Julia Pastrana: The True Story of the Hybrid Bear Woman. Also Known As The Ugliest Woman In The World
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A unique woman
Julia Pastrana was born in 1834. She arrived, steeped in mystery, and her life was as strange and sad as her birth. She was believed to have been born within a small tribe of Native Americans on the western slopes of Mexico. Not a lot is known about her early childhood, but she first appeared in public, when, in 1854, she was brought out and exhibited at the Gothic Hall on Broadway. The name she was billed under was a cruel and sad insult to her condition. Known as the marvelous hybrid or Bear Woman, others called her The Ugliest woman in the World. Her handler or owner was named as a Mr M. Rates and he saw the potential in her the second he found her, working as a servant girl to the governor of Sinaloa Mexico. Realising that she would earn him lots of money, he decided to start showing her to the public, A quote from the time stated her as, The Great Freak of Nature. The newspapers of the day said she was hideous, but in her favour she had a very nice singing voice.
To the publics eye, she did have a very strange appearance. Her body was covered in hair, and her face even more so. A Jutting jaw, and very swollen gums added to her appearance. At four and a half feet, she was also said to look very like an ape in features. But she had dignity. Standing in front of an audience of thousands, Julia looked down at the audience and sang in a most beautiful voice. She had great poise. She was aware of the fact that she was different, but used her small frame and powerful persona to her advantage.
The scientists of the day thought that she was a hybrid between human and orangutan, and believed that they had found a missing link.
After moving to Cleveland with another new promoter, J.W. Beach, Julia began to turn the tide around and, charming the public with her grace, she began to get very well known, even being invited to grand balls and military gala's. On one of these occasions, she was given the honour of dancing with the soldiers, who lined up to have the chance to dance with this unique but strange human being.
Soon she began to travel all around America, and when she arrived in Boston she was billed as the 'Hybrid Woman, or The Bear Woman. Others called her the Bearded lady. By this time, curiosity had began to turn towards admiration, and she was invited to the Horticultural Society and the Boston History society.
England became aware of her and stated in the newspapers at the time, she is an amazing oddity, and promptly started to call her The Nondescript, which is similar to what we say today as unexplainable. The newspapers couldn't get enough of her and when they realised that not only was she a very good singer but she could also speak several different languages, including Spanish and English, they were astonished.
She had a great thirst for knowledge and willingly gave herself up to medical examination. Money did'nt interest her at all.
By this time she was being 'shown' by a Mr Theodore Lent who became, in a sense her manager, helping her with her dancing and singing on stage. Soon she became better known on stage than just being a 'Freak', as they used to call people like her. But she was anything but a freak, she could cook and sew, sing romance songs, and even better, hold an intelligent conversation which impressed the gentry, in a time when women were not treated as intelligent human beings.
Fame in Berlin
After the adulation in London, Julia began a tour In Berlin Germany, which both changed her appearances from freak show, to Stage actress. She appeared in a play called Der Curierte Meyer, which was a cross between a love story and a comedy. By this time she had received many marriage proposals, and when asked why she had never married, she replied that they were not rich enough. This Idea came from Lent, who suddenly realised that if he didn't want to lose her, he had better marry her himself. In 1857 they married, and even though Julia was quite fond of Lent, he treated her appallingly. Taking her to scientists and Doctors, they examined her without any dignity afforded to the poor girl. By the time they got to Vienna, she wasn't allowed out in the daylight, because Lent was embarrassed to be seen with her. Mr lent became more and more aggressive, and by the time they had toured through Poland and Russia, Julia realised that she was pregnant. This was a disaster. Not only would she have to take time off, and lose money, from the tours, but Lent panicked because he thought she might die. And then where would that leave him? He Took her to many different Doctors who were afraid that she would not be able to have the child naturally because they believed her hips would be malformed.
On March 20th 1860, Julia gave birth to a baby boy. He was covered in hair. All Julia could think of was, please be healthy and not have a personality like your father. Sadly the child died after thirty five hours.
Julia's time was coming to an end. Complications during the birth left her weak and drained. Only five days later, Julia was dead.
Horrendous Treatment of a Legend
You would think that after she had died, Julia would have been given a dignified funeral, and treated like the lady she was. But it was not to be. Her husband would not let go of her earning potential that easily. Lent sold her corpse and her baby son, to a professor of Moscow university. He dissected them and then mummified them so that they could be put on display. After a few months perfecting the process, he put them in the Museum of the university, where they attracted great crowds of people.
Was this the end? No.
Lent realised what had happened and much to the public horror, he took the awful and unbelievable steps to go to court to win her back. He succeeded. In 1862 Julia returned to England. Displayed and humiliated, she was dressed in one of her dancing dresses.
Her son was placed on a pedestal and displayed, wearing a sailor suit.
The crowds came in their thousands, paying up to a shilling to look at this poor woman and her baby son. Unbelievable.
From University to museum, from curiosity stands, to freak shows, Julia was passed around and around. Eventually Lent got fed up of It and hired her out to the person who would pay the most for the privilege.
But it doesn't finish here. Oh no. Lent unbelievably went on to marry another woman who looked liked Julia, and after a while he then made claim to the fact that his new wife was Julia's sister. He named her Zenora Pastrana. If that was not bad enough, he then returned to the museum where Julia was being exhibited, and took her on tour with him and his new wife. One big happy family then.
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Hypertrichosis terminalis: Excessive body Hair
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What goes round comes around.
Eventually, Lent and his new bride retired to St. Petersburg, and set up shop in a small waxworks museum.
Then, unexpectantly, Lent had a mental breakdown and ended up in the towns local mental sanatorium. His wealth meant nothing. He was never going to be able to enjoy it. Shortly after, he died.
Zenora, his bride, carried on touring with the mummies, and then eventually married a much younger man.
Julia's mummie disappeared over the next few decades. She appeared again in Hitlers Germany where she was put on display in the occupied territories.
In the fifties and sixties, the mummies were displayed, mainly as a curiosity. Not many people believed that these mummies could possibly be real.
So we come to the end. Or do we? There is so much more to this story, but in a nutshell, Julia and her baby were passed from person to person, country to country, until one day in 1976, the storage facility where Julia was being kept, was broken into and vandalised. The baby was torn to pieces. Julia was then moved and the same thing happened again.
Julia disappeared.
Then in 1990, Julia was eventually found in the basement of the Institute of Forensic Medicine, in Oslo, Norway. It is still there.
Maybe our compassion and moral sense now realise that not only was she a unique woman, but with her quiet dignity and poise, and our disgust at our own human nature, makes us ignore her, and shut the door on our shame.
One day and I hope very soon, she will be buried with dignity, and a statue will be erected to show us all, this woman of courage.
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Never really knew the story behind this remarkable lady. What is disgusting is how people take advantage of other peoples pain and suffering. Just to rise above all this and better herself and accept who she was, speaks volume of the spirit within her. I couldn't help but notice she was wearing a cross in the picture. Truly an amazing woman that most of us without the handicaps, could never accomplish. Great story Nell and Happy New Year to you. @ hours to go where I am at.
We can only bow our head before such a great personality. Even nowadays people stare at disabled people and yet they are so much greater because of their daily fight to get things done we even don't think about it. Mr Lent defininetly is the typical disgusting human being one wouldn't want to know and there are too many about in all shapes and sizes. Lets hope they have the dignity to bury her and let her rest in peace. I wouldn't like to know how Mr Lent treated her behind closed closed doors. At least she could die with her son and I am sure she wished that.
Thank you for a remarkable story and it was exceptionally well-written.
Hi Nell, what a fantastic hub. A moving and well written hub.It says a lot about human nature, rather than the compassion she should have been shown. I think this is your best hub ever. Thank you. Happy new year.
I've never heard anything about her. It's a great (but very sad) story. Thank you!
Hi Neil, is Kenny K. A great story about the bear woman. Where did you dig up such a story? Great Job! Another story you may find interesting is archaeologists found the bones of hobbits in Indonesia. I read an article in a magazine a year ago but forgot which one. It would be your cup of tea to dig it out. Look forward to your next story!!!!
Hi Audrey, yes I know, can you imagine if we still treated people like that? I just could'nt believe it when I read the whole story. You would have thought they would have done something about her by now. Buried her or a least put her somewhere, so she can be treated with respect. I understand what you are saying about your son, and it makes you shudder to think that even in other countries today, people are still treated appalingly. Thanks again Nell
Hi, ehern,I never realised that she was wearing a cross. did'nt do her a lot of good with the evil around her. but perhaps she was happy in her own way, until she married that horrible man. Thanks again
Hi Hello Hello, thanks so much for your nice words, and yes I hope she got peace in the end. she diserved it. thanks again.
Hi, D.A.L thanks for saying it is my best hub, I think I did put a bit more into it because I thought it was a great but sad story. Happy New Year to you. cheers
Hi Daniel, thanks for reading it , happy new year.
Hello, Kenny, yeah I like to dig and prod for strange stories! The Hobbit story about the new species has already been don on HP, unfortunately! I was going to write about it but someone done it already, but thanks anyway. cheers Nell
Thanks everybody, Happy New Year! Nell
Nell... what a fascinating story of outrageous human abuse. This woman - even ugly people are beautiful inside - was abused and ridiculed not only in life but death too! Shameful! It reminds me of the Elephant Man. It seemed common in that time for such entertainment to be thought of as normal. However, that is how 'freaks' made their living and, I guess, it felt accepting and normal to them. It is a social construction.
~Thank you for this hub, I am more educated for it! x
Hi, shazwellyn, I know what you mean, the way we used to treat people was really bad. The funny thing was that when I was reading it through, it suddenly dawned on me that we all moan about Human rights and too much health and safety rules these days, but I suddenly realised maybe they are right after all. Thank you for reading. cheers Nell
At least some people were charmed by her grace and treated her decently. This was still at a time when women had few rights as individuals. In this era, women may not have been able to handle their own money or own property. So she had few options other than marriage. So sad. Thanks for writing this.
