Eunuch Hall of Fame

[NaturalEunuch]

If there was a Eunuch Hall of Fame, who would be in it?

Categories could include modern, historical, a special EA category, and non-eunuch.

To get it started, here are some of the inductees I'd select:

MODERN ERA EUNUCHS:
Dr. Richard J Wassersug (researcher, author)

HISTORICAL EUNUCHS:
Admiral Zheng He (famous explorer, early Ming dynasty)
Alessandro Moreschi (the last Castrato, 1858-1922)
Sun Yaoting (the last Imperial eunuch, 1902-1996)
"Boston" Corbett (the man who shot the man who shot Abraham Lincoln, 1832-1896)
Bagoas (Alexander the Great’s young lover, 4th Century BC)
Narses (Emporer Justinian I's general and administrator, c. 478-573/574) (Read his story by Pueros on the Fiction Archive)
Wei Zhongxian (notorious palace eunuch, 1568-1627)

SPECIAL EA AWARD:
Bboy, Talula, Jesus, Kristoff, Paulo, LoseThem

NON-EUNUCH CATEGORY:
George Carter Stent (author of Chinese Eunuchs, 1877)
Dr. Thomas W Johnson (researcher, author)

POSSIBLE EUNUCHS:
Saint Patrick (Catholic Saint, 386-461 AD) (Read his story by Pueros on the Fiction Archive)

[Sakebigoe]

I nominate Boston Corbett for historical eunuchs. He's most well known for being the soldier who killed John Wilkes Booth. He also famously castrated himself after according to him being tempted by sexual urges in 1858 using a pair scissors he then ate a meal and attended a prayer meeting before seeking medical attention. He was pretty clearly not the most mentally stable person but he lived a fascinating life.

[NaturalEunuch]

I nominate Boston Corbett for historical eunuchs. He's most well known for being the soldier who killed John Wilkes Booth. He also famously castrated himself after according to him being tempted by sexual urges in 1858 using a pair scissors he then ate a meal and attended a prayer meeting before seeking medical attention. He was pretty clearly not the most mentally stable person but he lived a fascinating life.

That's a good one. Added to the main list.

[WheelyFixed]

We might also have a section for "Maybe" Eunuchs in history - Immediately thinking of our favorite Irish Saint (See the March Story thread) I have looked at some of the historical source material myself, and also swapped e-mails w/ JesusA and the author about the question, and essentially it's an open question - there is no definite historical evidence either way. However Pueros definitely believes he was, and the fact 'erased' for political reasons....

It isn't really possible to tell 'saintly behavior' from 'eunuch' absent any other evidence, but the historical material suggests that it is definitely possible, and it offers a possible explanation for why he entered the church when he normally would have been inheriting a local ruler position...

WheelyFixed

[TheRagingEunuch]

I had often heard the "Boston" was a Eunuch, but wasn't certain that that the story was true. Thanks for elaborating. Nice to know that I am not the only Eunuch who once wore a uniform in modern times.

[Pueros]

Hi all!

Sadly now quite a few years ago, I wrote a true historical biography for eunuch.org about a certain eunuch. It was titled "BYZANTINES IV : MALLEUS GOTHORUM", but I haven't yet checked whether it's still available to read within the archives at this great new website.

What I am sure is that I defy anyone to name a eunuch who had a more successful professional life!

To add further to this interesting debate, I'll also provide my personal opinion of the top eunuchs 2-5 in due course, after I have pondered this issue more closely. Many of these people were true heroes, so they deserve such careful & respectful consideration!

Best regards to all!

PUEROS

[NaturalEunuch]

Hi Pueros,

We don't have very many of the eunuch.org forum posts. If you still have a copy of the "BYZANTINES IV: MALLEUS GOTHORUM" article, please post it here. I'm sure everyone will enjoy it.

Also, I'm looking forward to your take on Hall of Fame eunuchs.

[WheelyFixed]

Just checked - it was posted in the EunuchWorld part of EAv2, not the main forums, but unfortunately it has a "Minor" tag, so not visible in the current FA. Not sure if it can be edited to make it comply w/ the current rule or not...

WheelyFixed

[Pueros]

Hi All!

As we await posting of a revised ‘Malleus Gothorum’, revealing my choice of most successful eunuch in history, I now nominate my number two……..Bagoas, Alexander the Great’s young lover.

