#@ask-grigori-rasputin

[sakuraswordly]

[dingostrash]

horny kirei art should balance things out.

No idea what this is a response to but you're right

[nickl-art]

the most successful influencer of the late 1890s to the early 1900s

[soullessjack]

31 for the ask game?

31 / three random facts

> the Iron Maiden torture device never actually existed, and was a myth heightened by the idea that the Middle Ages were uncivilized.

> Grigori Rasputin’s dick is allegedly being held in a pickle jar in St. Petersburg, Russia’s Museum of Erotica, after his daughter sold it to them in 1977

> Costas Mandylor aka Mark Hoffman from Saw V, VI and 3D asked for real glass to be put in his glass coffin trap and for his trap bindings to be tighter, and was described as “an actor that likes to be bound.”

[doyoulikethissong-poll]

Boney M. - Rasputin 1978

"Rasputin" is a song by Germany-based Afro Caribbean pop and Eurodisco group Boney M. It was released as the second single from their third studio album Nightflight to Venus. The core of the song tells of Grigori Rasputin's rise to prominence in the court of Tsar Nicholas II during the early 1900s, referencing the hope held by Tsarina Alexandra Fyodorovna that Rasputin would heal her hemophiliac son, Tsarevich Alexei of Russia, and as such his appointment as Alexei's personal healer. The song claims that Rasputin was Alexandra's paramour, a widespread rumour in Rasputin's time, with which his political enemies intended to discredit him. It accurately states that the conspirators asked him "Come to visit us", and then recounts a widely popular account of the assassination in Yusupov's estate: that Rasputin's assassins fatally shot him after he survived the poisoning of his wine.

"Rasputin" rose to the top of the charts in Germany, Austria, Belgium and Australia, and went to No. 2 in the UK, Argentina, Finland, Spain and Switzerland. It enjoyed great popularity in the Soviet Union, however it was omitted from the Soviet pressing of the album and Boney M. were barred from performing the song during their ten performances in Moscow.

It's pretty safe to say this song put a impressive and unbeatable record in the amounts of votes and reblogs! 💖 This is currently the most liked song on this poll blog with a whooping 94,8% total yes votes.

[otmaaromanovas]

Romanov myths part three - did the Grand Duchesses go shopping?

Over the years, a prevalent belief that the Romanov Grand Duchesses, Olga, Tatiana, Maria, and Anastasia, did not go shopping continues to be repeated. Some historians have even suggested that the girls did not know how paying for items worked. However, primary sources from people who knew the girls, were members of their entourage, and the Grand Duchesses' own diaries, tell a different story...

"Saturday. 10 August. … We walked along the historic boulevard and the main streets, but crowds followed us everywhere, so we were able to go into only 2 shops for a minute..." "Friday. 15 November. Had lessons, after that went shopping for wool with Nastenka as usual.." From Grand Duchess Olga Nikolaevna’s 1913 diary [my underlining]

In this entry, Olga describes shopping Countess Anastasia 'Nastenka' Vassilievna Hendrikova, who was a young lady-in-waiting at court and a particular favourite of the Grand Duchesses, often accompanying them on trips. As described in the first entry, it appears that safety and security concerns due to crowds, rather than a lack of understanding about shops, contributed to the Grand Duchesses not being able to shop frequently. Nastenka is frequently mentioned by the Grand Duchesses in their diaries, and volunteered to join the Romanov family in their house arrest and imprisonment. She was murdered by the Bolsheviks in September 1918.

"After coffee, I went for a walk with my pupils… They really liked to go to the shops and buy everything. Anastasia Nikolaevna was especially attracted to stores, where they sold doll shoes of various sizes… Tatiana Nikolaevna did not always accompany since the doctors found her heart was weak and she went with the Empress to take baths." A Few Years Before the Catastrophe by Sofia Ivanovna Tyutcheva.

Sofia Ivanovna Tyutcheva was a maid-of-honour to Tsarina Alexandra Feodorovna, and in 1907 was appointed as governess to the Grand Duchesses. The Grand Duchesses referred to her as "Savanna". She was dismissed in 1912 when she voiced concerns over Grigori Efimovich Rasputin. She wrote a short memoir in 1945, and passed away in 1957.

"[The] Grand Duchesses went shopping in the morning with one of the ladies-in-waiting to the Empress. They delighted in that because they could mix with the crowd and buy things just as everyone else did, and they were so pleased if they were not recognised at once." -- Upheaval - Olga Voronova [my underlining]

Countess Olga Konstantinovna Voronova was part of the aristocratic Kleinmichel family and in 1914, married one of the Romanov's favourite officers, Pavel Alexeievich Voronov. Through these connections, Olga Konstantinovna became a friend of the Grand Duchesses, exchanging frequent letters with Olga and Tatiana in particular, before and after the Revolution. She published her memoirs in 1932. Once again, it is inferred that being recognised and subsequent security concerns stifled the Grand Duchesses' shopping sprees.

Where did the myth come from?

It appears that the myth came about due to this extract from Margaretta Eagar, an Irish nanny who cared for the children from 1898 to 1904:

Her only knowledge of shops and shopping was derived from the toy and sweet shops in Darmstadt. One day she asked me why the Americans spoke English, not American. I told her the story of the Pilgrim Fathers, and described how they built houses and shops, and so made towns. She was exceedingly interested and inquired, ' Where did they find the toys to sell in the shops ? " Six Years at the Russian Court, by Margaretta Eagar

It appears that some historians forgot that Margaretta Eagar moved on from her nanny position in 1904, when the eldest Grand Duchess was nine and the youngest was three, and perhaps did not look for sources from when the Grand Duchesses had grown up and had slightly more independence.