Lent was obviously a man without heart or conscience. Interesting story, she was quite a woman.
Hi Carol, I know it was very sad, if only one person had stood up for her and said, stop, leave her alone. But not one, it is disgusting. Thank goodness we live today. I think! cheers nell
Hi, Mulberry, thanks for reading it, yes there will always be an unscrupulous man behind every money making scheme, and it is usually at a womans expense! thanks again. Nell
Isn't is just so? Women seem to be always getting the short end of it so to speak!
Very nice Nell Rose.
Hi Audrey, as you say we always cop it don't we?! Mind you I don't think these days women even someone like Julia, would put up with the, um how shall I call it, the rubbish that men used to throw at them! thanks again, Nell
Hi, Mickey, glad you liked it. cheers Nell
Awesome story Nell,
I really ejoyed it..thanks for sharing.
I love hearing stories of strong women and Julia sounds to be a strong woman. Thanks again
Hiya, heyju, thanks for reading it. yeah she was a very strong lady, was'nt she? thank you so much. cheers nell
Hairy sometimes is sexy but too much I think would be scary!
Hi, sord87, Yeah I like long haired men, but it has to be on their head!! thanks for stopping by. cheers nell
I heard of this condition but never this individual woman. Thanks for bringing light to Ms. Pastrana Nell! What a scoop!
What a fascinating and sad story. Thank you for writing about this woman's life.
Hi, Sunshine520, thanks for stopping by, and I look forward to reading your hubs when you start. hope you had a good new year. cheers nell
Hi, Ben thanks for your kind words, and yes so had I, I had read loads of stories about people like her, but it was'nt until I was browsing through very old books, that I came across her. cheers nell.
Hi, Curious Jen, thanks for reading it, and I am now looking for another good one! Not so easy! cheers Nell
Captivating and yet sad hub Nell. I had not heard of this story before either, but I am glad I know now as it reminds me just how horrible humans can treat those less fortunate than themselves, and therefore why I prefer animals so mch of the time. Thank you, thumbs up.
A great story, very well told. Thank Heavens that our sense of humanity has changed since her time. How terribly cruel people were then - with her husband utterly appalling and shameless...
Hi, misty,yes it is really sad. Humans can be really nasty. I hope that she would not have the same treatment today, but who knows? somewhere in the world she probably would. and I totally agree, animals are the best. cheers Nell
Hi, Nick, Yes I quite agree, the sad thing is somewhere, sometime it is still happening. But I think we will eventually get there. thanks again. cheers Nell
ps. like your site, I will come by and have a read.
Absolutely fascinating. Thanks for a great read and reminding us about compassion for each other no matter how "different" a person may appear. This is not meant as an insult to her, but perhaps Susan Boyle is the new Julia Pastrana. Happily, however, the world, and hopefully those closest to her and her producers, treat with the dignity, respect and admiration that Julia should have received. Perhaps, we human beings do become more compassionate with time...
Thanks again for a great read. Will check out your other hubs.
Hi, sherylinmotion, thanks for reading it. Yes, I never thought of that. Susan Boyle I mean. You are right. Maybe as people we are learning to be a bit more respectful. and thank goodness for that! Glad you liked it. cheers Nell
What an interesting, yet sad story! Julia must have lived a very hard life. Thanks for telling this story so well!
Hi, Rose thanks for reading it, and the compliment. I am now looking for more interesting people, but I am not sure which one to write about yet. Inspiration please come!! cheers Nell
I had never heard of hear until now; what a sad story, and what a courageous woman, to hold her head high as a human being and a lady worthy of respect. I wish we humans weren't so prone to look at the outside of a person before we look at their character. The "inner person of the heart" is much more the real person than the outer shell of skin (or hair) we wear. Great writing; you told a difficult story with clarity, honesty, and sympathy.
I really enjoyed this story. It was the first time I have heard of her, how callous human beings can be. In some ways it reminded me of "the elephant man".
This is unbelievable
Hi, Jane Grey, thanks for your nice comments. I try and find people who have been forgotten, even though they were amazing, because I like to think that we will remember them, and I hope that these days we would have treated her a lot better than they did in those days. Thanks again. Nell
Hi, Blondepoet, yes it is a bit like the Elephant man, and unfortunately we treated her badly too. At the time they were alive, they were treated appallingly, only now can we see them as they were. True human beings. thanks again. Nell
Thanks Gloria for you comment. cheers Nell
Thanks Nell Rose for that strange story. Have a look at that strange disease.
Hello, Quicklook4U, thank you for reading my story, and I took a look at your site. It is very interesting. I remember seeing this poor man on Television. It is a very strange disease, I think it was some sort of fungi, thanks for stopping by. cheers Nell
thanks a lot for this story it really is strange
trully amazing story,she was really a unique person who deserves to be treated with some respect,i hope they find her and do the honourable thing.
Hello uyiedos, thank you for reading it. I really appreciate it. Cheers Nell
Hi, lolokasia, I quite agree with you, she should be honoured in some way. It is bad that she is still kept where they left her. Thanks again. cheers Nell
Wow very interesting ! I think I will keep a close watch on your hubs from now on !
Hi probrack, thanks for saying that, I really appreciate it. At this moment in time, I am furraging around in all my nooks and crannys, bookcases I mean! to find something else. I love these stories, and hopefully I will find a few more. Cheers Nell
Fascinating story! These are the types of hubs I like to see; creative, fresh, well-written and interesting. Have you considered writing a piece on Oliver the "humanzee?" Kind of a similar topic to what you have here. I look forward to seeing more from you in the future and thanks for introducing me to such a disturbing piece of history.
Very interesting subject and great writing about it. True life is the best subject, but sometimes the saddest.
Keep on hubbing!
Great story Nell.
Hi, Delaney, thanks for the great comment. I don't think I know about Oliver? I will take a look. I love these sort of stories, just to bring them alive again. cheers Nell
Hi, Mit, thanks for reading. I am glad you like it. cheers Nell
Hi, fishtiger, thanks for the comment. hope your ok? My brother has been in the hospital, so I am exhausted rushing about for him. now I can sit and read a few hubs!! cheers Nell
What a painful life, as she was treated. And then how terrible that it continued in her death. It was a very interesting story, that I had never herd of. Thank you.
Hi Truth, Yes I know, it was unbelievable, it seems impossible to think that this was only just over a hundred years ago. Thank goodness we have changed. I think we have, anyway. Thanks for the comment. cheers Nell
Congratulations on your 100 score, Nell. You deserve it, fantastic hub:)
And an education for me, I'd never heard of her either.
Hello Nell very nice hub and you presented it quite well. I have heard of this story actually and it is in the same vein as the Elephant Man who was basically treated the same way until someone who actually cared about him intervened. Although his story is sad, at least he died with some dignity unlike this woman who was treated like a freak. Just because someone is different doesn't make them any less human and even if someone is less human that still doesn't make them monsters. At least she dressed well and held her head up high. Have you been to walmart lately? People don't care what they look like. lol Good job.
I absolutely loved this hub about a 'woman of courage' who was treated miserably. Thank you, Nell, for bringing her story to life.
Great Hub, Nell. Quite informative. Never heard of Julia and found it very interesting. Looking forward to more of your hubs.....
A sad and telling story of the one greatest flaw we humans have, and that is the ability to accept one for being different. I would hope that she would eventually see herself properly buried.
Fascinating hub, Nell.
Hi, Izzy, Thanks again for your comments and your help earlier. I really appreciate it. The good thing about writing on the forum is I have found some fantastic writers and people. thanks again. Nell
Hi, Ladyjane, yes it was a bad way to treat people. I saw the Elephant man film and I felt so sorry for him. If these people had been born in India, they would have been treated like Gods and given much dignity. ps. I buy clothes at primart,is that the same thing??! (not really, well sometimes!) cheers Nell
Hi, Lorie, thanks for reading it, and I hope Julia gets what she deserves soon, a proper sending off. I have actually got the pictures of the mummies, but I don't know whether to put them up, what do you think? cheers Nell
Hi, Maggie, thanks for stopping by. I just noticed that is has gone down from 100 to 96! Well that did'nt last, but it was good while it did! thanks again. Nell
Thanks Springboard, for your comments. I quite agree with you. here's hoping. cheers Nell
What an amazing story. Would make a great film if done with dignity. Thankyou for this...
Hi Nell, After it hits 100 once it will do it again! Just continue to watch it and it will probably go back to 100 again in a day or so. This is a very good story with lots of great information. Thanks for sharing and congrats, again!
Hi, Actioncameron, Yes I never thought of that. it would make a great film. it's strange that nobody has done this yet. thanks again. Nell
Hi, Money Glitch, thank you so much for your comments. Hopefully I can find a few more like this. Cheers Nell
This is so sad, but you did an excellent job telling the story.
Wow, this is a very interesting story. I've never heard of this before now.
very good Hub. I work with MRDD and this story truly gives an insite of how when someone is different they get treated. I enjoyed reading your hub..
Brilliant hub, really enjoyed reading it. Like others have said I'd never heard of this story before.
gr8 hub NELL......its very touchy actualy..very sad ending,,i hv never heard this before...looking forward to more of ur hubs...:)
Great hub, really interesting.
Thanks habee, I really appreciate that. cheers Nell
Hi, donotfear, thanks for reading it,
Hi, mattieneal, thank you. I agree, hopefully we are getting better at treating people properly.
Alexpte, I am glad you enjoyed it, cheers, Nell
Hi, shanaya, thanks for your kind words, and
Katherine, thanks for saying it is a great hub. cheers all Nell
I'd never heard of this woman; but, needless to say, her story is a horrible one. Fortunately, so much of the horrendous ignorance that has plagued the world no longer does. (There's still a way to go, though.) The black and white photo above does show her dignity; and sometimes when a person has his own dignity that can help get him through a lot of otherwise horrible indignities. I'd think her talent, abilities, and dignity are as much her legacy as the awful parts of her story.