Bagoas was instrumental in changing Alexander’s attitude to the Persia he had conquered. Before the King met the young eunuch, his attitude to the country and the population was very hostile, wanting vengeance for past wars launched against Greece by Darius I and Xerxes I and the later subjugation of Greek-populated territories. He had even burnt to cinders the beautiful ceremonial capital, Persepolis, which was a rather stupid action because he had already captured the place.

After meeting Bagoas, though, Alexander’s attitude changed considerably. He began appointing Persians to positions of importance, and even started to adopt certain local ways, including in following certain customs and in dress, to the dislike of some of his fellow Greeks. However, many others followed him, assimilating.

The result was the quiet absorption of the Persian Empire into, after Alexander’s untimely early death, prosperous and long-lasting Greek-ruled states.

For example, the Seleucid Empire, founded by one the great king’s generals, which controlled lands from the Aegean Sea to what is now Afghanistan, and included Persia, was in existence for 250 years.

Another general, and possible bastard half-brother to Alexander, Ptolemy, set up a Greek dynasty that ruled Egypt for even longer (see ‘The Last Of The Pharaohs’ by me).

Bagoas, for his influence on Alexander and the effect that had, is therefore my number two!

I would have produced a story about Bagaos but a great one had already long ago been published in “The Persian Boy” by Mary Renault, part of her superb “Alexander Trilogy”, all three books being highly recommended reading!

What is not recommended is Oliver Stone’s ridiculous film ‘Alexander’, which is full of historical inaccuracies. For example, Hephaestion, Alexander’s boyhood lover, is depicted with a beard. The great king, going against Greek custom, disliked such facial hair and so all of his closest friends always shaved their faces. For perhaps obvious legal reasons, Bagoas is also depicted as older than he actually was at the time in real life.

My numbers 3-5 to follow........

Regards to all,

PUEROS

[dandelion]

Allow me to add to the list with one of the most infamous eunuchs in Chinese history. One disclaimer to add though, is that eunuchs were mostly looked down upon by scholar-bureaucrats in ancient China, so very often their stories were recorded with prejudice.

Wei Zhongxian (魏忠賢) (1568 – December 12, 1627) was a Chinese court eunuch who is considered the most notorious eunuch in Chinese history. Born as Wei Si (魏四) (Wei "number 4") in Suning County, he was illiterate and reportedly castrated himself at age 21 to escape gambling debts[1][4].

After entering imperial service, Wei adopted the name Li Jinzhong (李進忠) and gradually gained favor in the Forbidden City. His rise to power began when he served Lady Wang and her son Zhu Youjiao (朱由校), who would later become the Tianqi Emperor (天啟帝) [1][4]. Wei formed a close relationship with both the future emperor and his wet nurse, Madame Ke, effectively becoming the young prince's de facto father figure[1][5].

When Zhu Youjiao ascended the throne as the Tianqi Emperor in 1620, Wei's influence grew dramatically. The 15-year-old emperor, who was more interested in carpentry than governance, allowed Wei to handle state affairs[1][5]. By 1624, Wei had received what amounted to a power of attorney from the emperor and effectively became the de facto ruler of China[5].

During his reign of power (1624-1627), Wei ruthlessly exploited his position by:
- Controlling the Eastern Depot (東廠), a secret police force of over one thousand officers[1]
- Training and arming up to ten thousand eunuchs[3]
- Persecuting his political enemies, particularly the reform-minded Donglin faction (東林黨)[1][5]
- Having hundreds of officials executed or removed from office[4]
- Appointing his relatives and supporters to high positions[1]

Wei's downfall came with the death of the Tianqi Emperor in 1627. When Zhu Youjian (朱由檢) (the Chongzhen Emperor (崇禎帝), the last emperor of the Ming dynasty) took the throne, he initially allowed Wei to remain in service but eventually exiled him following numerous complaints[1][4]. While traveling to his place of exile, Wei learned he was to be arrested and committed suicide by hanging himself on December 13, 1627[1].

After his death, the Chongzhen Emperor ordered severe punishment: Wei's corpse was dismembered and displayed in his native village, 161 of his associates were punished, and 24 were executed. Madame Ke was beaten to death shortly after Wei's suicide[1]. Wei Zhongxian's legacy in Chinese history is that of a corrupt and power-hungry eunuch who abused imperial authority for personal gain[1][4].