Over time, the myth appears to have been exaggerated and repeated until it became part of the 'folklore' surrounding the Romanov Grand Duchesses, portraying them as isolated and naïve.

Whilst it is clear that the Grand Duchesses did enjoy going shopping in their lifetimes, safety and security concerns meant they could not enjoy shopping as frequently as other teenagers may have. In the same way royals today would not be able to go to shops without being recognised, there was a chance that a crowd could gather. Similarly, Olga and Tatiana appear to have shopped more than the younger pair, Maria and Anastasia, likely due to being older in age and therefore having more independence.

Photos:

First set, left: Olga, Anastasia (hidden behind Olga), and Maria Shopping in Germany, 1910. Right: Olga and Tatiana out shopping in the Isle of Wight, 1909, accompanied by Dr. Evgeny Botkin (in the suit)

Second set, left: Tatiana and Maria shopping with Sofia Ivanovna Tyutcheva, circa 1910. Right: The Grand Duchesses and their entourage by shops, most likely taken in Germany, 1910

Sources:

Journal of a Russian Grand Duchess: Complete Annotated 1913 Diary of Olga Romanov, Eldest Daughter of the Last Tsar, translator Helen Azar, (Independently published: 2015)

A Few Years Before the Catastrophe: The Memoirs of Sofia Ivanovna Tyutcheva, translator George Hawkins, (Independently published: 2020)

Upheaval, Olga Voronova (Woronoff), (New York; London: G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1932) -- Free to read online here

Six Years at the Russian Court, Margaretta Eagar, (New York: Charles L. Bowman and Company, 1906) -- Free to read online here

[stromuprisahat]

Hey, umm, feel free to ignore of this is a stupid question, bit why do some people call the Grishaverse “Gregverse”? I’ve seen it used a lot and I can’t figure out why.

Hi, don't be afraid to ask anything. I might be a bit slooooower to answer, but without questions we never learn. ;)

Once upon a time LB (or her publishers) claimed Ravka is inspired by tsarist Russia and so it its language. Unfortunatelly it also drew people interested in such setting, or even familiar with Russian culture, and those pointed out certain inconsistencies in language, naming customs, or the tiny little detail LB decided to call her "not-magicians" by diminutive of an actual name- Grigori (Григорий). Name corresponding with English Gregory, therefore Grisha could be translated as "Greg".

It's a lovely summary of the whole world and the author's approach to its alleged inspiration. It's supposed to look and sound cool and fresh, but you shouldn't look too deeply into it. Therefore Gregverse is often used in slightly derogatory sense by people openly criticising it.

Another funny detail I realized while writing this- Grigori- or Grisha if we want- was the first name of an infamous holy man/charaltan and reputed miracle-worker you'll probably know from certain Boney M song and several Western works of fiction- Grigori Yefimovich Ra-Ra-Rasputin...

[muiitoloko]

Firstly absolutely love your writing, I always look everyday to see if there is a new story written by you. Seriously, love your writing. Would you ever write stories for the other characters the late great Alan Rickman has portrayed in the past like Grigori Rasputin, Metatron, John Gissing, Antonine Richis? Obviously I know you need to have ideas for them, it’s not something you can pull out of the air. I am trying to write my second one shot but, I either lose inspiration or I keep changing things as I over think all the time.

I was thinking about the Rasputin character and had an idea where he is hired by a different royal family to teach the two daughters about god and religion. One princess is to be the heir to the throne, while the other will not be as the doctors found she can not bare any heirs. The princess who is to be the heir tries to seduce Grigori, but he is more interested in the other princess who is treated cruelty by her family He teaches her about how people make a living outside of the royal family. Then asks if she would like him to teach her about the pleasures of the flesh (smut).

it’s cool if this is a bad idea, just thought I would put it out into the universe.

Thank you so much for your kind words and for following my writing journey! It means the world to me that you enjoy my stories. 😊 Writing can definitely be a rollercoaster of inspiration and overthinking, so I totally understand where you're coming from.

As for exploring other characters played by the late, great Alan Rickman, I'm absolutely open to the idea! Each of his characters brings such depth and complexity, and there's endless potential for new stories. Your idea about Grigori Rasputin sounds intriguing and full of possibilities! I love how you've woven together elements of intrigue, royalty, and personal growth. I'll definitely give it some serious thought and see where it takes us. Keep an eye out—I'll be diving into Rasputin's world soon! 😊📝

[thecarnivorousmuffinmeta]

So vampires can make people mysteriously disappear, right? (pretend there's a relevant meta linked here.) What unsolved mysteries do you think were actually vampires per Twilight?

Rasputin

Well, there's always the obvious Grigori Rasputin the man who just wouldn't die.