Hi, Lisa, I hope that she will get some dignity back one day, when sombody decides to bury her properly. I have got a picture of her mummiefied, but did'nt know whether to put it on the page or not. But thank you for the comments, and one day we might see something good come of her story. cheers Nell
this hub is amazing. Ive never heard of something like this before!
Hi, askjanbrass, thanks for the comment. I know, it is amazing how we don't know about people, like Julia. I only came across her by accident. Thanks again. Nell
I've heard of the condition before. It must be hell for the individuals living with it as there is no cure. Thank you for sharing a most interesting hub with us Miss Rose.
r u kidding?? is it real?
Hi, millionheir, thanks for the nice comment. And it is a shame that they still have no cure for it. but hopefully, we understand it better now. thanks again Nell
Hi, Idomadhukar, Yes this lady was very real. And a unique person. This day and age we would understand it a bit better, but in those days they treated everybody like her, with disbelief and disgust. Hopefully we realise that today these people have a simple disorder. And treat them better. Today they would be TV stars. And good for them! cheers Nell
great hub
Great hub! The picture just grabbed me. I was researching something else when I had to stop and read this!
Neat post! Thanks for sharing the story, it was very interesting.
What a sad but fascinating tale...and told so well. It would make a brilliant movie. I am sure if you wrote the script that some director would be interested. Thank you.
Hi, kj8, thanks for reading it. cheers Nell
Hi, greensnob, thanks for commenting. Yes her picture does sort of grab you. I could'nt stop looking at her for ages. But not necessarily at the obvious thing. I think it was the dignity as well. cheers Nell
Hi, Citizen Monica, thanks for your kind words, and I'm glad you liked it. cheers Nell
Hi, Peter, thanks for saying such a nice thing. I don't know about that, but you never know, I might just give it a go! Seriously, I do think that she is quite well known around the world, in places like Spain and italy, but for some reason she seems to have disappeared in our minds. Thanks again. Nell
I've seen her pictures in the web before but I didn't know her story. The way these people treated her was absolutely appalling.
I enjoyed reading your hub.
Thanks PerfumeFan, and I just popped over to your hubs, and look forward to reading about the perfumes. Looks really interesting. cheers Nell
The Good Lord worked well on Ms. Pastrana, however, it was to tell all and sundry and we can't deny it that birds of the same feather flock together. Those who regarded the poor lady as ugly didn't realize they were uglier. However, they were used by God to give her a name, be known. At least she died happy. What could have been her life if there were no ugly opportunists in this world like Lent? And God doesn't want another victim in the baby. Only, how sad their ends became. Great researhed hub. Congratulations.
Hi, Lita, thank you so much for the comments. I think she may have been happy in her own way, sometimes, but the way she was treated was bad, and even after her death, they did'nt give her a proper respectful rest. I just hope one day, someone will remember her. And do the proper thing. Thanks for saying it was well researched. I really appreciate that. cheers Nell
I am new to hubs. This was a very interesting story; nice writing skills.
Thans Maranda, glad you liked it. cheers Nell
Interesting. Maybe she comes from the Sasquatch lineage?!
I had not heard this story before...As human beings we should take the time to care for others and treat them the way we want to be treated. Thank you for sharing
Little Nell, this is a most shocking hub ever. No doubt about it, people can be more disturbing than these poor unfortunate humans. I too hope ahe can get a decent and respectful burial. Thanks for the story. CC
This is a great article. It brings humanity to what essentially was a woman facing a tough life, and admonished those who treated her otherwise. Great. :)
Hi, HollywoodRasta, thanks for reading it. You never know, maybe someone saw somebody with this disease, and thought originally that it was something different! You never know. cheers Nell
Hi, NCummings, I quite agree. I am sure there are other people around the world who maybe live in a society that still does act this way. Horrible thought though. Thanks again, Nell
Hi, ralwus, Yes I know, People can be cruel, even these days. Thanks again for reading it. I will be back to yours soon for another dose of magic mushrooms..... cheers Nell
Thanks torimari, for your kind comments, i hope to find a few more of these stories, and I think the people involved deserve a bit of recognition. Thanks again. Nell
Nell,your story could be described as man's insensitivity to the plight of the disadvantaged.It's a sad situation!A great hub.Thumbs up!
trully amazing story!
Wow, what an interesting post, it reminds me of the story of Sarah Baartman, also known as the Venus Hottentot, who was taken from her tribe in Africa and put on display in England and Europe because of her body - there's a brilliant play by Suzanne Lori Parks called Venus that tells her story. It's sad that such things have ever occurred.
Thanks Meek and Mild, yes I quite agree. men were very much in charge in those days, and for someone like julia, it was even worse. Thanks again nell
Thanks Martin, i appreciate your comments.
Hi, thekidandblue, Wow, I have never heard of Sarah Baartman, I will have to check it out. thanks again Nell
Peace to all:
NO dis-respect to anyone, but Europeans ALWAYS had a history of horrible cruelty to Indigenous peoples. Another story that comes to mind is "Hottentot Venus", which deals with a woman from Africa who had an "unsual" sized butttocks, and was treated the same way by i think an englishman. Ones shud look it up. Peace & Love
Appalling .. man's inhumanity to others has always been a problem, in all cultures.
I've heard first time this story. Is this a true story?
As a firm believe in reaping what you sow, I truly think that if people do not suffer consequences for inhumane actions while they "live", they will have a lot to answer for after death. I'm also amazed at Julia's courage and dignity. We can all learn from her life!
Wow that is an incredible story.
SEO IT! - The problem with thinking we know who deserves what is the possibility that we may be wrong in our assumptions as to who deserves what.On the other hand,in the bible it says,even though retribution must come,wo unto those whom through it comes.This story reminds me of that statement.I'm not excusing her husband or others for their selfishness.I'm thinking that for what ever reason,he and she had to go through this.Life is full of lessons to be learned.By everyone.
I've never heard of this before. Great report.
Hi, Moorish Moslem, yes I agree with you, europeans did go through a faze of being cruel to other nationalities. But also other countries were just as bad. Throughout history people have been subjected to all sorts of horrible things.The Romans conquered Britain, the Arabs invaded africa and romania, and about three hundred years ago, Turkey sent out ships and captured British people for slaves, and treated them appalingly. We europeans are as much a victim as other countries. But my point is, we should all learn from it, and be nice to each other. The world, as you say would be a better place. Thank you for your comment. I appreciate it. Nell
Hi, Carolina, Yes I quite agree, every nationality has bad people and good, I am just glad that these days we try and treat people better. thank you so much for you comment. cheers Nell
Hi, Khurram's World, yes this is true, it is unbelievable is'nt it? thank you again,
Thanks SEO, Yeah you are probably right. The saying is, what goes round comes round, and in this case I hope it did!, thanks
Hi, someonewhoknows, maybe you are right, we don't know whether we have to go through things because of a reason, but at least it does make sense. Otherwise what a horrible thing to happen to somebody for no reason. thanks again.
Thanks Wesman, for reading it. cheers Nell
Thanks all for your comments. I really appreciate it.
That was a really amazing story! It's amazing the breadth of human experience.
thanks alot for u.u woke up sensetive feelings inside and reminded me with morals that sometimes we miss in our daily life.thank u for ur smart personality
have agood day
What an interesting read. Wow.
Hi, mbwalz, Thanks for the comment, I really appreciate it. cheers Nell
Hi, eng naby, yes I agree, we do sometimes need to remember how to treat people sometimes. thank you again.Nell
Hi, antonrosa,thanks for saying it is interesting, I really appreciate all your comments. cheers Nell
What a sad story about, where was humanity at that time ?
Hiya, agusfanani, I know we were not very nice back then, hopefully we are better now! thank you again nell
If Julia was indeed a hybrid of a Human and an Orangutan why is this unnatural marvel unheard of in the scientific world? Besides, if she could have spoke and sing and what not, that means her mother was most likely the human, Right? So how it is that not much of her early life if known of? Seems peculiar.
I know of the elephant man from china(another article of yours)whom is not as sounds, he just has an enormous untreated tumor on his face that makes him look somewhat like an elephant.Untreated because he is what society calls "less fortunate" and obviously nobody who has the resources to do a noble deed gives.A classic and unfortunate scenario of this world's unfairness; you got money and status you got no problem, the hell with the rest.
Hi, de'Arab, thanks for reading it. Julia wasn't really a hybrid cross between people and animals she was just thought to be at that time. She was human, the same as we are. It was just that in those days nobody had the technology to test her. And people believed all sorts of things. I am not sure about the Elephant man from china, as I did not write this story. Thank you again Nell
I had never heard of Julia Pastrana before coming across thishub. What a fascinatingly sad story. Thanks for sharing.
Hi, songbyrd, thanks for your comment. Yes it is a sad story. thanks again. nell
Good research and awesome article!
What a tragic life story this woman had. Interesting hub.
What an incredible story- and unlike John Merrick ("The Elephant Man") this lady didn't have the advantage of finding benevolent people who cared for her in the end. Nell, this hub is though provoking and would form the basis for a great film.
Hi, Michael thank you so much for the nice comments. cheers nell
Hi,daisyjae, thanks for your comments, I really appreciate it. nell
Hi, Firebird, yes I would love to see a film about this, it would be interesting to see who they put in the title role! cheers nell
Hi,daisyjae, thanks for your comments, I really appreciate it. nell
Hi, Firebird, yes I would love to see a film about this, it would be interesting to see who they put in the title role! cheers nell
What a remarkable woman! Such grace and courage. Excellent hub.
Hi, jjmyles, Thanks for reading it, and your lovely comment. cheers nell
Wow. What a story.
This is quite a story. Congratulations for being a member for only 5 months and writing a top scoring hub!