Sources
[1] Wei Zhongxian - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wei_Zhongxian
[2] The Potent Eunuch: The Story of Wei Zhongxian - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skrYYEO9eRY
[3] The Potent Eunuch: The Story of Wei Zhongxian https://read.dukeupress.edu/jclc/articl ... -Zhongxian
[4] Wei Zhongxian: When China Yielded to the Terrifying Power of a ... https://www.ancient-origins.net/history ... uch-008245
[5] Wei Zhongxian | Ming Dynasty, Eunuch, Grand Secretary | Britannica https://www.britannica.com/biography/Wei-Zhongxian
[6] The Potent Eunuch: The Story of Wei Zhongxian https://read.dukeupress.edu/jclc/articl ... -Zhongxian
[7] Wei Zhongxian: When China Yielded to the Terrifying Power of a ... https://www.reddit.com/r/HistoryHyenas/ ... ed_to_the/
[8] Eunuchs popularized in 'Game of Thrones' have historical parallels ... https://news.ku.edu/news/article/2014/0 ... rial-china
[9] whats the origin of Wei Zhong xian : r/HistoryHyenas - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/HistoryHyenas/ ... hong_xian/
[10] Wei Zhongxian 魏忠賢(www.chinaknowledge.de) http://www.chinaknowledge.de/History/Mi ... gxian.html
[11] [PDF] The Potent Eunuch - Keith McMahon https://kmcmahon.ku.edu/pdf/McMahon-The ... Eunuch.pdf
[12] 中国经典名著：明珠缘(繁体版)（Chinese Classics:Ming Dynasty ... https://ocln.overdrive.com/ocln-ventres ... ia/1421637
[13] Wei Zhongxian Biography - Pantheon World https://pantheon.world/profile/person/Wei_Zhongxian

[Pueros]

Hi again!

Dandelion's contribution was certainly very interesting, especially as I've never before heard of the notorious eunuch concerned.

I'm here to report that I have submitted here a revised version of 'Malleus Gothorum', explaining my own number one choice, which will hopefully soon be published. Beware, though, that it's essentially a long historical biography, written in the 1st person, without any detailed sex scenes or the like, so it will probably only suit a small minority of tastes.

My number three choice was once treated by me similarly. I'll therefore have to talk to the moderators here about releasing his story from the closed archive too!

Regards to all,

PUEROS

(Edit by dandelion: See revised story here: MALLEUS-GOTHORUM

[NaturalEunuch]

Thank you Wheely, Pueros, and Dandelion for the feedback. Have added your input to the original post.

[Pueros]

Hi All!

My number three is a “Mountain Flower”!

In explanation, I hope to work on returning here another old story, originally titled “OTTOMANS ۱: THE MOUNTAIN FLOWER”, now presumably within the closed archive. Beware, though it’s another long factual biography, like ‘Malleus Gothorum’, with no titillation within, & so will probably suit only a minority of tastes.

Meanwhile, people here might ask why do I produce such biographies in story form? Well, if I just recounted such, often heroic, lives in an academic paper, who would actually pay much attention? Writing here, filling-in gaps in our knowledge with a bit of literary licence, brings their true existences not only to a wider readership but also one genuinely interested in people of their kind.

By the way, WheelyFixed in particular might be interested in my fourth nomination, to be rather appropriately revealed tomorrow!

Best regards to all!

PUEROS

[fhunter]

Hi All!

My number three is a “Mountain Flower”!

In explanation, I hope to work on returning here another old story, originally titled “OTTOMANS ۱: THE MOUNTAIN FLOWER”, now presumably within the closed archive. Beware, though it’s another long factual biography, like ‘Malleus Gothorum’, with no titillation within, & so will probably suit only a minority of tastes.

----8<-------8<-------8<-----

Best regards to all!

PUEROS

I checked, the story is present in the backup of the story archive, so at some point - it should be available in the fiction archive

[Pueros]

Hi All!

My number four is, perhaps rather appropriately for today of all days, St. Patrick.

Having researched his history for many years, being of paternal Irish ancestry myself, I’m 99% sure he was a eunuch, castrated in circumstances at least very similar to those described in my story here about him, namely ‘The Young Patrician’. Regrettably, I’ve never been able to obtain to date fully substantiating proof, his era unfortunately being devoid of much written historical record, although I’ll keep trying!

Despite the fact that what St. Patrick achieved was remarkable, he’s down at my number four because the previous three brought, in my opinion, greater benefits to the particular societies in which they lived.

