History has had its share of mad monarchs—but few were as twisted as Maria Eleonora of Brandenburg.

History has had its share of mad monarchs—but few were as twisted as Maria Eleonora of Brandenburg.

Queen Maria Eleonora birthed one of the most fascinating rulers of Europe, Christina of Sweden, but few know about her own story…and that may be because so much of it is disturbing. While she began as one of the most eligible royal brides, this Queen Mother had a downfall like no other. 


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