Noble Blood: "Will the Real Tsar Dmitri Please Stand Up? (Part 2)" - Detailed Summary

Episode Release Date: March 4, 2025

Introduction

In the second installment of the "Will the Real Tsar Dmitri Please Stand Up?" series, host Dana Schwartz delves deeper into the tumultuous era of Russia's Time of Troubles, focusing on the enigmatic figure of Tsar Dmitri and the myriad of impostors who sought to claim his throne. This episode unpacks the intricate web of deception, loyalty, and power struggles that defined early 17th-century Russia.

Mikhail Molkhanov and the Legend of Tsar Dmitri

The episode opens with a recounting of a covert operation led by courtier Mikhail Molkhanov on May 16, 1606. Tasked by Tsar Dimitri Molkanov himself, Molkhanov and his accomplices executed a daring plan to secure 25 horses from the Tsar's private stable—a crucial element for Dimitri's escape amid looming assassination threats.

Dana Schwartz narrates, “After Dmitri learned of a post-wedding assassination plot against him that was set to kick off in mere hours, Molkhanov had tasked an experienced stable hand with gathering the horses” (02:15). This strategic move enabled Dimitri to flee Moscow under the cover of darkness, aiming to test his subjects' loyalty while traveling incognito.

However, the situation took a dramatic turn when Vasily Shuisky initiated a plot to display Tsar Dimitri’s supposed body, igniting rumors of his survival. Molkhanov capitalized on these events, spreading a narrative that Dimitri had indeed escaped, bolstered by the disappearance of the 25 horses and the disappearance of Dimitri’s favorite Turkish horse and state seal.

Vasily Shuisky's Ascendancy and Propaganda War

With Tsar Dimitri seemingly vanishing, Vasily Shuisky maneuvered to seize power, albeit with rocky reception. Schwartz explains, “Vasily's transition to the throne was rocky, though” (10:45), highlighting his lack of respect among Moscow's nobility compared to his predecessor Dimitri. Vasily's reign was marred by attempts to discredit Dimitri through relentless propaganda, portraying him as a dark sorcerer aligned with satanic forces.

Vasily’s efforts included staging macabre incidents, such as the appearance of Dimitri’s corpse in a churchyard and the anomalous burning of his remains, which Schwartz notes “had Dimitri's remains burned in one of the forts Dmitri had commissioned” (18:30). Despite these frantic measures, Vasily’s strategies often backfired, alienating segments of Russian society and fueling further dissent.

The Emergence of False Dmitri II

Amid the chaos, Mikhail Molkhanov's impersonation of Tsar Dimitri set the stage for subsequent impostors. By early 1607, False Dmitri II emerged, equally enigmatic and claiming legitimate descent from the original Tsar. Schwartz describes his rise, “False Dmitri II arrived to town under an alias and asks around as to what people thought of Tsar Dimitri and if they'd want him back in power again” (25:10), culminating in a flamboyant public revelation of his true identity.

False Dmitri II garnered significant support by presenting himself as a legitimate heir, leading to bloody conflicts and the establishment of a rival capital in Tashino. This period saw Russia effectively split, with two competing tsars and armies vying for control. The episode highlights the chaos with Schwartz's observation, “For over a year, Russia had two tsars, two capitals and two armies” (28:50).

The Proliferation of Impostors and the Decline of False Dmitri II

The success of False Dmitri II inadvertently spawned a proliferation of impostors—approximately ten more False Dmitris emerged, each attempting to capitalize on the first's narrative. Schwartz humorously equates this to “Russian American Idol,” emphasizing the rampant pretenderism.

As the number of Dimitri impostors grew, public trust diminished. False Dmitri II faced internal strife, including executing fellow impostors to assert his authenticity. Despite these efforts, his rule was short-lived. Schwartz recounts, “False Dmitri II fled Toshino as his forces turned on him, but soon mistreated those around him so egregiously that the captain of his own bodyguard killed him on December 11, 1610” (31:00).

Vasily Shuisky's Downfall and the Rise of the Romanovs

The downfall of False Dmitri II significantly weakened Vasily Shuisky’s position. In the wake of prolonged conflict and mounting dissatisfaction, Vasily was eventually ousted, forced into monastic seclusion, and died a few years later. This power vacuum facilitated the ascension of the Romanov dynasty in 1613, marking the end of the Time of Troubles.

Analysis: The Psychology Behind the Belief in Dimitri

Schwartz delves into the societal factors that allowed multiple False Dmitris to gain traction. She posits that widespread illiteracy and the central role of the Russian Orthodox Church made the populace susceptible to charismatic figures promising stability and divine favor. “It's understandable for them to put their faith in a hopeful battle-tested legend supposedly capable of near Christ-like miracles” (35:20).

Moreover, the desperate desire for stability amidst chaos made the enticing rags-to-riches narrative of Tsar Dimitri particularly appealing. This collective yearning for order over tyranny, despite skepticism, underscored the populace’s willingness to embrace impostors who could restore perceived legitimacy and tradition.

Vasily Shuisky: The Antagonist's Contradictions

In a nuanced examination of Vasily Shuisky, Schwartz portrays him as a complex antagonist whose hypocritical actions ultimately contributed to his downfall. While he relentlessly demonized Dimitri, Vasily resorted to sorcery himself in attempts to undermine his rival. “After spending years promoting falsehoods about how Dimitri was a dark sorcerer in league with Satan, when Vasily feared that he was losing the war to False Dimitri II, he allegedly looked into dark sorcery himself” (38:45).

This irony not only highlights Vasily’s desperation but also illustrates the multifaceted nature of political power struggles, where moral ambiguity often pervades the actions of those in power.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Tsar Dimitri

The episode concludes by reflecting on the enduring fascination with the False Dmitris. Schwartz remarks, “Dimitri was both a person or series of people, but also an enduring idea” (40:30), emphasizing how the legend transcended individual impostors to become a symbol of hope and resistance.

The Time of Troubles, characterized by political fragmentation and social upheaval, underscored the profound impact of leadership legitimacy on societal cohesion. The eventual establishment of the Romanov dynasty brought stability, but the legacy of Tsar Dimitri and his impostors continued to inspire cultural and historical discourse.

Final Thoughts

Dana Schwartz masterfully intertwines historical facts with engaging narrative techniques, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the False Dmitris' pivotal role in Russian history. By highlighting the interplay between personal ambition, societal needs, and the precarious nature of power, "Noble Blood" offers a compelling exploration of a fascinating yet tragic chapter in the annals of monarchy.

Notable Quotes

• “After Dmitri learned of a post-wedding assassination plot against him that was set to kick off in mere hours, Molkhanov had tasked an experienced stable hand with gathering the horses.” (02:15)

• “Vasily’s transition to the throne was rocky, though.” (10:45)

• “For over a year, Russia had two tsars, two capitals and two armies.” (28:50)

• “It's understandable for them to put their faith in a hopeful battle-tested legend supposedly capable of near Christ-like miracles.” (35:20)

• “After spending years promoting falsehoods about how Dimitri was a dark sorcerer in league with Satan, when Vasily feared that he was losing the war to False Dmitri II, he allegedly looked into dark sorcery himself.” (38:45)

• “Dimitri was both a person or series of people, but also an enduring idea.” (40:30)

Additional Information

"Noble Blood" is a production of iHeartRadio and Grim & Mild from Erin Menke. For more insightful episodes, visit the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or your preferred podcast platform.