in great excitement and concluded from this that with him

Attempts on Rasputin I was well aware of how much Rasputin was hated by his enemies, and I was in constant worry about his safety. It was clear to me that the unheard-of rise of this man must lead to a tragic outcome. During the night

The Murder of Rasputin At midnight, Rasputin called me on the phone and said: “The little one has arrived, I’ll go with him.” “God forbid,” I exclaimed, frightened. “Stay at home, otherwise they will kill you.” The word “little” terrified me. “Don’t worry,” objected Rasputin. -

Rasputin's funeral After finding Rasputin's body, Protopopov, the head of the political guard Globachev, the head of the St. Petersburg garrison, General Khabalov, the St. Petersburg mayor Balk and the police chief Halle came there. In their presence the body was transferred to

Rasputin's will After the murder of Rasputin, the Tsar continued to remain depressed. He lost all vitality. Only this can explain the fact that he signed his renunciation without much opposition. Even before the onset of the revolution, the tsar was confident in

Rasputin's protégé It is appropriate here to touch upon the question of Rasputin's attitude towards our department. By this time, that is, by the end of 1915, as I said, Sazonov’s position in connection with his “liberalism” on Polish, Jewish and Duma issues and in connection with failures in