Hi, AdamGee, thanks for your comments. cheers nell
Hi, trimar7, thank you so much. I must admit I surprised myself! but I do like finding odd and mysterious stories. thanks again. Nell
I've often heard stories about the people who were exhibited as freaks, but never in such depth. She must have been some brave woman to put up with that crap.
Hi, Dolores, Yes I quite agree with you. What must have gone through her mind, being treated like that, is unbearable to think about. Thank you so much for reading it. cheers nell
Unbelievable hub!!!!!!!
The story of Julia Pastrana, is hugely piteous. It is really sad the individual who looks different (like bear woman) is treated in such a vindictive fashion. According to my opinion certain law should be framed, in which these different kind of people should be provided, with due protection, care and equal opportunities.
very good article, very informative, thanks so much
Hi, ateeny1, thank you so much for saying it was good. This was a long time ago, and in those days people didn't treat others very well. But thankfully now it wouldn't be allowed. Thanks again. Nell
Hi, s mitchell, thank you for your kind comment. Nell
Wonderful hub, phenomenal story! This is the first I've heard of Julia Pastrana. What a sad but fascinating tale. Great job presenting it!
Such a sad story. I'm glad you wrote about her with great sympathy. Lent deserved to go nuts. Thank you for a very well written hub.
I Never Saw Her Before. I Didn't Know about this woman... She's really not so beautiful.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder!!!
Hekko. And thank you for writing about something so unusual. Great!
Don't judge a book by it's cover - what an excellent hub! You do the lady proud to tell her story with such compassion and style.
wiedzia?am ju? o niej. By?a pewnie nieszcz??liw? osob? ze wzgl?du na chorob?.
She was unhappy... :(
this is a very touching story. sometimes fame and fortune makes people greedy that they never realized how much pain they cause to others.
I love your hub. Julia experienced a sad life and even during death she never gained her dignity back. Well, I know where she are right now, she's probably happy.
Man , Well narrated story ! You have amazing potential to be a great reporter !! :) Good luck dude
Hi, thank you so much everybody for your great comments, I will get back and read them properly, but my pc has died! and i am using a library one at the moment. I feel lost!! but thanks again, seeya soon! cheers nell
i have never heard of this lady before untill now, it makes you angry to think how yher husband treated her, sickening really, he got what was coming to him though, i hope to that she will be buried with dignity one day soon.
Could not stop reading your hub, quite sad but really interesting.
Hi, Chouji, Thank you so much for your comments. It is nice to be back, my computer broke! Even more suprising, I mended it!!I didn't realise how much I would miss reading everybodys nice comments! Nell
Hi, prince, thanks for saying it is really interesting. I really appreciate it. Nell
I would have loved to met this woman! I must say I started out reading your stuff at http://hubpages.com/_3irgbjxgd6ylw/hub/Julia-Pastr and have since wound up doing a lot of my own searches for "Julia Pastrana" and wound up back with you again. A very interesting read/ journey, thanks so much for a very interesting evening!
Another tragic tale of the way we tend to treat people we see as 'different' with such cruelty. It reminds me of the story of Sarah Baartman and Ota Benga. Thanks for the research and writing - well done!
Love and peace
Tony
Hi, kinghostile, thanks for reading it, sorry it took so long, my computer crashed, and I had to mend it. I love these sort of stories and can't wait to find my next one! thanks again nell
Hi, tony, thank you so much for the nice comments, it's really nice to hear somebody say that. thanks again nell
Very good hub and the more you know the more questions you have. I actually went to school with brothers, not near this bad but definitely something unusual,(and close) they were both very hairy, all you could see of them not covered and they would get to school shaven and the hair that had been shaven would have grown out during the daytime, I kid you not. I think everyone treated them kindly but something like that is quite impossible to ignore.
Hi, Pollyannalana, sorry it took so long, my computer died on me! thanks again nell
I never knew the full story behind this remarkable woman,it's sad that she was treated and taken advantage of in such a disgusting manner.I too hope she will one day get the parade she deserves.
Hi, Alya, thanks for reading it. yes, she was remarkable, and I never really knew that much about her, until recently. I hope she does get her much needed remembrance. thanks again nell
What a great Hub Neil, as I read I can not help but think of the rejection she must have felt and yet stood tall on whom she was.
Thank You for sharing and all the work you have put into this, what a blessing you are to us all...
Blessings and Hugs
Hi, Quill, thanks for reading this. I love this story as it is so different. I am furaging around trying to find another like this! And thank you for your nice comments. cheers nell
What a man! He deserved to burn to death!
Well, Nell, I meet strange woman several months ago. She have face like a cow an hairy too in almost every open part of her body. I even didn't have gut to look at, so afraid I will stare and offended her. But she have sweet attitude and even her appearance so ugly, her soft voice bring good atmospher, and make it became easy to get used with her. I'm glad nobody try to display her in the freak show, or another Julia will arise again! Ah, human can be so cruel in so many times.
Thanks for good read, Nell.
Hi, Freya, I know what you mean about peoples cruelty. Thank goodness that we do not do that today. These people should be treated like everybody else. Thank you so much again. Nell
I was absolutely enthralled with this story, and I loved your delivery. Thank you.
Hi, Joshua, I am so glad you liked it. And thanks for reading it. cheers nell
This was a sad story. it only confirms that people pay far too much attention to physical appearance, and not nearly enough to the content of the soul. Enjoyed reading it, even though it made me sad. I had never heard this story before. You must have done some research.
Hi, valerie, sorry it took so long, i have been out all day. I first read about this in a small book years ago, and I suddenly remembered it. I found it, a bit tattered and torn, and realised there wasn't a lot in it, so I had to do some searching, but I am glad I did, as she was an amazing woman. thank you again nell
Very fascinating story. Pastrana is one of the countless examples -nevertheless an inspiring one- of people with uncommon conditions (like siameses, people with filariasis and hermaphrodites) that were sadly exploited in the 19th and early 20th century, in the so called "freak shows".
Your hub is inspiring.
Hi, CaribeM, thanks for commenting. This story fascinated me when I first heard about it, and I found that I couldn't read enough about it! it was terrible how people were treated in those days. thank you again nell
As interesting as this story is, it's also so sad. I guess it's easy to go along with the crowd, in dealing with our fellow man. I would hate to think I would be so weak as to treat someone else in a disrespectful way. People like this lady, teach us the lessons of life. Thanks for the story.
Hi, mquee, sorry it took so long, I have been so busy, I don't know where I am! lol I loved this story when I first heard about her. She was so unique, that I really felt sorry for her, then I realised that she had her own dignity, and I hope one day that they will do the same for her. thanks nell
Nell, another great story. Thank you. You do a lot of research and it shows
Hi, Granny, this one I found while searching my old books, and it fascinated me, so I had to write about her. The more I found, the more I felt sorry for her. Thank you again nell
What a great story, such an incredible biography, and related here so well. Her life would be the subject for a terrific movie. All the exploitation and pain she endured!
Hi, Ron, thanks for your nice comments, I just loved this story when i first read a little bit about it. It was written about only in one book, but not a lot about it, and a few sites mentioned her, so I thought she deserved a big page with everything on. thanks nell
I saw this story on TV a few months ago and it was so sad, there are so many things like this we can be so thankful for that it wasn't us. I love your stories, most so unusual, gives my brain a new way to turn, lol. Great hub!
Polly
What an amazing story - Thank you for sharing it! My dad was a mortician, so we got an eyeful of different and unusual physical conditions - straight out of his college textbooks. It was always better than any picture book we could find in the house! You mentioned that scientist thought they found a missing link - genetically? Did they ever really find out if that was the case? Thanks again!
Hi, Polly thank you as always. i wish they would show it over here, I would love to see a programme about her. cheers nell
Hi, mwatkins, what a fascinating life! I am not sure that I could do it, but as you say you get to see all sorts of different genetic ailments. She wasn't a missing link, it was just that at that time they did not understand different genetics of human beings. thank you so much for reading it. cheers nell
Hi. There's a song about this woman that is so poignant it just might make you cry. It's called Ordinary Bones: http://www.intercontinentalmusiclab.com/music/anci
Hi, Matt, thank you for reading it, and I will go and take a look at the link. thanks for this, it sounds really interesting, and I will try not to cry! lol thanks nell
The song made me search the web for pages about her and I found this one among others. You can listen to it by pushing play on the embedded player in that page and skipping ahead to the track. I think you'll like it.
Hi, Matt I did quickly go over to it, but didn't realise that I could listen to it, as I was in a hurry, I will certainly go back and have a listen. thanks again for the info. Nell
I enjoyed reading and learning from this hub.
Hi, mikicagle, thanks for reading it, and your nice comments. cheers nell
A very sad story, heard it first time though!
I had never heard this story before and I'm glad you told it. It's hard to believe Lent could be such a jerkface. He got what he deserved. She was pretty freaky looking, that's true, but just wow, how could anyone act like that. Amazing.
Anyway, what a fantastic read. This is a wonderful work, treated with dignity and clearly a good deal of research. Props on an excellent job.
Hi, hassam, yes it is a very sad story, thank you so much for your comments. Nell
Hi, Shadesbreath, yes Lent definetly needed a kick where the sun don't shine! seriously thank you for your nice compliments, I just wanted to make sure that I got the story completely right. it fascinated me. thanks nell
A beautiful story. She deserved more than what people had treated her. May she and her son rest in piece forever.
Great story man...
its interesting and sad for how things ended to julia and her son... lent deserves his fate.. thanks for this hub man...
What a great article. I had never heard of her. In that era she is lucky to have the life she did -- it could have been much worse. The interesting thing is how intelligent she was -- looks have nothing to do with that. What a shame.
Hi, vanidiana, thanks so much for the comment. It was terrible the way they treated her, but in a small way she got her own back by being able to sing in such a lovely voice. I hope one day that they do the decent thing and bury her with her child. thanks again nell
Hi, ArvinD, thanks for reading it, I agree with you about Lent, what a horrible man! thanks for stopping by Nell
Hi, Faye, thank you so much for reading it, and I am glad you liked it. She was certainly someone very special, and she had such a great voice. thanks again nell
You are welcome it was so well written.
