After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal
Episode: Final Days of Napoleon
Release Date: July 24, 2025
Hosts: Anthony Delaney and Maddy Pelling
Knowledge Cutoff: October 2023

Introduction to the Final Days Series

In this riveting episode of After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal, historians Anthony Delaney and Maddy Pelling delve into the enigmatic final days of one of history’s most iconic figures: Napoleon Bonaparte. Part of their acclaimed Final Days series, this episode explores the mysterious circumstances surrounding Napoleon’s exile and death on the remote island of St. Helena.

Historical Context: Europe in 1821

[06:30]

To understand Napoleon’s final days, the hosts set the stage by examining the broader historical landscape of 1821. Europe was undergoing significant transformations:

• French Colonies and Slavery: Despite the French Empire's pivotal role in the transatlantic slave trade, slavery remained legal in French colonies, with illegal trafficking persisting even after the 1818 ban.

• British Monarchy: George IV was reigning in England, known for his extravagant and costly coronation. The episode highlights the tragic story of Queen Caroline, who was barred from attending George IV’s coronation and died shortly thereafter.

• Industrial Revolution and Cultural Shifts: The Industrial Revolution was reshaping Britain with factory expansions and labor issues, while the Romantic movement thrived in literature, featuring prominent figures like John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley.

Maddy Pelling: “This is the time of the Romantics in literature. So we have Keats. I personally love Keats. And Percy Bysshe Shelley, of course, is exiled in Italy, but still very active.” [07:00]

Napoleon Bonaparte: A Brief Overview

[08:27]

Napoleon Bonaparte, a towering figure in European history, had a meteoric rise from a young French general to Emperor:

• Rapid Ascension: Became a general by age 26 and emperor by 35.

• Military Campaigns: From Italy and Egypt to the ill-fated invasion of Russia, culminating in the Battle of Waterloo at age 51, which marked his definitive defeat.

• Legacy and Myth: Despite his relatively short life, Napoleon's impact was colossal, with myths exaggerating aspects of his persona, including incorrect portrayals of his physical stature.

Anthony Delaney: “He's so self-aggrandizing, I think that's why he's endured so much.” [09:28]

Exile on St. Helena: Prisoner of the British Empire

[12:07]

After his defeat at Waterloo in June 1815, Napoleon was exiled to St. Helena, an isolated volcanic island in the South Atlantic, ensuring he could no longer influence European affairs.

• Longwood House: Napoleon was confined in Longwood House, a modest structure originally built as a barn, chosen for its ease of surveillance.

• Guardianship: Contrary to popular myth, the island wasn’t guarded by 3,000 men but under strict British oversight to prevent any escape or rescue attempts.

• Daily Life: Despite his grandeur lost, Napoleon led a somewhat routine life, engaging in activities like gardening and dictating his memoirs. However, his health began to decline, marked by chronic stomach pain, weight gain, and limited mobility.

Anthony Delaney: “Listen up. You can get the new iPhone 16e with Apple Intelligence for just $49.99 when you switch to Boost Mobile.” [00:54] (Note: This quote is an advertisement and is excluded from the content summary.)

Maddy Pelling: “He very rarely left the actual house, spending an awful lot of time just pacing the rooms, having baths, gardening, and then dictating his memoirs.” [15:00]

Rumors and Theories Surrounding Napoleon’s Death

The episode delves into various theories and myths that emerged surrounding Napoleon’s death, questioning the official cause and exploring alternative explanations.

1. Arsenic Poisoning

[26:08]

One prevalent theory suggests that Napoleon was poisoned with arsenic, a common method of assassination in the 19th century. Evidence cited includes:

• Symptoms Alignment: Out of 31 medically recognized symptoms of arsenic poisoning, Napoleon exhibited 28.

• Environmental Exposure: The green wallpaper in Longwood House contained arsenic, and Napoleon used arsenic for pest control in his gardens.

• Counterpoint: Despite the high number of symptoms, it didn’t meet the full threshold typically required to confirm arsenic poisoning.

Anthony Delaney: “I think you could kind of apply a lot of different meanings to this. It’s sort of like humiliation.” [19:48]

2. Excessive Use of Cologne

[30:16]

Another bizarre theory proposes that Napoleon’s frequent use of cologne contributed to his demise:

• Usage: Reports claim Napoleon used two to three bottles of cologne daily, potentially leading to significant health issues.

• Professor Parvez Harris’s Theory: Suggests that the excessive cologne use, combined with other factors like citrus ingestion, may have exacerbated his stomach cancer.