The blessings of the introduction of Christianity to Ireland, & elsewhere, is, you see, at least in my mind, a contentious subject.

For example, on one hand, the advent of Christianity, & its propounding of love & peace, at first calmed inter-tribal relations on Ireland. However, on the other hand, the later medieval Church became rather prescriptive & corrupt in many ways.

For example, the medieval Christian Church’s stance against medical research is well-known to have caused many thousands, if not millions, throughout Europe to have died unnecessarily prematurely.

Meanwhile, the building of cathedrals, churches, monasteries & the like, & sustaining their occupants in often lavish or at least comfortable lifestyles for the era, might have improved the aesthetics of many places. However, this caused, by diverting resources, simultaneous greater impoverishment amongst the local ordinary people of the time than otherwise would have been the case.

I could add extra but, given that debate about religion & politics is forbidden here, I shall say no more.

None of the later Christian Church’s defects was, of course, St. Patrick’s fault.

So, for me, given I’m sure he was a eunuch, he’s my number four, but much more for his personal greatness and the more peaceful society he temporarily gifted Ireland in his time than for any religious legacy!

Best regards to all,

PUEROS

[TheRagingEunuch]

Having researched his history for many years, being of paternal Irish ancestry myself, I’m 99% sure he was a eunuch, castrated in circumstances at least very similar to those described in my story here about him, namely ‘The Young Patrician’. Regrettably, I’ve never been able to obtain to date fully substantiating proof, his era unfortunately being devoid of much written historical record, although I’ll keep trying!

That being the case I will now consider him as my "Patron Saint". Thank you.

[NaturalEunuch]

...it's essentially a long historical biography, written in the 1st person, without any detailed sex scenes or the like, so it will probably only suit a small minority of tastes.

Hi Pueros, I read Malleus-Gothorum from the link Dandelion provided. I quite enjoyed your first-person writing style, which really brings the story to life.

[Pueros]

Hi All!

I thank NaturalEunuch for his very kind compliment about 'Malleus Gothorum'.

I believe that I'm also now in position to reveal very soon who is my third nominee, a certain 'Mountain Flower', as the relevant entirely fact-based & now moderated story will hopefully be posted in the story section very soon!

Meanwhile, the fifth & final of my five choices as most important eunuchs of all time will be revealed tomorrow!

Best regards to all,

PUEROS

[Pueros]

Hi All!

My final nomination in this thread, this time for being the 5th greatest eunuch in history, is Eudocius, Abbot of the Monastery of St. Lazaros, Constantinople, Byzantine Empire, in the first part of the 10th century AD.

Why is explained in yet more of my biographies, presumably now in the closed archive, namely:-

BYZANTINES ά : SOPHŌTATOS

BYZANTINES β : CARZIMASIA

BYZANTINES γ : PORPHYROGENTUS

Given their mention now, I hope to someday have time to revise these stories so that they can be openly published here.

I wrote such biographies at the time, & there are others too, alongside my fiction, to highlight, just like this thread, the greatest eunuchs who ever lived, at least in my humble opinion.

The trouble for the archive, though, is that most, like the vast majority of eunuchs throughout history (95%+ in my estimation), lost their ‘manhood’ whilst still legally minors in most countries of today.

In brief summary, though, I shall just say that Eudocius was extremely self-sacrificially important in the life of a great Byzantine Emperor, namely Leo VI Sophōtatos, & later significantly helped too his equally meritorious son, Constantine VII Porphyrogentus, and therefore also the whole of the Byzantine Empire of the time.

Best regards to all,

PUEROS

[Nulloguy]

I had often heard the "Boston" was a Eunuch, but wasn't certain that that the story was true. Thanks for elaborating. Nice to know that I am not the only Eunuch who once wore a uniform in modern times.

I know of at least 3 nullos who have worn a US uniform. One army, one navy, one marine.

[Nulloguy]

If there was a Eunuch Hall of Fame, who would be in it?

Categories could include modern, historical, a special EA category, and non-eunuch.

To get it started, here are some of the inductees I'd select:

SPECIAL EA AWARD:
Bboy, Talula, Jesus, Kristoff, Paulo, LoseThem

Bboy, Jesus, and Paolo were not eunuchs. Losethem is a nullo, Talula and Kristoff are eunuchs.