Hi, daughterson, thank you very much, I really appreciate it. nell
wow, that is so sad..... I can't believe that it sounds like she isnt being treated as a human being, all because of hair.... all the other features we've seen on people, perhaps she and/or her sons death were not even accidents...
Hi, angel, you are right, maybe there was something strange about their deaths, we will never know, and the more that I read about her, the more I felt sorry for her. Thanks so much for reading it, cheers nell
Hi
Nice article, there are others that also shares the mummies faith, though I'm afraid it isn't a very nic one.
After Trents wife died the mummies shifted owners a lot of times, en eventually the medical experts concidered them lost. I the 20's a Norwegian fair owner Haakon Lund bought them for his "chamber of horrors" and exhibited them for some years. Sicen the mediccal experts thought them lost he never thought they were real
In 1943 during the occupation of Norway the Nazies ordered the cabinet destroyed, but Lun persuaded them to let him ceep it, among other arguments by showing it i German occupied areas.
after the war i became more dificult to show them, and in the 50's Haakon's son Hans took them over the fair and stored the chamber of horrors in an warehous. Roumors started about the mummies and that at monkey was stored in his warehouse. One day young boys broke in to the house but Julias look scared them away. Roumors had by now reached the science that this might be the mummies, and scientists were let to examine her. Short after they confirmed her real.
Hans as a moneyloving guy made medical experts bid on her, claming that he would sell her, but insted he used their bids to increese her value andt drove on touring.
He toured Europe and even USA where she was discoverd the time she was alive.
When he came back to Norway he was denide the right to exibit the mumies by the othorities, he then whent to sweeden and Europe until it became to dificult there and they developed at better taste.
He then stored them in his garage waiting for better times.
In 1973 there was an brake in in his garage and the mummies where molested by angry mob, her sons was badly hurt, his jaws and parts of his face was badly damaged before he was throwned in a dich where he was badly eaten by mice and was thrown away later
In 1979 there was another brake in and Julia disapered.
Whell, thats the official, the real story is like this:
Verys soon after the brake in the police recieved a call, stating that some children had found an arm in a filling in Grorud outside of Oslo, the police whent out and found Julia in an old caravan.
She was taken to the criminal institute where she was stored until 1990
This was planed to avoid publicity about here, and eventually she was forgotten.
In 1990 she was rediscoverd by an journalist, and a debate arose if she was to be burried or not.
They descided to bury her, but the departement of science and education decided she should be kept because of here value to sicence.
So this is the end, eventually she has found her peace, she's resting in a glass coffin in the forrensic institut at the basement of the national hospital of Norway, to qoute one of the othoroties representatives there, "she's resting like other mummies and famous perssons in a church"
I hope that sheded som light
To Norwegian orthers has also written a book on her that are transelated in to english I belive.
"Julia Pastrana - Apekvinne" The ape woman
By the way the pictures you use in your articcle is most likely of the mummie, you can see it by the wrinkles in her skin due to that she has no longer the softnes in the skin and that the pictures are taken in diferent angles when she has the same posture.
Thank you fore the articcle
Hi
one more thing, since she was catholic and that they presumed it wasn't done earlier they held a requiemmass for her in 2005
Hi again
Here you have a review of the book
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/bo
by the way I made a mistake you were corect with the year of the breake in, it was in 1976 and 1979, and she rest in the anatomic institute of the university of oslo, in the basement of the new national hospital in oslo, not the forensic institute
It was put down a group by the then minister of science and education in I beleve 1996, Gudmund Hernes when the owner of the mummie, a woman wantet to burry her in Mexico near the place where she was born, eventually the owner was traced down then, to discuss wether she was to be burried or kept,
the science won and she was put in the anatomical institue in the new national hospital in 2001
Hi, Truls, Thank you so much for your detailed information, I am so pleased that she is resting in a glass coffin and not just hidden in a basement, this is such a fascinating and sad story, that when I first read about her years ago in a book unfortunately titled 'Freaks of nature' I always knew that I would find somewhere to write about her. She was such a unique individual and I am glad that she is being recognised and treated with the dignity that she deserves. And thank you for the link to the book, I will go and take a look with interest. Thank you so much for reading and commenting, Nell
I may have dated her.
Incredible story! That's why I always laugh when people make comments about today's lack of conscience. They always look back in time with nostalgia as if things were better back then. No way! We are still a long way from reaching our goal as human beings, but we've come a long way... some more than others... but we are making progress. Thanks for this great article.
I just dropped over for a visit to see what I could see. I certainly didn't expect this. Although I have heard the term bearded lady I never had any idea that the story you have shared in this hub was behind it. Wow. Tis sad but I don't think we have come much farther in the way we view and treat 'misfits' for all our talk to the contrary. Amazing story. Thank you so much for taking the time to write it.
Hi, Micky, knowing you as well as we do, I am sure that you probably have! hee hee thanks as always nell
Hi, Klarawieck, you are so right, we always look back as though things were great then, but of course they were horrific, thank goodness it has changed these days, but we still have a long way to go! thanks nell
Hi, raisingme, thanks for reading it, I loved writing these sort of stories because there weren't that many on the internet as I had read it a few years ago in an old book, I need to start looking for some more, thanks as always nell
Yes a truly amazing story. It's unbelievable man's inhumanity to man. All for the sake of money and greed. It's very sad how this woman was treated like a circus clown and dragged all around the place to be put on display. I'm surprised they did create a wax figure of her and place her in Madame Tassaud's museum?
Hi, saddlerider, I am not sure how famous she is in England, it was mainly norway I think, but it was terrible the way they treated her, it is a shame that she wasn't born today, but then again, would she have been treated any better I wonder? thanks again nell
Hello Nell,
I really like the way you told Julia's story. It drew me in and I had to continue to read. She was a very brave woman at a time in history where people could be extremely cruel to one another. She had a great strength to be able to rise above all the adversity surrounding her. She was not deterred by others from learning and using her intelligence and knowledge to her advantage. It was like she lived two lifetimes in her short life of 26 years. In today's world she might have lived longer and wouldn't have had to marry a man like him.
It is a sad, sad but all to common story of the way we treat each other as human beings and even though we have evolved over the centuries. Some will always have more of those cruel tendencies for various reasons. That in itself is part of human nature also. I hope that we can step up to the plate as fellow humans and now even though long overdue give her the respect she deserves. Thank you for sharing this story about an exceptional, extraordinarily beautiful person albeit a very sad, sad story.
Hi, thank you so much for commenting, I remember reading this story years and years ago, and for some reason it resonated in my mind until now, I pulled out all my books knowing that I had part of the story in one of them, and luckily it gave me enough information to start researching her. I think that she was amazing,as you said, she used her knowledge and intelligence to get her through such a difficult life, it was a shame how she was treated, and I do think that they should commemorate her in some way, maybe a statue? just to remind us that this was a bad thing that happened in an unenlightened age, and hopefully we will never act like that again towards a human being. the sad thing is that this still happens in parts of the world. thank you again, nell
Hello again Nell,
My comment was the last one you answered above this one. I dont know why my name and picture didn't show up. It is not really that important but just gives you a little glimpse of who is leaving comments.
I was thinking about that story after I read it and I had to come back to tell you that I have adversities in my life as well and looking at what Julia went through seems to help me see things in a better light. So I will say thank you again. And yes i do think a statue would be very nice.
Hi, itchwitch, I wondered who the mysterious writer was! lol thanks for coming back, I totally understand about having adversities, and it certainly does make you look at things differently in your own life, thanks again nell
This was one of the best hubs I have ever read. So informative and astonishing I must add but life is so crazy. I love mysteries and history so thanx 4 this entertaining true story.
Hi, stacies29, thank you so much for your kind words, and I am glad you liked it, she has always fascinated me, so i am glad that you found it informative, thanks again nell
This page strike out a few times on hubpages front page and i have read it several times and never take a serious step to know the experienced and potential writer until yesterday night.It was indeed a great story Nell,this i should rated it 10 over 10,you are truly very particular person in writing and the best ever topic i found on hubpages.Really different and hard to find this kind of stories.i am glad to spread it out on my social site.Rated up!
Hi, sord87, thank you so much for your kind words, I am glad you enjoyed it and thank you so much for putting it on your social site, I really appreciate it, thank you nell
Unbelievable, but there are really times when people are blinded by power and money that causes them to be unjust to others. Thanks for this very interesting hub.
Hi PaperNotes, thanks for reading it, and your kind comments, cheers nell
That is really something terrible. Great hub and i loved the one with Google earth "the dead guy on the street" LOL
This is very interesting and sad. I understand people's curiosity, but I don't understand their cruelty
Great Hub
Hi, revrave, thanks for liking it, it was a terrible thing to happen to her, and I am glad you liked my 'dead guy on the street' ha ha I can't believe no one saw it when they were taking the pictures! cheers nell
Hi, Deborah, thanks so much for reading my hubs, that's the trouble with people even today, they seem to revel in cruel acts, one day maybe we will learn to be better, cheers nell
wow, how inspiring!
Hi, kerritl123, thanks for commenting, i am glad you liked it, cheers nell
Amazing, sad and yet inspiring. What a great tale and you told it so well. I'll be reading more from you. Thanks.
Hi, PegCole, Thanks for reading it, and I am glad you liked it, cheers nell
How sad, and what a shameful commentary on humans who call themselves "civilized!"
Brava for her for holding her head high!
Hi, DzyMsLizzy, It was terrible and I think that she was brilliant to be able to hold her head up in such bad conditions that she had to live in with her husband, it was such a shame, thanks so much again nell
What a hugely depressing story. This was so creepy. I hope I don't end up like that....a mummy for all to look at. It kind of reminds me of the famous traveling Bodies exhibit. Ewwww. No thanks, not for children.