Rasputin was murdered during the early morning on 30 December [O.S. 17 December] 1916 at the home of Felix Yusupov. He died of three gunshot wounds, one of which was a close-range shot to his forehead. Little is certain about his death beyond this, and the circumstances of his death have been the subject of considerable speculation. According to historian Douglas Smith, "what really happened at the Yusupov home on 17 December will never be known".[86] The story that Yusupov recounted in his memoirs, however, has become the most frequently told version of events.[87]

Rasputin's corpse on the ground with a bullet wound visible in his forehead

Yusupov said he invited Rasputin to his home shortly after midnight and ushered him into the basement. Yusupov offered Rasputin tea and cakes which had been laced with cyanide. Rasputin initially refused the cakes but then began to eat them and, to Yusupov's surprise, appeared unaffected by the poison.[88] Rasputin then asked for some Madeira wine (which had also been poisoned) and drank three glasses, but still showed no sign of distress. At around 2:30 am, Yusupov excused himself to go upstairs, where his fellow conspirators were waiting. He took a revolver from Dmitry Pavlovich, then returned to the basement and told Rasputin that he'd "better look at the crucifix and say a prayer", referring to a crucifix in the room, then shot him once in the chest. The conspirators then drove to Rasputin's apartment, with Sukhotin wearing Rasputin's coat and hat in an attempt to make it look as though Rasputin had returned home that night.[89] Upon returning to the Moika Palace, Yusupov went back to the basement to ensure that Rasputin was dead.[90] Suddenly, Rasputin leaped up and attacked Yusupov, who freed himself with some effort and fled upstairs. Rasputin followed Yusupov into the palace's courtyard, where he was shot by Purishkevich. He collapsed into a snowbank. The conspirators then wrapped his body in cloth, drove it to the Petrovsky Bridge, and dropped it into the Malaya Nevka River.[91]

- Wikipedia

In the Twilight world, although Rasputin was eventually shot to death, the whole ordeal is one that screams supernatural in some manner. His hijinks are also something that Twilight vampires seem to enjoy getting into (see Boris, the vampire who turned Laurent, a fake Russian noble hanging out in Versailles, or else George, the sewer dwelling conman who pretends to be Astaroth).

Jeanne D'Arc

Fully human, definitely gifted, stupidly gifted.

Aro is crying that he didn't make it in time for when she was arrested in Rouen and is still upset about it.

You've got any, @therealvinelle?

[hrefna-the-raven]

See you in Warsaw

Masterlist - Misc. masterlist

Grigori Rasputin x female reader

Part 1

Words: 2153

Summary: you, dear reader, are a thaumaturge traveling through the world. As you finally arrived in Warsaw at the Szulski residence, the phone suddenly rang...

Reader: short female reader with curves, but no other specific descriptions are used

Part 2

While he was excited to finally get to Warsaw for his very own reasons, the moment he stepped out of the train and the Nadarzynskis greeted him cheerfully, regret crawled into his mind. For the first time his own goals seemed unimportant, a forgotten thought lingering in the shadows of his mind. For the first time since he started his journey he felt like there was something he craved more than complying to his visions and his faith...you. Although, in his very own way, he believed you to part of God's plan and that your paths had crossed couldn't be a mere coincidence. He had to tame his own desires for at least a day, it was crucial that he'd take his time to get acquainted with his hosts and the neighbourhood, and it would most likely point him eventually towards you.

You had arrived early in the morning at the Szulki residence, Grazyna greeting you with a warm hug and invited you in. It had been a while since you visited Ligia and after giving her a day after her father's funeral, you'd decided that you couldn't wait any longer to meet your friend. She was sitting in the dining room, the fork falling out of her hand as she gasped at you entered.

"How long has it been?", Ligia asked jumping up from her chair so fast it almost fell backwards before walking towards you.

"Too long", you replied, pulling her into a tight hug, "my condolences."

"Thank you", Ligia whispered before pulling away, "Wiktor is here too, he should be upstairs."

Before she could say any more, you nodded with a mischievous grin and turned on your heel, striding through the hallway towards the stairway when the sudden ringing of the telephone startled you. With hesitant steps you approached and took the receiver, holding it up to your ear without saying anything.

"I talk here...? Do you hear me now? Wiktor? Wiktor, are you there?"

A small chuckle passed your lips and your heart skipped a small beat as you instantly recognised the voice. You found it almost endearing how he seemed to use a telephone for the first time but the mention of Wiktor's name made you wonder if he had asked him for help to decipher you little message and if Wiktor would have revealed that you knew him since childhood.

"This is the Szulski residence but I'm afraid it's not Wiktor", you finally replied, trying your earnest to keep your mischievous giggles down.

There was an awkward silence for a few minutes until Grigori softly murmured 'angel'.

"And here I thought you'd be asking for me but no, apparently I'm not your favourite thaumaturge", you teased, curious what he'd reply.

"Far from it my dear", the man chuckled at the other end of the line, "although Wiktor was the last one I met and he was so kind as to translate that little message of yours to me", he paused for a moment as if weighing the choice of his next words very carefully, "should you desire your brooch back, I have found lodgings here in Warsaw, Seven Powązkowska Street, by the cemetery."

"That brooch is one my favourite, so expect a visit soon", you grinned to yourself, eager for the opportunity to see him again so soon, "oh and Grigori, it's good to hear your voice."

Rasputin was taken aback by the sudden softness in your voice and it took him a moment to collect his thoughts before answering.

"It's good to hear you as well. And please inform Wiktor of the address too, he may have need of me. Goodbye."

There was pause and just before you wanted to hang up, you could his voice laced with confusion and astonishment.

"I want to end now. What do I...? Like this? Wonderful device. Remarkable. Hello...? Oh. And now...?"

With an amused chuckle you set the receiver down and made your upstairs to greet Wiktor.

A grin tugged at the corners of his mouth as he saw you strode into the living room of the Nadarzynskis. The excitement of meeting you again almost made him feel nauseous and, all over sudden, all his resolve to remain calm crumbled and he jumped up from the sofa and pulled you into a tight hug.

"It's wonderful to see you again, my angel", he whispered softly against your neck.