[dandelion]

My second nomination would be someone a lot closer to our modern age: Alan Turing, the Father of Modern Computer Science!

Alan Mathison Turing (June 23, 1912 - June 7, 1954) was a British mathematician, logician, and computer scientist who made groundbreaking contributions to multiple fields, particularly theoretical computer science, cryptanalysis, and artificial intelligence.

Early Life and Education
Born in London, Turing showed early signs of brilliance. He studied at King's College, Cambridge, where he graduated in 1934[4][8]. He was elected to a fellowship at King's College in recognition of his research in probability theory[8]. Turing later earned his Ph.D. in mathematical logic from Princeton University in 1938 under the supervision of Alonzo Church[3][4][8].

Major Contributions
Theoretical Computer Science
In 1936, Turing published his seminal paper "On Computable Numbers, with an Application to the Entscheidungsproblem," which is considered "easily the most influential math paper in history"[4]. In this work, he introduced the concept of the "Universal Machine" (later known as the Turing machine), a theoretical device that could decode and perform any set of instructions[2][6]. This concept laid the foundation for modern computing and established Turing as the father of theoretical computer science[3][5].

Turing proved that there is no single method that works for solving every mathematical problem, addressing the Entscheidungsproblem posed by David Hilbert[3][4]. He also demonstrated the existence of the Halting Problem, proving that some computational problems are fundamentally unsolvable[5].

World War II and Cryptanalysis
During World War II, Turing worked at Bletchley Park for the Government Code and Cypher School[1][4]. He made crucial contributions to breaking the German Enigma code by developing the "Bombe," a machine that significantly accelerated the code-breaking process[2][3][4]. His work was vital to Allied victory, particularly in the Battle of the Atlantic[7].

Post-War Achievements
After the war, Turing designed the Automatic Computing Engine (ACE) in 1946, one of the first designs for a stored-program computer[2][4][6]. In 1948, he joined the Computing Machine Laboratory at the University of Manchester, contributing to early computer development[4].

In 1950, Turing published his paper on "Computing Machinery and Intelligence," which introduced what became known as the Turing Test for evaluating artificial intelligence[2][6]. This test remains influential in AI research today.

Turing also made significant contributions to mathematical biology, particularly in the field of morphogenesis, predicting chemical reactions that were only observed years after his death[4].

Personal Life and Legacy
Turing was gay, and in 1952, he was prosecuted for homosexual acts, which were illegal in Britain at that time[1][4]. Rather than imprisonment, he accepted hormone treatment (chemical castration)[4]. Tragically, Turing died on June 7, 1954, at age 41, from cyanide poisoning[1][4]. While officially ruled a suicide, some evidence suggests it may have been accidental[4].

In 2009, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown issued a public apology for Turing's treatment, and in 2013, Queen Elizabeth II granted him a posthumous royal pardon[1][4]. The "Alan Turing law" was later established in 2017 to pardon men convicted under historical anti-homosexuality legislation[4].

Today, Turing is recognized as a pioneering genius whose work transformed our world. The highest honor in computer science is named the Turing Award in his recognition[7].

Citations:
[1] https://library.citadel.edu/c.php?g=895598&p=6441416
[2] https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/articles/zhwp7nb
[3] https://study.com/learn/lesson/alan-tur ... tions.html
[4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alan_Turing
[5] https://www.turingscraft.com/about-alan-turing
[6] https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/discover/ ... an-turing/
[7] https://www.nist.gov/blogs/taking-measu ... yptography
[8] https://www.britannica.com/biography/Alan-Turing

[NaturalEunuch]

Turing would be a great inductee. Ironically I recall wondering about the Turing Award in something I read recently. Never knew anything about it, or that it was named after a fellow eunuch.

[Pueros]

Hi!

Excellent modern choice, Danedlion.

My mind is perhaps too focused on ancient history to remember the contributions of such modern eunuchs, with my 'Mountain Flower' being the most recent, having lived 18th - 19th centuries.

By the way, Turing was also honoured in 2021 by having his portrait featured on the British £50 bank note, on the reverse side from the monarch.

PUEROS

[rufusdomition]

I had often heard the "Boston" was a Eunuch, but wasn't certain that that the story was true. Thanks for elaborating. Nice to know that I am not the only Eunuch who once wore a uniform in modern times.

I know of at least 3 nullos who have worn a US uniform. One army, one navy, one marine.

wish to know more about theirs stories