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Born
Rasputin was born in Pokrovskoye, Siberia, Russian Empire ("Rasputin"). He was illiterate for most of his childhood but displayed a gift for healing animals (Plitnik). Since he was born in such a remote area this might explain why he was such a bizarre individual. -
He became religious
Rasputin underwent an intense experience that brought him to the church: "At the age of eighteen, he had a vision of the Virgin Mary" (Plitnik). After he joined a monastery where he was exposed to the Khlysty sect. He said men were closest to God during "holy passionlessness" ("Rasputin"). -
He became religious continued
Another one of his beliefs was that, "If God sends us a temptation, we must yield to it voluntarily and without resistance, so then we may afterwards do penance in utter contrition," (Fulop-Miller). Rasputin was exposed to some drastic events that introduced him to the idea of manipulating women. -
Rasputin got married
He married Proskovya Dubrovina who bore him several children. He became a farmer but he coudn't settle into this lifestyle. Rasputin travelled to several holy shrines which enabled him to impress his followers (Plitnik). His inability to settle into his life with his wife may be a result of the Khlysty sect which banned all members from being married because it was a terrible sin. -
He visits the Russian Orthodox Church
Rasputin ventured to a religiously signnificant city where he awed Russian Orthodox church officials so much tha they recognized him as a true holy man. Through this recognition, his reputation was more credible than ever before (Plitnik). During this time he moved in on the upper class of St. Petersburg and used his recognition to his advantage ("Rasputin"). Through his recognition, Rasputin attracted more followers and became more powerful in his growing numbers. Photo Credit: "GrigoriÄ" -
He met the royal family.
Rasputin captivated the attention of new followers, the majority being women (Plitnik). And later that year, he met the royal family ("Rasputin"): "We’ve made the acquaintance of a man of God, Grigorii, from Tobolsk Guberniia" (Salsbury). They were inspired by his piousness and began using him to treat their hemophiliac son Alexei (Plitnik). By serving this family, Rasputin could have more influence than ever before. Photo Credit: "Russian empress" -
Rasputin heals Alexei
Rasputin was brought to the tzar's palace in order to heal Alexei: "The doctors were just useless. They looked more frightened than any of us and they kept wondering among themselves…It was growing late, and I was persuaded to go to my room. Alicky then sent a message to Rasputin in St Petersburg. He reached the palace about midnight or even later. By that time I had reached my apartment, and early in the morning Alicky called me to go to Alex’s room. I just could not believe my eyes..." (contd) -
Rasputin heals Alexei continued
"The little boy was not just alive-but well. He was sitting up in bed the fever gone, the eyes clear and bright, not a sign of any swelling on the leg. Later I learned from Alicky that Rasputin had not even touched the child but merely stood at the foot of the bed and prayed" (Vorres). After healing the boy he told the royal family that the well being of both Alexei and the empire were tied to Rasputin ("Rasputin"). This miracle made Rasputin invaluable to the royal family. -
The Royal Family
The tzar banished Rasputin upon receiving a repot regaring his promiscuous behavior from the Prime Minister. This exile didn't last long because shortly after Alexandra had Rasputin brought back for Alexei's sake ("Rasputin"). His "powers" made him seem indisposable and this event proved it. -
Rasputin the Royal Adviser
The royal family grew so close with Rasputin that the tzar asked for his advice on all official appointments. Rasputin placed his followers in high positions and accepted bribes in exchange for office positions. With this corruption, he acquired many enemies (Plitnik). Through this power Rasputin became almost untouchable because no one in power opposed him. -
Death
A group of political conservatives planned to assasinate Rasputin in order to save Russia. Rasputin visited Prince Yusupov's home where he ate poisoned food and drinks but he didn't die. Quickly Yusupov shot him and again he did not die. Rasputin didn't pass until he was bound, thrown in the Nova River, and drowned ("Rasputin"). Clearly his death matched the essence of his life in that he showed inhuman abilities and maintained a mysterious nature.