Finally, you were in his arms again as he continued to hold you in his arms, his chin resting lightly on top of your head. A fleeting worry crossed his mind—that perhaps you were merely a figment of his imagination—but the warmth of your body pressed against his dispelled such doubts. That divine melody of your heartbeat resounding within your chest and now that his guardian angel was finally by his side again, a strange sense of peace settled over him. He took a deep breath, inhaling your scent. It was like a gift of the Heavens to him, a soothing smell that reminded him of warm summer days and long walks through forests filled with the most beautiful flowers. He felt the tension in his shoulders melt away, and for the first time in days, the knot in his stomach seemed to ease. A silent prayer echoed within him, beseeching God to allow this moment of tranquillity and closeness to last forever.

Reluctantly, he drew back from you, his hands gently resting on your shoulders before tenderly cradling your face. In his eyes shone a fervent adoration, akin to a religious devotion, as he gazed upon you.

"I've missed you", he whispered, "you can't imagine how happy I am to see you here, God's sweetest angel."

"I'm a thaumaturge", the tone of your voice was laced with amusement, "I have a very good idea of how happy you are. Besides you still hold something dear to me."

A wide smile tugged at the corners of Rasputin's lips and his hand reached into his pocket, taking out the brooch and offering it to you. The moment your fingertips graced the cold metal of the brooch, visions of emotions flooded your mind. You could see and feel the traces of passion clinging to the object and thoughts of you that had occupied the person's mind. Blushing slightly, you looked up at Rasputin. Despite the initial surprise leaving you momentarily flustered, you managed to smirk at him with playful defiance.

"You touched yourself while thinking of me, Grigori?"

Clearing his throat, he felt a flush of embarrassment sweep over him as he watched you examine the jewellery with a teasing grin. He couldn't deny the fact that he had been plagued by sinful thoughts upon on which he acted while your angelic beauty haunted his mind. You were a gift from God and whatever love and passion he harboured for you, it felt strangely holy to him. And yet, he couldn't help but still feel exposed and vulnerable.

"I... well...", he stammered, searching for words that eluded him, for you had already seen and felt the true essence of the love and passion he held for you within his soul.

With a defeated sigh, his eyes found yours, summoning every ounce of courage to meet your gaze with a faintly amused grin.

"Can you blame me?"

Laughter bubbled within your chest at his question and you shook your head, leaning closer as you whispered your name into his ear.

"You might want to at least know which name to moan the next time."

You pulled away, giving him a sly wink as you took a seat on the sofa.

A shiver ran down his spine and his eyes seemed to darken a tone, his pupils dilating, as your name echoed endlessly in his mind. He could almost imagine it, the sound of your name spoken from his lips like a fervent incantation as he lay upon his bed, fingers digging into the sheets while his hand wrapped around and stroked... He shook his head and sat down next to you, trying to dispel the fog of desire that thickened inside his skull. You gently placed your hand upon his cheek, turning his face towards you to capture his attention.

"Let's talk somewhere a bit more private, away from prying ears", you whispered.

Rasputin's vision blackened for a moment before he found himself standing in a dark void, where crimson mist flickered like embers in the air around him. The place was devoid of all sound and as panic started to rise within him, he spun around only to be met with the vast emptiness of the boundless Then, without warning, you emerged before him, a gentle smile lighting up your delicate features as you raised your hands.

"Welcome to the inside of your mind."

His eyes widened as a towering figure emerged behind you, its gaze intently focused on an ancient tome cradled in its hands. Rasputin tried to concentrate on the man's face but the more he tried, the more it seemed to elude him, ever-shifting and changing from beauty to monstrosity, from man to woman into a strange mixture of all of it at once. The man moved with a supernatural grace and when his eyes finally met Grigori's, he was overcome with a strange sense of love, engulfing his entire being with a comforting warmth.

"This is Dantalion, my salutor", you spoke softly as you approached the two men.

Your hand tenderly caressed your salutor's cheek, and as you shared a moment of profound connection, Dantalion vanished once more, leaving only you and Rasputin enveloped in the darkness.

"Impressive", he muttered under his breath.

He stood there captivated by how different you communicated with your salutor compared to Wiktor, it held much more power and grace. The connection between you and Dantalion seemed to be a incorruptible unity, bound by a strange yet familiar love and Grigori noticed a sudden hint of jealousy prickling beneath his skin.

"I've never seen Wiktor's salutor", he spoke as his eyes found yours.

"That's because he chose not to reveal it to you", you shrugged with a slightly amused grin, "I decided to share it with you since Dantalion is an integral part of who I am. Anyone who chooses me must also accept him."

"God has bestowed upon you a truly wondrous gift, my dearest angel", the calm in his voice resonated through the black void around you, "and he has blessed me with your presence and trust."

"You still believe me to be an angel, even after witnessing the demon standing beside me?"

You moved closer to him, gently cradling his face in your hands, your fingers threading softly through his beard as your eyes danced between his gaze and lips. Before he could respond, your lips clashed on his in a passionate kiss. Despite you being inside his mind, it felt real and there was a tenderness to his lips that stirred something profound within your heart. As you felt him melt into the kiss, your tongue pushed past his lips to deepen it. He was as irresistible to you as you were to him, an unholy union sanctioned by God himself and Grigori thought he was touching Heaven's divinity for the first time.

As he felt you pull away, his eyes fluttered open and the room around him swimming into focus beneath the bright glow of the parlour lights. The scent of a few burning candles mingled with the fragrance of aged wood and he was back on the comfortable sofa in the Nadarzynskis' drawing room. He blinked twice, trying to anchor himself in the present, but his mind was still adrift in the mind void that you had taken him to. Standing by the doorway, you wore a captivating smile that danced across your lips.

