Short History Of... – Rasputin

Host: John Hopkins
Historian Guest: Francis Welch
Date: February 2, 2026
Podcast by: NOISER

Overview

This episode of “Short History Of...” delves into the life, myths, and impact of Grigori Rasputin, the enigmatic Siberian peasant who became an inseparable, controversial figure at the heart of Russia’s Romanov court. Through atmospheric narrative and expert insight, the episode explores Rasputin’s reputed mystical powers, dramatic rise to influence, infamous scandals, and his murder—a turning point in the decline of Imperial Russia. Ultimately, the show poses the question: Was Rasputin a cause or just a symptom of the monarchy’s demise?

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Rasputin’s Introduction to the Russian Court

• Opening Scene (00:32 – 03:10):
  The episode opens in 1907 with a reimagining of Rasputin’s first dramatic intervention in the royal nursery, where Tsarevich Alexei’s life hangs in the balance. Amid desperate prayers and failed doctors, Rasputin’s presence brings calm and, seemingly, miraculous recovery to the heir.
• Interpretations of the “Miracle”:
  • Was it mystical healing, or did Rasputin’s calming manner (and his opposition to aspirin, a blood thinner) give Alexei a chance to recover?

2. Rasputin’s Origins and Reputation in Siberia

• Unusual Beginnings (06:16 – 08:44):
  Francis Welch details Rasputin’s odd childhood, marked by rumors of early development, prophetic powers, and eccentric behaviors, such as “staring at grass for hours and beating himself with nettles.”

• Environment of Spiritual Eccentricity (07:46):
  Siberia at the time included a variety of mystical sects and “holy fools”—making Rasputin’s eccentricity less unusual in context.

• Historian Quote:
  “Where he was, there was quite a lot of spirituality, you can call it. ... there was a lot of what we would call very eccentric behavior around.” (Francis Welch, 07:46)

3. Religious Pilgrimage and Emergence as a Mystic

• Early Adult Years (08:08 – 13:13):
  Rasputin marries, has children, and briefly tries farm life, but his restless, visionary nature leads to long pilgrimages and the embrace of fringe spiritual practices.

• Possible Affiliation with the Klisti:
  Rasputin is linked (controversially, perhaps through hostile sources) with a heretical sect combining ecstatic religious rituals and sexual practices, influencing his own beliefs about sin and salvation.

• Historian Quote (on Rasputin’s rationalization):
  “He also felt that the more girls or women that he slept with, he was reducing the general sins of the world.” (Francis Welch, 10:11)

• Gathers a Following:
  On his returns, Rasputin acquires devotees—villagers seek his blessing and cures, while critics suspect opportunism.

4. Entry to St. Petersburg and Tsarist High Society

• First Steps in the Capital (15:56 – 19:35):
  In early 1900s St. Petersburg, society is obsessed with mysticism and prophet-figures, and Rasputin’s peasant authenticity and charisma win him powerful supporters among the clergy and aristocracy.

• Connection to the Romanovs (19:35):
  Rasputin gains introduction to the Tsarina via Grand Duchess Militza—a woman “slightly cracked, actually”—who was impressed by his healing of her dog.

• Court Quote:
  “It wasn’t so odd for them to invite this rather unkempt man who sort of smelt of goat to the palace.” (Francis Welch, 20:11)

5. Imperial Crisis and Rasputin’s Rise

• Context of Upheaval (19:56 – 22:47):
  As the monarchy reels from the 1905 Revolution and the death of a royal relative, Rasputin’s calm faith appeals greatly to the anxious Tsarina, Alexandra.

• First Healing of Alexei (22:47 – 24:11):
  Rasputin’s intervention during Alexei's health crisis cements the Empress’s near-absolute trust in him—his mere presence seems to stop the boy’s suffering.

• Secrets and Scandal:
  Rasputin’s true role at court is concealed, fueling rumors and discomfort among courtiers and clergy.

6. Rumors, Scandal, and Public Backlash

• Public Perceptions (24:39 – 27:20):
  Rasputin’s visits to the palace and “compromising” interactions with the royal family stoke suspicion, especially since the heir’s illness is secret.

• Correspondence Misinterpreted (26:16):
  Warm (but standard) letters from Alexandra to Rasputin are circulated to suggest an affair—a charge unsupported by fact but widely believed.

• Historian Quote:
  “The rumors of him being with the Tsarina obviously alienated the aristocrats...the politicians started to worry about his influence.” (Francis Welch, 26:55)

• Boisterous Social Life, Police Surveillance (27:20 – 32:21):
  Ongoing reports detail Rasputin’s raucous nights out and relationships with powerful women, further damaging the monarchy’s reputation. The Tsar, however, maintains faith in Rasputin for Alexandra’s sake.

7. Second “Distant” Miracle & Entitlements

• Episode in Spala (32:21 – 33:16):
  During a medical crisis in Poland, Rasputin, far away in Siberia, sends a telegram reassuring Alexandra, after which Alexei recovers—further deepening her devotion.