Hi, Steve, thanks for reading it, it is depressing but also very sad, I know what you mean about the traveling Bodies exibit, horrible! thanks again nell
A fascinating story and hub. Very well written and by the looks of all the comments, very much loved. I am eager to read more by you as your writing just captivates me. We here on HP are blessed to have someone like you, so talented,and willing to share. I wish you all the success in the world! A fan forever.
Hi, vocalcoach, thank you so much, and it is nice to see you, I am so glad you liked it, thanks nell
thumbs up!!
Hi, Mr4X, thanks so much, nell
That's an amazing story. Her picture is familiar from a commemorative Coronation book from 1953, as one of the wonders of the Empire, but I'd never heard her full life story, till now. Thanks Nell.
Thank you for the "rest of the story" - mans inhumanity to man is indeed amazing. Will we ever learn to see each other on equal terms for we are all simply human...
Hi, FLYSCO, I am glad you liked it, it is difficult to find much about her so I was glad when I managed to get most of the info, thanks again nell
Hi, CheyenneAutumn, I totally agree with you, it's a shame that it still tends to happen even today, I am glad you liked it, thanks so much nell
Oh man, what a story. I applaud your very human take on Julia. Without your perspective, I would have only understood what she looked like and that she was tossed around from place to place and person to person. Now I also see her talents and some of her personality and her own will.
Interesting contradiction though, that she had no interest in money, but refused to marry because there was no one rich enough?
What occurred to me is that she was known and accepted for being able to have an intelligent conversation with men because of her unique position. People probably couldn't see her as just a woman because of her appearance, yet they could easily also say that they had an intelligent conversation with a woman because she was.
It seems that Julia's society's unwillingness to challenge convention resulted in a statement that challenges their assertions about convention!
Hi, Alexander, yes it certainly seems that way, in those days of course there were so many inventions happening and new things coming from other countries that we knew nothing about, and poor Julia got caught up in all of that, they forgot she was human, apart from a few people, mainly men who thought she was a novelty! thanks again nell
Thank you sharing this story on hub! I've never read that before. She is great!
Hi, timepieces, thanks so much for commenting cheers nell
Thanks for the interesting hub. Its surprising how an icon and a star who overcame such adversity could be so quickly forgotten. Out with the old and in with the new.
Hi, Mercredi, I know what you mean, surely she should have gone down in history with more written about her? thanks so much for reading it, cheers nell
Thanks for such a beautiful but tragic story. I am grateful to you for the opportunity to learn how base human nature can be and that I need to treat my fellow humans with dignity and respect irrespective of their physical differences and unique traits.
I recall seeing a video about her some years ago, with her haunting soprano voice. She believed her husband married her for love. So sad that he exploited her for money- including having her and their child stuffed for display. She was only about 4.5 feet tall. Great research
Hi, minakay, thanks so much for reading it, I quite agree with you, at that time I am afraid people didn't know the meaning of the word respect, hopefully since then we have learned something, thanks nell
Hi, Baileybear, thanks for stopping by, it was such a shame and the way he treated her was appalling! I think that they should erect a statue to her or something, and give her the dignity that she so very dearly needs, thanks nell
Oh my gosh Nell I didn't think I was ever going to come to the end of all these comments, mind you I'm not surprised; what an amzaing hub. You are such a talanted writer. I think it's the natural way that you bring your characters to life and the topics that you choose to write about.It is so sad that she was treated so appallingly and the sad thing is that there are still so many people like thois in today's society as well.I suppose there will always be.
I am getting round them Nell. Very slowly but I will get there haha. I think it's a beautiful and up for this one!!
Take care Nell.
HI, Eiddwen, thanks again for working your way around my hubs, I really appreciate it. Julia was a remarkable woman, and if it was today she would probably have been famous for just her singing. thanks again as always nell
A very informative share on this remarkable lady. I am not surprised her husband had a mental breakdown. What kind of mind would treat a person like that?
Hi, jtrader, thanks for stopping by and reading it, it seems that maybe his consience got the better of him! I hope! he obviously was a very evil man, thanks so much nell
Hey Nell Rose,
I just read this fascinating hub. I had never heard of this woman before. It is an amazing but sad story.
Hi, Mr Tindle, I am glad you liked it, she has fascinated me for years ever since I read about her in a book, thanks nell
you made me cry. these tears are of shame on me being born as a human being. I can't really take it though I have few real life experiences that are even more heinous than what you explained.
Tribute to the women of courage. May her and her son's departed souls find peace in the heaven.
first, i dont know where you do ur research, i guess u have a well of topics, lol. never heard of this story, ever.
2nd, u make them so interesting, like u really know them, and that's talent with a capital T.
thanks for the great hub again.
Hi, saleheen, thank you so much for reading this, you have been busy today reading my hubs and I totally appreciate it, Julia was a very special lady, and it was terrible what happened to her, she certainly was a woman of courage, thanks again nell
Hi, Marie-Renee, I first read about Julia in an old book years and years ago, but she always seemed to tug at me, and I always remembered her, so when I started writing on here, I thought what better way to give her tribute, thanks so much nell
Wow! This is such a sad story and I have never heard of this woman. I have never heard of Hypertrichosis Terminalis until I read your hubpage.
Hopefully, we will learn from history and treat people with more dignity.
Thank you for this tribute to Julia Pastrana! You are an excellent writer.
Hi, pinkdaisy, thank you for your nice comments, I found this story years ago, and it always stayed in my mind, so I thought I would write about her, thanks again nell
wow, very intriguing and sad story. to think that that lady was mistreated in such a way by a man who married her.
Wow, what an interesting and sad story. I recently saw a television documentary about the condition which featured a modern day little girl who was basically going through the same thing. She couldn't go to school because of the relentless teasing. The people around her were trying everything to remove the hair which kept growing back. It was extremely sad...
Hi, kitty, thanks for reading it, it was a sad story, the trouble is we don't seem to have learned over the last hundred years. the bullying that she went through would still happen today, thanks nell
Hi, Christy, isn't it sad that it still happens? we should have learned a lesson by now, thanks so much for stopping by, cheers nell
I had never heard about this woman until now, such a sad story but a very interesting read, thanks for the infomation.
Hi, Sarah, thanks for commenting, and I am glad you liked it, cheers nell
Nell; the story was tragic, your hub well written, but the thing that strikes me most is your obvious sympathy for poor Julia and your distain for the people who tried to exploit her sad condition.
Upon reflection however, I must smile at the full and adventerous life she must have lived having traveled the world and found some acceptance in high society rather than having lived as a servant girl in Mexico.
The disrespectful treatment of her remains are unfortunate, but of little concern...I've told my own family to save the cost of my burial by stuffng my remains in a trash bad and setting me by the curb for pick up!
Thanks for another good read.
CP
Hi, CP, thanks again for reading it, you know, you are right! I never thought of it that way! we are sad because of what happened to her after her death, but she didn't know. it was what happened to her when she was alive that was important! great point! thanks nell
You profit from other's pain,
For how long do you think your sanity will remain?
Your doings will haunt you wherever you go,
As you reap, so shall you sow.
- Qudsia Pervez
For such a dignified woman, she faced certain adversity.
Thank you for the hub, I was unaware of such a shameful past.
very interesting but quite disturbing that people could enjoy such "entertainment"
Hi, Qudsia, thanks again for reading it, it was a very sad story, and shows that people should learn to respect each other whatever they look like, thanks again nell
Hi, CASE1 thanks for reading it, I know what you mean, the sad thing is that it is still happening in different parts of the world, thanks nell
I love reading your stuff! Thank you for posting.
Hi, Ross, thanks again, much appreciated, cheers nell
Hello Nell
Amazing story and poignant
you absolutely right we need to learn to accept people the way they been created,we should give them love and attention,not a weird look or stare at them.
thanks for this lovely story .
Hi, Sis. Fatima, thanks so much for reading it, it was a sad story, and unfortunately people are still acting like this today, very sad, thanks nell
That's is a sad story. I hope she had some happiness in her life.
Hi, summertime, it certainly was a horrible story, I do hope there were some good times, thanks so much nell
This is such a sad story, from the beginning she was being used for others and died and was still used. so sad, you did a great job on this hub.
Hi, bugslady, it was a very sad story, I only hope that we now treat others with a bit more respect, thanks for reading it, cheers nell
You are a fabulous writer! I'm going to follow you. You've inspired me to better my skills. Keep 'em coming. Linda
Hi, linda, thanks so much, I am glad you liked it, thanks nell
what an appalling story - I am so sorry to read of this poor woman's trials and tribulations at the hands of the inhumane humans of previous times...great reading though thanks Nell Rose ...cheers
Hi, ajcor, thanks for reading it, it was appalling wasn't it? thank goodness we have learned since then, I hope! thank you so much, nell
Just wonderful Nell. It makes me realize that we're actually the freaks, for not having humanity.... fantastic hub....lilyfly
Hi, lilyfly, you are so right, I hope we are getting better at being more polite and humane, but I doubt it! thanks again, nell
You show such compassion for the human race. Julia has an amazing story and too bad it's been forgotten. She looks Neanderthal, the early descendant of human evolution. I think that's any exciting prospect! She was intelligent and
dignified and that's how she should have been treated.
Hi, thanks again for reading it, she was a unique lady, and I wish they had treated her better, I certainly hope that one day she will be recognised and maybe have a statue to her, it would be a fitting tribute to a great lady, thanks
fascinating
Thanks Multiman, cheers nell
Wow! Amazingly sad story! How sad that people are treated like that! I really was impressed with the story, I am sure it took some research. Thanks for writing it! :) I am a new follower of yours, by the way!
Hi, Lene, thanks for reading it, it was sad, but that is and was human nature I am afraid, I hope we are more intelligent now, and more caring, thanks for the follow, and I love your hubs too! cheers nell
I think this guy --- Lent --- was the real freak.
