The Truth About the Exorcisms of Charles II: When Attempts Were Made to Free the King from Curses

During the tumultuous years of the 17th century, when the House of Habsburg was at the height of its power, a dark shroud of superstition and desperation enveloped the Spanish court. At the center of this storm was Charles II, a king whose physical and mental weaknesses sparked chilling rumors of spells and exorcisms. Was the last monarch of the Habsburg dynasty truly cursed? Historical documents and accounts from chroniclers of the time reveal a story filled with intrigue and tragedy, where greatness faced decline.

A Declining King: The Tragic Life of Charles II

Charles II of Spain, born on November 6, 1661, was the last monarch of the House of Habsburg in Spain. From his childhood, his life was marked by tragedy and superstition. Even in his early years, his health was precarious, and his physical and mental development was affected by his family's consanguinity. His mother, Mariana of Austria, was his aunt, which intensified the effects of incest on his genetics, a consequence of the Habsburgs' matrimonial policies aimed at keeping power within the family.

Rumors about the supposed spells that had condemned him to a life of suffering circulated among everyone, from nobles to commoners. Some chroniclers of the time claimed that his poor health status was the result of a curse cast by enemies of the crown. Although these claims may seem exaggerated, the reality is that superstition was an integral part of life at the Spanish court in the 17th century.

The Dark Rituals: Exorcisms at Court

As Charles II reached adulthood, his physical and mental condition deteriorated...