Maddy Pelling: “He was smothering himself in essential oils and other random components.” [30:16]

3. Poisoning by Captors

[32:45]

A more sinister theory posits that Napoleon was deliberately poisoned by his British captors:

• Doctor Barry O’Mara: Napoleon’s Irish physician alleged poisoning, fueling anti-British sentiments and propaganda.

• British Motivation: Some believe the British preferred a natural death to avoid the political ramifications of executing him, though evidence remains scant.

Anthony Delaney: “It’s an anti British sentiment.” [34:56]

4. Official Cause: Stomach Cancer

[18:35]

The official verdict from Napoleon’s autopsy attributes his death to stomach cancer:

• Autopsy Details: Conducted by Francesco Antommarchi, Napoleon’s personal physician, alongside 16 other attendants, confirmed stomach cancer as the likely cause.

• Legitimacy: Contemporary records and autopsy documents don’t support the more sensational theories, indicating that conspiracies likely arose posthumously.

Maddy Pelling: “Nobody of the 16 people there mentioned that his penis was removed. That, to me, is a huge red flag.” [21:46]

The Autopsy and the Penis Myth

[18:35 - 22:34]

One of the most bizarre myths stemming from Napoleon’s autopsy involves the supposed removal and distribution of his penis:

• Origin of the Myth: Allegations emerged that Napoleon’s penis was removed during the autopsy and given to a priest, later making its way into private collections.

• Credibility: No contemporary autopsy records mention this, making the story highly dubious and likely a posthumous myth aimed at mocking his masculinity.

Anthony Delaney: “I don’t buy it. But equally, I think that Napoleon's penis, the fact that it has a history, is in and of itself important and interesting.” [22:34]

Maddy Pelling: “I think it's trying to reduce him to a penis joke.” [20:58]

The myth has persisted over time, with artifacts purported to be Napoleon’s penis appearing in private collections, though their authenticity remains unverified.

Repatriation of Napoleon’s Body to France

[38:09 - 44:20]

Decades after his death, Napoleon’s remains were repatriated to France, an event steeped in drama and ceremonial grandeur:

• Initial Burial: Napoleon was originally interred in the valley of the tomb on St. Helena, a modest and unassuming resting place.

• Exhumation and Move: In 1840, agreements between Britain and France led to the exhumation. The body was moved from a simple chapel to a more prestigious location, involving elaborate rituals:

  • Procession: The journey back to France included a gilded carriage, festive decorations, and a solemn ship called the Bell Pool.

  • Preservation: Contrary to fears, Napoleon’s body was well-preserved, with notable features like intact eyelashes and fingernails, fueling the mystique surrounding his death.

• Final Resting Place: Ultimately reinterred in the Dome of the Invalides in Paris, Napoleon's tomb became a symbol of French national identity and his enduring legacy.

Maddy Pelling: “This is romanticism at its best. Oh, God, I love this.” [42:42]

Anthony Delaney: “It’s Les Mis on steroids. I’m here for the drama.” [44:20]

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Napoleon

[49:10 - 50:23]

Napoleon’s death on St. Helena marked the end of an era, but his legacy continued to evolve, blending historical facts with enduring myths:

• Political Impact: His repatriation and the ceremonial honors bestowed upon his remains cemented his status as a cornerstone of French identity.

• Myth vs. Reality: The assortment of myths surrounding his death—from poisoning theories to the penis conspiracy—illustrate the lasting fascination with his persona and the human tendency to mythologize great historical figures.

Anthony Delaney: “I think he can’t have been… I don't think it would have been in the British interest to assassinate him.” [49:40]

Maddy Pelling: “He is all about him. Look at it now, it’s all about Napoleon.” [50:27]

The episode wraps up by affirming that while stomach cancer remains the most credible cause of death, the myriad of conspiracy theories and myths ensure that Napoleon Bonaparte remains an enduring figure of intrigue and fascination in the annals of history.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Maddy Pelling: “Nobody of the 16 people there mentioned that his penis was removed. That, to me, is a huge red flag.” [21:46]

• Anthony Delaney: “I don’t buy it. But equally, I think that Napoleon's penis, the fact that it has a history, is in and of itself important and interesting.” [22:34]

• Maddy Pelling: “This is romanticism at its best. Oh, God, I love this.” [42:42]

• Anthony Delaney: “It’s Les Mis on steroids. I’m here for the drama.” [44:20]

Final Thoughts

The Final Days of Napoleon episode masterfully intertwines historical facts with the mystique that has surrounded Napoleon long after his death. By dissecting contemporary accounts, debunking myths, and exploring alternative theories, Anthony and Maddy provide listeners with a comprehensive and engaging narrative that deepens the understanding of Napoleon’s last moments and his indelible mark on history.

For more captivating explorations of history’s darker corners, subscribe to After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal on History Hit.