"He's all yours", you said, your voice an angelic melody that pierced through the haze of his consciousness, "I was about to leave."

Grigori's lips parted, but no sound emerged. A tempest of emotions brewed within him—confusion, bliss, and an insatiable craving for more. He yearned to touch you, hold you and prevent you from escaping him yet again. His God-sent temptress who was always a step ahead of him.

"See you around, Grigori," you said, bowing with a grace that only deepened his yearning.

As you turned, your satisfied grin was the last thing he saw before you vanished from sight. Wiktor stepped into the room, his presence grounding Grigori back to reality. The two men shared a glance, but no words were exchanged. Wiktor’s eyes, however, held a knowing look that told Grigori he wasn’t alone in his newfound fascination.

"She's quite something, isn't she?" Wiktor finally broke the silence, his voice carrying a hint of amusement.

Grigori nodded, still speechless. The lingering warmth of your presence enveloped him and he found it nearly impossible to focus on anything else.

Part 3???

Enjoy and feel free to reblog :)

[deborahdeshoftim5779]

I was just discussing Putin's fictious 'family values' that he was boasting about to Tucker Carlson in this post.

Yulia Navalnya, widow of Alexei Navalny, released a video exposing Putin's fictitious 'Christian faith'. That was another boast the dictator made earlier this month to Tucker Carlson, who sat stupefied, as though he were in the presence of the Dalai Lama, rather than the presence of a genocidal dictator. Putin claimed that Westerners were more 'practical' and Russians more 'spiritual'.

Now that we all see Putin continuing to torture Navalny's family even after he murdered Alexei Navalny, everyone can judge this Russian 'spirituality' for themselves. A dictator tortures a grieving mother, a grieving wife, and grieving children, by bribing prison officials to tell lies and refuse to grant the most basic dignity in death to a man who was poisoned, falsely imprisoned, tortured, and eventually murdered.

Navalnaya points out the most obvious moral fraudulence of a man who is careful to be filmed kissing Orthodox icons while maintaining a terror state that murders dissidents.

She also points out later how Putin hid behind religious faith to justify his murderous war in Ukraine, which has now exceeded two years. The Russian Orthodox Church, led by ex-KGB agent Vladimir Gundyaev (now known as Patriarch Kirill), blessed Putin's murderous intentions under the guise of his 'one people' doctrine.

Patriarch Kirill described his 'one people' doctrine of Russians and Ukrainians as including the same Russian Orthodox Church and the same language, Russian. It was Patriarch Kirill who blessed Russian soldiers going to fight someone else's country without justification.

And it has been Patriarch Kirill who has been totally silent when Russian bombs have not only massacred innocents (the same people he claims are part of one entity), but also damaged Ukrainian churches.

It's not just Putin's faith that is fake; the entire Russian Orthodox establishment is fake. It exists on paper as a church, but in reality functions as an embezzlement and money laundering outfit for the Russian government, something Alexei Navalny exposed in his anti-corruption documentaries.

More importantly, the Russian Orthodox Church serves to sanitise and whitewash the ruling dictatorship by presenting the dictators (Putin and Lukashenko) as deeply spiritual men who are single-handedly preserving the religious and cultural foundations of the Russian state and Russian-speaking peoples. (As we know, they define the Russian state and Russian-speaking peoples in imperialist terms, namely, in terms of the non-existent Russian Empire.)

The church falsely advances the idea that without these dictators, Russia's stability would collapse and 'immorality', defined as Western liberal values, would creep in and cause moral ruin.

You had best believe that these 'spiritual' men are paid handsomely in bribes and luxuries like private jets to promulgate this false narrative. You had also best believe that despite their pontification about 'family values' and 'Russian culture', the Russian Orthodox Church has a long history of behaving in exactly the opposite way. Read about the state of the church and the morality of its priests and monks during the days of self-styled monk, Grigori Rasputin (c.1869-1916), as just one example. I put it to you that very little has changed since then.

We do not ask, but we demand: return the body of Alexei Navalny to his family immediately!

[best-romanov-monarch]

BONUS ROUND 2: The Royal Favourite Rumble

The main poll is all fun and games, but let us not forget that the charm of the Romanov dynasty is not just about the guys with the crown of Monomakh. In fact, some of them might outright pale in comparison to the colourful characters in their vicinity. And this bonus round is dedicated to exactly such men-behind-the-man (or a woman, or a child). Alas, none of these (with one exception) are official dynasty members, but we'd be remiss if we didn't also celebrate them, and their contributions to the most dramatic dynasty of Early Modern and Modern Europe.

And oh, before anyone asks - Rasputin was disqualified for being vastly more famous than any other person on this poll. No other reason. If you miss him so badly, there are several other shady clergymen one might turn to...

OUR CONTESTANTS

Patriarch Filaret (Fyodor Nikitich Romanov) - Also known as the ACTUAL first Romanov ruler.

Patriarch Nikon (Nikita Minin) - The orthodoxy's biggest drama queen.

Alexander Danilovich Menshikov - Boy went pretty far from (allegedly) a pirozhki seller. And by far we mean Siberia.

Ernst Johann Biron - You know he was an upstanding gentleman just from the fact he was the favourite person of Anna Ivanovna.

Grigory Alexandrovich Potemkin - The reports of his artificial villages were greatly exaggarated. Which is surprising considering how hard exaggarating about this dude is.

