Does anyone know why he killed his son? There are two possible resons and I can't remember either...thanks!
2007-01-07 02:19:40 · 2 answers · asked by Lola 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Royalty
In 1581, Ivan beat his pregnant daughter-in-law for wearing immodest clothing, causing a miscarriage. His son, also named Ivan, upon learning of this, engaged in a heated argument with his father, which resulted in Ivan striking his son in the head with his pointed staff, causing his son's (accidental) death.
This event is depicted in the famous painting by Ilya Repin, Ivan the Terrible and his son Ivan on Friday, November 16, 1581 better known as Ivan the Terrible killing his son.
2007-01-07 04:03:46 · answer #1 · answered by Wolverman 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I only know of the one reason:
"Ivan had always had quite a good relationship with his eldest son, and young Ivan had proved himself at Novgorod. On November 19, 1581 Ivan became angry with his son's pregnant wife, because of the clothes she wore, and beat her up. As a result she miscarried. His son argued with his father about this beating. In a sudden fit of rage, Ivan the Terrible raised his iron-tipped staff and struck his son a mortal blow to the head. The Prince lay in a coma for several days before succumbing to his festering wound. Ivan IV was overcome by extreme grief, knocking his head against his son's coffin."
http://www.xs4all.nl/~kvenjb/madmonarchs/ivan4/ivan4_bio.htm (very interesting site)
Famous picture:
http://www.illusionsgallery.com/Ivan-Repin-L.jpg (when it was first displayed, some ladies were said to faint at seeing the Tsar's eyes)
2007-01-07 09:06:12 · answer #2 · answered by Sybaris 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