What No One Told You About the Exorcisms of Charles II: When They Tried to Free the King from Curses
The history of Spain is marked by intrigues, grandeur, and, above all, legends. Among them stands out the enigmatic figure of Charles II, a monarch whose life was shrouded in an aura of superstition and curses. In the late 17th century, the Spanish court became the stage for a drama almost supernatural: the exorcisms carried out to free the king from what many considered spells and curses. This article reveals what the chronicles of the time hide about this peculiar facet of the history of the House of Habsburg.
Charles II: The King Who Never Reigned
Charles II, nicknamed the Bewitched, was born on November 6, 1661, and was the last monarch of the House of Habsburg in Spain. The decline of his lineage became evident from his childhood, with fragile health and a physical appearance that scandalized the courtiers. The inbreeding of the Habsburgs had produced a king with multiple health and developmental issues. This led many at court to believe he was under the influence of evil spells.
Rumors about the supposed curse hanging over Charles II proliferated. The chronicles of the time, such as those written by the famous historian Manuel de Castro, mention that Charles's mother, Mariana of Austria, had consulted astrologers and healers in search of answers before his birth. The idea that the king was cursed took root among the nobility, creating an atmosphere of tension and despair.
The Rise of Superstition at Court
In the 17th century, Spain was a country where popular beliefs and superstition deeply influenced daily life. The figure of the exorcist gained relevance, and it was not uncommon for these professionals to be summoned to free