***

[utterrandomnesswithlulu]

FLASHBACK FRIDAY: ANASTASIA

Constantly mistaken for a Disney film due to its similarities with films that were released during the Disney Renaissance (Disney movies made and released from 1989 to 1999), Anastasia came out in 1997 in association with Fox Animation Studios and distributed by 20th Century Fox. On this Flashback Friday, we’re taking a look at the classic animation movie Anastasia.

SPOILERS

SYNOPSIS

We’re introduced to a young Grand Duchess Anastasia at a ball in 1916 which is celebrating the Romanov Tricentennial. The Dowager Empress Marie is gifting her grandchild a music box and necklace, that is inscribed with Together in Paris. The eight-year-old is ecstatic at the idea of being in Paris with her grandmother, but those hopes are dashed short when Grigori Rasputin, a sorcerer and former advisor to the Romanov is seeking revenge after being exiled for treason. Rasputin has sold his soul in order to obtain an unholy reliquary that curses the Romanovs and sparks the Russian Revolution. The family has been ripped apart as revolutionaries overwhelm the palace. With the help of a 10-year-old servant boy, Dimitri, Anastasia is able to escape through a secret passage with her grandmother. Anastasia is ambushed by Rasputin, and they are able to escape him as he falls through the frozen river. Anastasia and Marie are able to reach a train, but as Marie climbs abroad with the aid of the other passengers, Anastasia loses her grip on her grandmother’s hand and falls, hitting her head on the platform. This results in amnesia.

Ten years later, the Dowager Empress is desperate to be reunited with her granddaughter and has offered 10 million rubles (today that would be equivalent to 136,850.00 USD) to reward anyone who can find her and have her safely returned. Conman Dimitri and his partner in crime, Vlad, are actively searching for an Anastasia look-alike to bring to Paris and claim the 10 million ruble reward money. Meanwhile, an 18-year-old Anya leaves behind her orphanage, she is accompanied by a stray dog, Pooka, as they journey to St. Petersburg. Inspired by an inscription on her necklace, she believes the thing needed to unlock her memories is in Paris. However, without an exit visa, she has no hope of leaving Russia. An elderly woman points her to the old palace to look for Dimitri. There, Anya finds Dimitri and Vlad, and they are both impressed by how similar she is to the long-lost Grand Duchess Anastasia. With their look-alike secured, Dimitri and Vlad agree to take her to Paris.

Rasputin’s minion, an albino bat named Bartok, is near and watching the events unfold as the long-dormant reliquary suddenly springs to life. It’s revived by Anya’s presence, and it drags Bartok to limbo where he finds his master, the undead Rasputin. Livid that the young Anastasia escaped his curse, Rasputin sends his minions from the reliquary to finish the job. The reliquary’s demons sabotage the train that the three of them boarded, unsuccessful with the train. The demons cause her to sleepwalk off their ship on their way to France. With Dimitri able to save her before she walks off the ship, Rasputin decides to travel out of limbo to kill Anya personally. Meanwhile, as all of that is happening, Dimitri and Vlad teach Anya etiquette and the Romanov family history as Dimitri and Anya begin to fall in love.

The trio finally reaches Paris, but the Dowager Empress is no longer seeing people who claim to be the Grand Duchess Anastasia. Sophie, the Dowager Empress’s cousin, quizzes Anya to confirm her identity. However, with all the questions that Anya answered correctly, the imposters knew as well. Sophie decides to attempt to stump Anya by asking how she escaped the palace during the siege, and Dimitri panics because they haven’t taught her any of that. Dimitri has the abrupt realization that Anya is indeed Anastasia when she recalls how a servant boy opened a wall to help them escape. Sophie convinced, arranges a meeting at the Paris Opera House. At the Opera, Dimitri tries with all his might to get the Dowager Empress to at the very least talk to her. However, she wants nothing to do with the con that Dimitri is peddling. Unfortunately, Anya, who has been left in the dark about Dimitri’s and Vlad’s true intentions, overhears the entire conversation. Furious at him, she leaves, but Dimitri isn’t letting anything go, knowing full well that Anya is the real Grand Duchess, and abducts the Dowager Empress and takes her to Anya’s hotel. The Dowager Empress is finally convinced to meet Anya only after Dimitri reveals the music box that Anastasia dropped during their escape. As the Dowager Empress and Anya speak, Anya slowly regains her memory, especially after seeing her wear the necklace that was a gift to the young Duchess. The Dowager Empress recognizes Anya as Anastasia and the two are finally reunited.

Dimitri is called upon by the Dowager Empress, who attempts to uphold her promise of giving a reward to anyone who finds Anastasia. It takes her a moment, but the Dowager Empress recognizes him as the servant boy who helped them escape. Dimitri refuses the money, which surprises her, and he leaves for Russia. At a celebration held in honor of Anastasia, the Dowager Empress informs Anastasia of Dimitri’s gesture, which leaves her torn between staying or going with him. Walking off somewhere, she is trapped by Rasputin, who attacks her. Dimitri returns to save her but is attacked by an enchanted Pegasus statue. During the struggle, Anastasia is able to get hold of the reliquary and smashes it, avenging her family and destroying Rasputin.

In the end, Anastasia and Dimitri elope and she sends a letter to her grandmother and Sophie, promising that they’ll see each other again.