Hi, Huntgoddess, thanks again for reading it, and you are so right, he certainly was, cheers nell
I felt very sad to hear how this woman and her son were so abused. It is too bad that she married this man who would treat her like that. She sounded like an incredible woman. Thanks for sharing!
Hi, DJ, wow! you have been reading a lot, thank you so much!
This story brought me to tears. This man didn't deserve Julia at all and he was the monster one!
Great job Nell, fascinating hub!
Hi, alwayzzcitra, he was a horrible man! I just felt that I wanted to write about her because she was amazing, cheers nell
This was a good read and well written.
Hi, manna in the wild, thanks for reading it, I love these sort of historical stories, there are so many people out there that we should remember, nell
I'd never heard of her until now. The Jury is still out on this one.
Hi, tritrain thanks so much for reading it, cheers nell
Very interesting.
Hi, lkayci, glad you liked it, thanks nell
What a terribly sad story! How cruel people can be forgetting about compassion and emotions. Very good article nicely written.
Hi,tillsontitan, thanks for reading it, people can be so cruel, especially back in those days, thanks nell
Hi, I never heard this story before. It was very sad i felt like i was there. I happy she was taken out of the basement.unique hub.Thanks
Hi, Heather, thanks again for reading my hub, it was a sad story, and I am glad I found out about her, cheers nell
what an inspiring and sad story, a clear manifestation of man's inhumanity to man. I did like the way she faced life though, she did not let her appearance deter her from living her life to the fullest. I just wish they had treated her better.
Hi, thanks tymmy for reading it, cheers nell
My mother is hideously ugly like that...just a little less so. I am just being honest. She has a lot of pure Native American blood as well from South America. The strange thing is that my father is very handsome and I am above average in looks. My mother's mother was also a beauty...but her father gave her his looks. People are astonished when I introduce them to my mother. I don't know how to explain it to them. They have a visceral reaction to her ugliness...I'm not lying. But she is a wonderful person as well. I am ashamed to admit that I've felt embarrassed by her appearance. I've sometimes wished I was ugly too...so it wouldn't come as a shock. Very handsome men have been attracted to me and I have turned them away because I think they will reject my mom. I just don't understand how I came from her if I've been told I'm beautiful by society but she is considered hideous. It hurts.
Hi, Sandy, thanks for writing, I think that sometimes we have to take a step back and see it from another perspective. You have seen your mom in this way all your life and only see her 'ugliness'. But if you look at it another way you will see it very differently. You said your father is very handsome? if you can 'go back' in time and try and think of the time when when your father met your mom, what do you think he thought of her? he must have fallen in love with her or else he wouldn't have married her. Beauty comes from within, she must be a very special and lovely natured lady, or else he wouldn't have married her. So many people marry for looks, and then realise that the person they married are not the person they thought they were. They could be vain or nasty, and then the looks don't matter, because the person they are aren't very nice. You sound like a lovely girl, and if you are pretty then that's an advantage, but your personality counts the most. I believe that when people see your mom and think she is ugly, I believe that there is a lot of jealousy involved because they can't believe how good looking your dad is. How did she get him? they think. Well, I think it is because he saw her beauty inside. Don't be afraid of meeting handsome men, if they like you they will love you for who you are, not your parents, and when they do fall in love with you, they will get to love your mom too, don't be afraid to go out with them, if any man says anything nasty about your mom, then, is he worth your love? no, of course not, because this will be just a small indication of what he will be like with you. A man that loves you will not even notice the way you mom looks. This is a good indication of a good boyfriend. In future if you hear anybody say anything, either just ignore it, or if you are confronted with them, say 'you are just jealous, because my dad is so handsome' or just something simple like 'get over it!' lol never ever hold yourself back, you will make your own prisons if you do this, go out and meet the man of your dreams because he is out there waiting for you, take care and thanks again, nell
I never heard but gross who would marry her
Extremely interesting, I've heard about this before. Great article.
Thanks infinite, glad you liked it, cheers nell
Hi, Yasmine, they say beauty comes from within, and they say she was very lovely, thanks for reading, nell
Very interesting account!
Hi, suzanne, thanks for reading it, cheers nell
wow! horrifying. So awful how we treat each other. Thanks for this.
Hi, agsawan, yes it was a terrible thing, thank goodness it was all that time ago, maybe these days we would treat her better, or maybe not! thanks nell
Hi Nell the elephant man had a lot of dignity too. I remember there being a freak show at the local fair when i was a kid living in England. The bearded lady and such. It sounds as though she rose above everyone else's lack of humanity and gave those rubberneckers a moral lesson. I'm as ugly as a sack of cold chisels, but my wife still married me. Interesting stuff. Cheers
Hi, attempted, I remember them too, and at that time we never really thought about the person, but I would now. you're as ugly as a sack of cold chisels? ha ha no, I am sure your not, your wife didn't think so, I have known a lot of good looking men, friends, and believe me, they are a big headed lot! lol
Nell, thanks for sharing this most amazing story about Julia Pastrana, the Hybrid Bear Woman also known as The Ugliest Woman In The World. She must have been also The Unhappiest Woman In The World. I wonder what kind of mental breakdown her abuser suffered and what happened to the woman who looked like her?
Hi, Martie, it seems that women who were like her seem to be drawn to that kind of life at that time, so sad, but I suppose it was a way of earning money and having some sort of life, thank goodness we all live in the modern world, thanks again nell
Oh that was heartwrenchingly beautifully sad and horendous all at the same time , i commend you for such a touching piece as this !! thank you for the read :)
Hi, jami, it was such a heart wrenching tale, I feel so sorry for her, what a shame she didn't live in the present, maybe she would have been treated better, thanks so much for reading, cheers nell
@Nell Rose: The way that 19th century world began, was by embarking on discovering more about itself. This unfortunate woman and similar genetic mutations were labeled as oddities of the Known world, so it is no surprise that this took place.
Was it the enlightened society that they would have us believe? Of course not!
This was the World of Mark Twain, Walt Whitman, Thoreau, Emily Dickenson, Edgar Allen Poe, Longfellow, Melville, Washington Irving, Charles Dickens, Thackeray, Collins, Victor Hugo, and Charlotte Bronte.
It also was the backdrop for the Napoleonic Wars, The American-Canadian War of 1812, the American Civil War, The Spanish American War, Manifest Destiny, The Sino Russian War, The Boer War, just to name a few. The age was one of Medical Advances and scientific discoveries as well. It was to paraphrase Dickens in his "A Tale of Two Cities".
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to heaven, we were all going direct the other way - in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only."
She was an example of Nobility of Character who deserved so much better than she received and though her outer appearance was ghastly her inner beauty was what shown through when she was allowed to present herself as only she could. Thank you for the intelligent and thoughtful manner that you presented this lady to us here on HubPages, Nell!Kudos and Voted this Up & Awesome!
Regards Mike (Aka Professor M!) ;D
Hi, Mike thanks so much! I do agree, back then it was such a strange time of inventions, both in science and the technology if you'd like to call it that, however primitive, they seemed to be reaching for enlightenment in many ways, but sadly the human rights that we have today was a long way off back then, thanks nell
Nell, as a child I'd read about Julia in the book, Very Special People, but I had no idea her husband was so vile. Not only was he disgusting to abuse Julia's body this way, but his own child, too. It really blows the mind how some humans can be so depraved in spirit!
Hi, beth, yes you're right, its unbelievable how anybody could be so callous, some people still are today, but at least they would be put in jail, thanks again nell
What a fascinating and heartbreaking story. Thanks for telling it so well!
Hi, RooBee, thank you for reading it, it has fascinated me since I was a child, and I had to find the story so I could write about it, cheers nell
This is like a "Ripley's Believe It or Not" story, but with much greater detail, insight, and empathy for the subject. Fascinating read! Amazing what people are willing to subject others too, just for money and/or fame. Thanks for writing it!
Hi, Trips, it is a strange but sad story, I have read about this for years, and often wondered what had really happened to her, thanks so much for reading, cheers nell
i feel so much for Julia,Lent married her for his own advantage and the most shameful thing is that she was displayed in museums ,human being is not a showpiece ,after all she was a women,i am glad that she had a beautiful voice and she was also intelligent,i guess i will never be able to understand that why her child died after few hours of birth,why was he born if he was meant to die,god is mystical and so his creations..wonderful hub..
Hi, prashant, thank you so much for reading, yes it is a very sad story, I am glad we don't treat people like that these days.
wow this is crazy ,I have never heard of this! Does anyone know if she was the last of her kind? I wonder why her gums were swollen too? Was it due to bad hygiene or her disease?
Hi, Robin, I think it was just a genetic flaw, this included her teeth too, in her case it was just one of those anomalies that happen in nature, thanks for reading, cheers nell
Great hub. I saw a documentary a couple years ago about a wolf boy in Mexico. In fact if I remember correctly other members of his family had the same hair growth patterns.
I'm amazed that scientists of that time thought she was a cross between anything and a human being. We have known a long time now that inter species breading is not viable. In fact that is partially the definition of a species. When one group can no longer successfully mate with the parent group they are considered a different species.
This is why race in humans is an absurd notion since all supposed races can interbreed successfully. All differences in humans are cosmetic and nothing more.
But genes do amazing things. We have so many genes from ancestors that are not turned on or no longer dominant. So this sort of thing is bound to happen.
After all, we are not evolved from apes, we are a species of ape.
Hi, Slarty, you said that exactly right, we are a species of ape, and I am sure that we can somehow 'go back' genetically or be a throw back sometimes, I think I remember that tv programme about the Wolf boys, I believe that they have to keep shaving their faces to try and get work, but in a sense they are lucky because they live in a city that accepts them like that, over here in Britain they would be stared at all the time, thanks for reading, cheers nell
Exactly so. I don't think these kinds of things can even be seen as diseases or defects. They are just throwbacks as they say. Because of a specific set of circumstances a gene is turned on or turned off that would normally not be and get a glimpse into what some of our ancestors may have looked like 200,000 years ago.
