After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal Episode: Final Days of Rasputin Release Date: January 2, 2025

Introduction: The Mysterious Final Night

Timestamp: [02:06]

The episode opens with Anthony Delaney setting the scene for Rasputin's final night in St. Petersburg. On a cold December evening in 1916, Rasputin arrives at the Grand Duke's palace, greeted by Prince Yusupov. Despite assurances of privacy, Rasputin unknowingly steps into a meticulously planned assassination plot. As he indulges in poisoned wine and cakes, the tension builds, culminating in an attempted murder that seemingly ends Rasputin's life—only for the notorious figure to defy death itself.

Who Was Rasputin? Unraveling the Man Behind the Myth

Timestamp: [05:06]

Maddy Pelling and Anthony Delaney introduce Douglas Smith, a Russian history expert, to delve into Rasputin's complex persona. Pelling emphasizes the necessity of understanding Rasputin beyond popular lore, seeking to uncover the true nature of this enigmatic figure.

Douglas Smith provides a nuanced portrayal:

“He was a man who was never as evil as he was portrayed, who in fact, in many instances tried to do right and tried to do the good for the czar and for Russia, but was made to be a scapegoat for all of Russia's problems and ultimately was murdered by misguided Russian patriots who thought in killing him, they were somehow saving Russia.”
[06:10]

Smith highlights Rasputin's origins in Siberia, his transformation into a holy pilgrim, and his deep-rooted connections to his family and village—contrary to the image of a detached mystical figure.

Rasputin's Rise to Power: Charisma and Influence

Timestamp: [12:04]

Anthony Delaney probes into Rasputin's interactions with Russia's religious and social institutions. Douglas Smith explains the dichotomy of the Russian Orthodox Church's bureaucratic nature versus Rasputin's fervent spirituality:

“The church becomes very bureaucratic, kind of frozen in time, official, and I would say, lacking in religious fervor. And this is something that Rasputin learns... he becomes his own sort of preacher...”
[14:14]

Rasputin's ability to breathe new life into religious discourse made him a magnetic figure, attracting both the peasantry and the elite.

The Royal Connection: Nicholas and Alexandra

Timestamp: [19:55]

The discussion shifts to Rasputin's intimate and codependent relationship with Tsar Nicholas II and Empress Alexandra. Douglas Smith elaborates on how Rasputin became indispensable to the royal couple:

“Alexandra saw just how weak Nicholas was, ineffectual. And she came increasingly to find in Rasputin an advisor, a guide, a guru...”
[21:56]

This bond was intensified by the plight of their son, Alexei, a hemophiliac, leading Alexandra to rely heavily on Rasputin's counsel, which in turn fueled public suspicion and resentment.

Public Perception and the Birth of a Myth

Timestamp: [25:20]

Anthony Delaney and Douglas Smith explore how Rasputin became a target for public scorn. Smith notes the role of the burgeoning free press post-1905 Russian Revolution in shaping Rasputin's notorious image:

“The first so called Russian revolution... free press. And they have this flourishing of Russian newspapers... story after story about Rasputin.”
[31:57]

Economic turmoil and military failures during World War I provided fertile ground for Rasputin to be scapegoated, simplifying complex societal issues into blame directed at a single individual.

Debunking the Myths: Separating Fact from Fiction

Timestamp: [37:49]

In a critical analysis, Douglas Smith dismantles the legendary account of Rasputin's murder as narrated by Prince Felix Yusupov. He reveals that much of the dramatic narrative—such as surviving poison and multiple gunshots—is a fabrication:

“What always struck me as utterly bizarre is that this story was concocted, sold by the man who killed him.”
[38:05]

Smith emphasizes that official records show Rasputin was dead upon being dumped into the icy Neva River, contradicting the sensational tales of his supernatural resilience.

Aftermath and Legacy: The Final Resting Place

Timestamp: [44:12]

The hosts discuss the chaotic aftermath of Rasputin's death. Douglas Smith recounts how Rasputin's body was initially buried near the imperial palace but was later exhumed and likely cremated by the Provisional Government after the Romanovs' fall:

“He was buried in a church that was being built sort of underneath it... likely thrown into one of the furnaces and cremated...”
[44:12]

This final disposition underscores the tumultuous end of the Romanov era and Rasputin's enduring mystery.

Conclusion: Myth vs. Reality

Timestamp: [37:49]

Maddy Pelling wraps up by highlighting the stark contrast between Rasputin's true demise and the folkloric stories that have immortalized him. The episode underscores the importance of historical accuracy in understanding figures who have become larger-than-life symbols in cultural memory.

Notable Quotes

• Douglas Smith on Rasputin's Complexity:

  “He was amazingly complex, contradictory, sort of like trying to nail jelly to the wall...”
  [06:10]

• Douglas Smith on Rasputin's Role:

  “Rasputin is going to be that backbone for him [Nicholas].”
  [21:56]

• Douglas Smith on the Myth of Rasputin's Murder:

  “What always struck me as utterly bizarre is that this story was concocted, sold by the man who killed him.”
  [38:05]

Final Thoughts

The episode expertly navigates the labyrinth of Rasputin's life, separating historical facts from the embellished myths that have persisted over time. With Douglas Smith's scholarly insights, listeners gain a deeper understanding of how Rasputin's true character and actions were overshadowed by a potent mix of propaganda, public fear, and political intrigue. This nuanced exploration not only demystifies Rasputin but also serves as a cautionary tale about the power of myth-making in shaping historical narratives.

Stay Tuned:
Next week, "After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal" will delve into the final days of the Romanovs, offering another gripping exploration of history's shadowy corners. Subscribe to History Hit for more illuminating episodes and access to hundreds of hours of original documentaries.