PRODUCTION

Anastasia is loosely based on a real person, Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia, who was the daughter of the last Russian tsar, Nicholas II. She and her family were executed in July 1918, and there were many rumors that she and her brother, Alexei Nikolaevich, might have survived the execution. In 1991, a forensic study was done on the bodies found that positively ID the family and servants, but not of Anastasia and Alexei. It wasn’t until 2007 that a DNA test of a secondary gravesite identified the bodies of Anastasia and Alexei.

Directors Don Bluth and Gary Goldman researched the actual events through CIA agents that were stationed in both Moscow and St. Petersburg. Screenwriter Eric Tuchman, around this time, wrote a script about the very real events that happened to the Romanov family, but it was scrapped because Bluth and Goldman believed that it was too dark for the film they wanted to create. Bruce Graham (who had been a co-screenwriter with Tuchman) decided to rework the script with Susan Gauthier, which turned Tuchman’s dark, adult script into a more lighthearted romantic comedy geared toward children. When Graham and Gauthier left for other projects, Bob Tzudiker, Noni White, and even Carrie Fisher (uncredited) were brought on board for additional rewrites.

For the villain, Bluth took into consideration very real political activists such as the Bolsheviks and even the Russian Revolutionary and politician Vladimir Lenin. However, they instead went with Grigori Rasputin, who was indeed a mystic man and advisor to the royal family. They choose him because of all the things that were used to kill this man, and how truly terrible he was. Rasputin was already dead before the events of Romanov’s assassination. Bartok was later introduced as the comedic sidekick.

Casting Meg Ryan as Anastasia was Bluth’s first and only choice, but it took some persuasion from them for her to accept this role. John Cusack was brought on board to voice Dimitri, and he later admitted to the cast and crew that he, in fact, couldn’t sing. Liz Calloway became Anastasia’s singing voice, while Jonathan Dokuchitz became Dimitri’s. Christopher Lloyd was hired as Rasputin because of his popularity in the Back to the Future trilogy (Jim Cummings provided the singing voice), and Hank Azaria won the role as Bartok ten minutes into his audition. Kelsey Grammer got the role of Vlad and even sang for the character too.

The score was composed by David Newman (Matilda, Death to Smoochy, The Brave Little Toaster, Serenity, and Ice Age). The song, Journey to the Past, was nominated for an Academy Award and was written by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty.

Anastasia was released on November 21, 1997, a week after the re-release of Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Disney also released Flubber, a double feature of George of the Jungle and Hercules. Disney retaliated even further by not allowing Anastasia to advertise during the program The Wonderful Life of Disney and banned its sponsors from doing the same. Despite this, Anastasia was marketed with promotional sponsors from Burger King, Dole Food Company, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Shell Oil, and even the 1997 Figure Skating Championships.

Anastasia received both critic and audience acclaim, gaining 3 out of 5 stars from most critics, who cited the film as “pure family fun,” and “a charming film despite its historical inaccuracies.” It has generally favorable reviews from Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic, and even Russia’s reviews were mostly positive.

By the end of Anastasia’s theatrical run, it grossed 14.1 million domestically. Worldwide it totaled 139.8 million, making it Don Bluth’s highest-grossing film after All Dogs go to Heaven.

After Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox in 2019, Anastasia became a Disney Princess and became available on Disney+ December 2020.

CONCLUSIONS

Anastasia was an absolute favorite of mine growing up, I rate it a 4.5/5.

Even though it took artistic liberties from true historical events, it gave a tragic event a Hollywood ending. It was marketed more toward children, and while that could have been problematic because of the real events it was drawing the majority of its inspiration, it executed it the best it knew how. It is indeed a movie inspired by true events and based on them, and one must explore the ethics of twisting historical events for a Hollywood story. Is it wrong, is it fine, or should it not be done at all?

Hollywood, in general, is no stranger to twisting events to fit a specific narrative. While it is a favorite, as an adult, these thoughts crop up because of what it is based on. Obviously, all this is my opinion, so don’t misconstrue a beautifully done movie.

Do you love Anastasia?

[bongo50ize]

Grigori finds a guitar and the bride doesn't like playing it

Description Grigori Rasputin you play the guitar song is called someone you loved in the living room but The Brideshe did not agree that who plays this song he asks to wash the bathtub that hadn't been done last week

Description Grigori Rasputin you play the guitar song is called someone you loved in the living room but The Brideshe did not agree that who plays this song he asks to wash the bathtub that hadn't been done last weeka beautiful day at the park that Grigori Rasputin who was walking in a park he finds a guitar. Grigori: hold a guitar lost: saying surprised he takes the guitar and brings it home. send Grigori who searches his phone for a song then he finds the perfect songGrigori: this song is perfect, I'm going to play right away: Grigori said happily, she starts to sing playing the guitar at the same time: I'm going under and this time I fear there's no one to save meThis all or nothing really got a way of driving me crazyI need somebody to heal suddenly the bride heard a song she didn't even ask to stop playingGrigori shocked looking at the bride. the bride said that song was awful i asked to wash the tub a week ago. Grigori was saying but I'm playing a song. but the bride asks authoritatively and she says I don't want to know about that. you make me wash this bathtub and now. Grigori sighed and said: ok I'm going50 minutes later Grigori: it's playing the guitar again during this time the bride will prepare to take a bath but realizes that the bathtub was not clean the groom was furious and screaming she is looking for Grigori in fact the bride calls Grigori . And Grigori heard the bride calling. then the bride had come into the salon. the bride snatches the guitar from Grigori's hands. then she breaks the guitar and she says: that's for not washing the bathtub, what a stupid husband you are. Grigori who said: I will explain everything: but the bride tried to kill him. suddenly the doorbell rings. it's Hadley arrived to look for his guitar when Hadley he sees the broken guitar and he said: great I found my guitar but broken by whom? Grigori said: it was the bride. and the bride was shocked I said: the guitar was yours. Hadley he said: yes but you can keep it. Grigori isn't happy to smash other people's guitars Grigori: you said in your defense. the bride he said: I have nothing to say for the moment. endand if you don't know me my name is bongo and I'm new. for the moment there is no drawing and I will try to find stories a little in the evening and sometimes you can see writing forgeriesthis message will be displayed for a while and some time later it will not be displayed each time. story I make every time I release a new story from the Series: Just Dance 2023 Edition. and sometimes I wouldn't have the time. don't be surprised, I don't have a problem the week I'm away. that you see the message for the whole week story of Series: Just Dance 2023 Edition