8. Violence, The War, and Rasputin’s Influence

• Assassination Attempt (33:16 – 34:55): Rasputin is stabbed by a deranged follower of one of his enemies but survives, attributing this to divine protection.

• WWI and Political Meddling (34:55 – 37:00):
  With Tsar Nicholas II personally commanding the army, Alexandra and Rasputin become de facto rulers in Petrograd, pushing policies and appointments many see as disastrous.

• Rumors of German Influence and Conspiracy:
  Some claim Rasputin was advocating for peace with Germany, fueling espionage allegations.

• Historian Quote:
  “He then weighed in and was giving all sorts of advice about attacks...things that he didn’t really know much about.” (Francis Welch, 35:41)

9. Assassination Plot

• Conspirators’ Motive (37:22 – 41:24): With discontent at a breaking point, aristocrats led by Prince Felix Yusupov plot to kill Rasputin, believing his death will restore the monarchy’s reputation and stem revolutionary fervor.

• The Murder (41:24 – 47:13): A staged party with cyanide-laced cakes and poisoned wine fails to kill Rasputin; he’s shot, survives, rises again, is shot more times, and drowned—according to highly sensationalized, likely exaggerated accounts from the conspirators.

• Possible British Involvement (47:01):
  There are rumors a British agent fired the fatal shot—considered plausible by some.

• Historian Quote:
  “Stories then emerge that Rasputin was actually killed with a single bullet in the head from a British Secret Service agent, which, in a way, seems more likely to me.” (Francis Welch, 47:01)

10. Aftermath and Historical Legacy

• Immediate Impact (47:13 – 49:52):
  Rasputin’s body is pulled from the river; the Empress is devastated, but the public celebrates.

  • “The Tsar was ambivalent ... The Tsarina was absolutely mortified.” (Francis Welch, 47:36)

• Political Fallout & Revolution:
  Rather than saving the monarchy, Rasputin's murder has the opposite effect—deepening Alexandra’s paranoia and hastening revolution.

• Historian Quote:
  “The murder of Rasputin is now seen as the first shot of the revolution because actually, everything fell down like a house of cards.” (Francis Welch, 48:56)

• Within months, the Tsar abdicates, the Bolsheviks seize power, and the royal family is executed. The dynasty ends, but Rasputin’s legend only grows.

11. Rasputin: Fact and Myth

• Blame and Redemption (52:04 – 53:04): The episode considers whether Rasputin was truly responsible for Russia’s collapse, concluding he was more symptom than cause.

  • “Was he really responsible for the revolution? I can't see that. ... It's a pity they couldn't talk about why he was there, why he was healing the Tsarevich, which was obviously a huge thing.” (Francis Welch, 52:04)

• Modern Perception:
  Rasputin is both scapegoat and mythical figure: “He’s become a sort of comic creation in a way, hasn’t he? ... He was just a sort of good time guy. He loves wine, women and song.” (Francis Welch, 52:44)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On the mystical hue of rural Siberia:
  “There was a lot of what we would call very eccentric behavior around.” (Francis Welch, 07:46)

• Rasputin’s belief about his promiscuity:
  “The more girls or women that he slept with, he was reducing the general sins of the world. So he was doing a very good thing.” (Francis Welch, 10:11)

• Rasputin’s unwavering influence at court:
  “Every time Rasputin seems cornered by public opinion, Alexandra steps in to support him. To her, these are malicious slanders against God’s chosen servant and the man she once described as Christ in miniature.” (John Hopkins, 33:16)

• On Rasputin’s legendary resilience during his murder:
  “You can’t do anything to me, [Rasputin] rails.” (Reported in the narrative, 41:24)

• Summing up his legacy:
  “He loves wine, women and song.” (Francis Welch, 52:44)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Rasputin’s first healing of Alexei: 00:32 – 06:16
• Eccentric childhood and Siberian religious culture: 06:16 – 09:09
• Sex, sin, and the Klisti: 09:09 – 10:46
• Rasputin's early influence in St. Petersburg: 15:56 – 20:43
• First encounter with the Tsarina: 20:43 – 22:29
• 1907 hematoma crisis: 22:29 – 24:11
• Public scandal, rumors, and surveillance: 24:11 – 32:21
• Miraculous telegram from afar: 32:21 – 33:16
• WWI, growing political influence: 34:55 – 37:22
• The murder plot: 37:22 – 47:13
• Revolution and Rasputin’s myth: 47:13 – End (53:32)

Tone & Style

The episode combines vivid historical storytelling with an atmosphere of gothic intrigue and draws on both historical evidence and the layers of myth that have enveloped Rasputin’s memory. Francis Welch’s commentary injects both skepticism and wit, especially regarding the more outrageous legends.

Conclusion

Rasputin’s story is a potent mixture of fact, fiction, scandal, and symbolism. This episode richly contextualizes his rise from the Siberian steppe to the heart of Russia’s collapsing monarchy, showing how myth and history became inseparable in the making—and unmaking—of an era.

Next Episode: "Short History Of... the Rwandan Genocide"