I think they would be stared at all over the world, but I would have thought England would be more liberal and accepting than most. ;)
Hi, Slarty, yes you are right! I have heard of that happening before about the gene being turned off, I think that England would be okay in certain places, but in a small village they would have small village minds! lol thanks again nell
What an amazing story about an amazing woman. As I was reading I kept thinking, "Now she will rest in peace." But then there was more, and then more... Hopefully someday someone will treat her with dignity and put her body to rest.
Hi, homestead, I agree, it was such a shame how she was treated, it makes me so mad to think of the way she was used in that way, thanks for taking time to read it, cheers nell
Tragic story, humans, at their best, can be bloody disgusting.
Speaking of being disgusting (me, not you), am just going to pick a point of English composition here:
"Eventually Lent got fed up of It and hired her out to the person who would pay the most for the privilege."
It's actually "...fed up WITH it...", though I'm seeing a great many younger people using the term 'of' instead of 'with' in this context and can't help but wonder who teaches the teachers these days.
This young woman lived in tragedy and misery. Your compassionate recounting has been presented well and given her honor and dignity.
Thank you Hyphenbird, she was one unique lady, wasn't she? cheers nell
Wow! I have read tidbits about the "breaded Lady" in high school, however, that was like forever ago.
Its crazy to think that this poor Lady is still out for "show".
Thank you for this interesting Hub.
Hi, Mysticalmoon, it was such a sad story, she was an amazing lady, I think they should honour her in some way, maybe a statue? thanks for reading, cheers nell
wow. what a tragic and well written story. Thanks for enlightening me. Very well done. Voted up and interesting and shared
Hello Nell! You have done Julia a loving service by telling her story while opining about the horrendous treatment this gentle soul received at the hands of others. I am both disgusted about her sad life while humbled at her dignity and strength. It is so very sad that she was able to have her baby boy for such a short time and then lost her life in the process. Maybe this was the greatest gift the woman could ever receive; relief from this cruel world. The historical significance of human behavior and amazing fact that Julia lived to endure so much mistreatment is astounding..awe inspiring and leaves me with a feeling that I wish I could have given comfort to this amazing woman...who developed grace, intelligence and countenance in the face of being regarded as "freak." Sadly, we humans can be so cruel...thoughtless and act with "mob mentality" far too easily. This has always scared and disappointed me...given that, with our huge capacity to 'evolve' and empathize along with our (assumed) intelligence; we are still capable and PRONE to act in such barbaric fashion.
You have written a tribute, a eulogy and a biography, in a sense, in honor of another...this is a beautiful thing.
I really like and admire that you added your thoughts and feelings while writing this story. In my opinion, this adds so much to the telling of Julia's life...
I miss reading your incredible writing, Nell...and shall make every effort to find the time to read many others as I truly enjoy your work.
UP Awesome Beautiful Useful Interesting and there should be a Tender Mercies.
Very interesting topic here Neilrose. People of the past are animal minded huh. Mummifying a very special person for money making display, they are the ones who likely to be treated as animals not Julia. I just wondered what really caused julia to exist like that? Was that purely because of the growing too much hair syndrome or she is a daughter of a bear and a human? really very interesting. 1 vote up interesting and awesome Neilrose!
Hi, PDX, sadly there are still people out there who would treat her this way even now, thanks for reading cheers nell
Hi, Lucky Cats, I can't understand how people could have been so cruel, mind you back in those days they knew nothing about science or genetics, but still, just a bit of compassion, and yes I agree, just because we are 'civilised' these days doesn't stop the fact that there are people out there who would do it still, thanks so much nell
Hi, Admiral, it was just genetics, I expect it was a cross between birth deformaties and hormone growth, but it was such a shame the way they treated her, thanks so much for the votes, cheers nell
Nell, have you seen the film from the 30's called Freaks? I think now it would be considered an exploitation film, but, int he end (spoiler alert) the freaks win. it's worth a watch. It stars real circus "freaks"
Hi, PDX, I think I may have, I know that I have seen one film like that, but it might be more up to date, the sad thing is that people with those disabilities did use to go into circus's and side shows to earn money, and in fact they said at the time that they rather enjoyed it because there were other people with the same sort of problems, I suppose back then it made sense, but can you imagine it now! thanks again nell
ya, it would never pass now. I'll e mail A link to it on amazon. it's an interesting movie:
Hi, thanks, wondered what you meant in the email! lol! got confused there!
A very interesting story Nell - but how sad - and the saddest thing is to read that she still hasn't been given the dignity of a proper burial.
Hi, Suki, that's so true, one of these days they may realise that someones dignity should be remembered even a hundred years later, thanks for reading, cheers nell
Wow! This is an unusual story! Such strange facts and stories fascinate me a lot! Interesting! Vote up.
Thanks ishwaryaa, glad you liked it, cheers nell
I like it when I can read somethiing that tells me something truly new to me, that I have never even heard a glimmer of before. This is such a sad story, and I feel bad that I had never heard of her at all, but it was still a great read. Thank you.
Thanks Mark, I remember reading about her years ago, and it was one of those stories that stayed with me, luckily I found a few books about her and hence the story! thanks for reading, cheers nell
Honestly, I don't think we should define she as 100% human being.
Hi, JL, interesting to hear you say that, but of course she was very much a normal wonderful human being, there are many reasons why someone should have a different appearance, but genetically her dna is exactly the same as ours, she had a wonderful singing voice, and that I believe, defines her as someone amazing, thanks for your comment.
Such a sad, sad story. Excellent writing, though. I love stories like this though!
Hi, Kim, thanks for reading, she was a very amazing woman, cheers nell
Thank goodness she ended up in Norway. That poor child.
Thanks Laura, I know what you mean, it was such a shame, but really fascinating to learn about her, cheers nell
What a fascinating story, it is hard to believe that people would treat someone with such disregard. Not only those who exploited her, but also those who shamelessly gawked and even paid to do so. Thank you for sharing voted up and interesting.
I think that it wasn't a story of a pitiable creature 'Julia Pastrana', instead the story about a aggravated and greedy person,'Lent'. Again everybody should ashame about ourselves for what we had done as our part that we couldn't thought that she also had had a soft mind within her, we just looked at her as a creature, not as a woman. She had been treated as a exhibited-thing;not as a lively woman. I worship my lord Shiva that her soul would rest in peace,even now. You have shared a story about a poor,pity creature.
Wow Nell what a facinating but very sad story. I had heard of her but never the full story. I too hope she will be given the honorable burial she deserves. It is amazing the things that were tolorated so long ago that would never be tolorated now...
Thank you for such a great hub.
Sunnie
This lady is one-of-a-kind. I can't believe why people are so hostile to individuals like her. She is peculiar yet PRECIOUS.
Thank you for sharing to us such an inspirational story. :D
Thanks guys, I have to answer you all at once as my stupid (';####!) computer is not working, its taken me three hours to just get to this stage! I really appreciate you reading, thanks nell
Nothing has changed, people still take advantage of those that are rare and unique. The only thing that is different is that it is done with a smile. They are referred to and called all types of names, but more than likely if they know who they are and they're true to themselves, none of the above matters. She lived her life and expressed herself to the fullest regardless of her looks. She and her baby suffered in life and in death, more than likely because died of who she chose to attach herself to and have a baby with.
Hi, dmop, hopfully my pc is working now! thanks so much for reading, cheers nell
Julia was certainly a unique lady, and in her own way lived her dream of singing, only to be treated appallingly, thanks all for reading, cheers nell
What an unusual story and a fascinating woman. It's good that she was able to obtain some dignity in her life, though unfortunate, that she lost that dignity as well. Voting this Up and Interesting.
Thanks alocsin, she was definitely an exceptional woman, and it was such a shame that the people she met were so horrible to her, this story has always fascinated me, I am glad you liked it, thanks nell
What a terrable life and death this poor woman had. Hopefully we have moved past that type of treatment. I was fascinated by the fact that she was so intelligent and accomplished. How horrible that there was noone who would stand up for this woman.
Hi, Koffee, sadly back in those days people were much more curious than caring, as long as they could see her and talk about her, they didn't really care that she was a human being, it was terrible, thanks so much for reading, cheers nell
Poor Julia had no dignity until you told her story. You did it objectively, but gave it the grace and dignity that she deserved. Thank you.
Thanks again aviannovice, I had been wanting to write about Julia Pastrana years ago when I first saw her in a book called would you believe, 'freaks'! how insulting was that? I don't think they would get away with it these days! she was a really talented lady, and I was so glad to be able to write about her, thanks again, nell
Sadly, the world still fears anything different; anything not understood. Yet, we live with variety each day. Funny though, if we are still, and listen, what is different will give us the answers, we seek.
Hi Tiffany, thanks so much for reading, and yes I totally agree with you. So many different people in the world and yet we still fear anything different, its so sad, nell
Hi Nell. What a terrible story well told, with sympathy empathy and respect. It´s terrible that she and her baby even in death, should be toted around the world to be stared at and no doubt laughed at by some, ridiculed by others, and turned away from by lots.My god, it beggers belief. However at least in death all that was left was her shell. I´m sure her soul would have been in a far nicer place than the cruel unfeeling world she was born into.Voted up and awesome.
Thanks bac2, it was such a sad story, to think that people even back then would treat someone so appallingly is beyond belief, thanks so much for reading it, nell
Very interesting read, thank you.
Thanks Cathleen, glad you liked it, cheers nell
akirchner Level 4 Commenter 2 years ago
Good heavens - I have never heard that story or read it - WOW. Great hub and I guess I am grateful that I was not born hairy. Seriously though - genetic defects and all that are never easy to live with but imagine in times past. I always say I'm grateful ours happened in a civilized world. If our son had been even been born in Russia, he would have been left to die. How sad for them!