[infamousfailure]

Solo Para: A Lie of Eternal Loneliness

Zoya returned home, having a pleasant birthday after being able to spend it with someone she was slowly starting to consider a friend. Artem made her birthday worth the time she was spending on it. He was a good person and a good friend. She entered her home and felt a crinkle beneath her foot. Her attention turned down to her feet, Zoya saw an envelope addressed to her in scratchy handwriting. It read Зоя, her name in Russian. Perhaps Bartok forgot a card he intended to send with her gift?

Crouching down, she examined the envelope and paused. The seal was her father's. Specifically, the one he used to address her. A person would overlook the minor differences as there wasn't much to tell from the pressing of a seal. However, Zoya learned early in life this was how her father directed messages to her. The wax was always smeared, the seal pressed into the paper nearly ripping it, and the detailing blurred on the emblem. All of these pointed towards an infuriated writer with years of aggression behind them. That was the type of writer her father was when addressing her, no matter the circumstance.

"Дерьмовый конец прекрасного дня..." She mumbled softly as she sat in front of the door and looked around briefly. A shitty end to a beautiful day. Using a letter opener (which she preferred as a hairpin), Zoya opened the envelope from her father. Placing the small dagger between her teeth, she took the letter out of the envelope and read it. Starting off, the letter said the insincere happy birthday from her father with an explanation of why she should not celebrate. "A bit late for that, isn't it?" She mumbled with a sarcastic chuckle. Zoya then paused and furrowed her brows. There were two pages to the letter.

Switching the pages and placing the second on top of the first, she read it confused. Following this, the young Rasputin felt an unsavory wave of emotions. The letter opener fell from her lips, nearly stabbing through the letter before hitting the ground. "I have a sister?..." She asked in the quietest whisper the world had heard from this girl. Shock, that was all she could identify for a moment. Then, anger, excitement, and resentment all at once. Why did he not tell her sooner? Why did her father seclude her entire life and force her to believe she was alone unless he was there? This was all part of his sick game, and she was tired of it.

Unsure of whether to be excited about this news or upset, Zoya sat helplessly on the floor, staring at the note. At the very bottom, written in Russian, was a final request from her father.

Fᵢₙd ₕₑᵣ, fᵢₙd ₜₕₑ ₛᵤdₐyₑᵥₛ, ₐₙd cₐᵣᵣy ₒᵤₜ ₘy ₗₑgₐcy. Yₒᵤ ₕₐᵥₑ ₐₗwₐyₛ bₑₑₙ ₜₕₑ ₐₚₚₗₑ ₒf ₘy ₑyₑ; Bₐᵣₜₒₖ wᵢₗₗ ₕₐᵥₑ ₜₕₑ cₒₒᵣdᵢₙₐₜₑₛ ₒf ₕₑᵣ ₗₒcₐₜᵢₒₙ ₛₒₒₙ. ᵢ ₗₒᵥₑ yₒᵤ, Zₒyₐ ᵣₐₛₚᵤₜᵢₙ.

Zoya shook her head slowly, "I am nothing like you, Grigori... I will find my sister, but not for you. До свидания."

[saccharine-serpent]

Viper laughed, “ Nah, I’m not specialised in it. I can just smell what you are and feel it. ” He put a hand to the bandages around his neck with a faint smile, it still burned and stung, impossibly fused to his very skin as if it had always been a part of him. He paused at the name and blinked, “ Grigori? As in like Grigori Rasputin or something? That’s cool. Good name. ” He remarked with a chuckle before he paused hearing a snicker from the back of his mind. He squinted, “ Wait… seriously? ” He asked before he looked confused, “ I don’t really want anything in particular thought? I just wanted to see who lived here. ” He replied confused.

Closed RP W/@let-your-evil-shine

Viper cussed vibrantly as he stumbled through the dense thicket of the forest foliage, his head throbbed and his skin crawled, he felt nauseous and so he knew he’d been displaced. “ Fuck Bitch, where did you send me now? ” He grumbled to the god, knowing fully well they heard him loud and clear. It wasn’t until he caught the scent of something that gave him pause, his forked tongue flickered past his lips for a moment and he squinted. Why did he smell a corpse? His green eyes gazed around and the trees seemed to shift themselves to open the way to the source. He moved forwards before stopping, he could feel the ripple of power and glancing down at the grass he could see it clipping in and out of existence. He smirked, “ Oh. Secret things in the woods? Sounds fun. ” He chuckled before stepping through the force field, he felt the power wash over him and felt the death tangled with it. As the house appeared he tilted his head, there was thick magic here. Just whose home was this? “ Hellooooo~? ” He called out, strolling up towards the front door, “ Anyone home? ”