Edward Mordake was reportedly the 19th century heir to an English peerage. He supposedly had an extra face on the back of his head, which could neither eat nor speak, although it could laugh and cry. Edward begged doctors to have his “demon head” removed, because, supposedly, it whispered satanist language to him at night, but no doctor would attempt it. He committed suicide at the age of 23.
Mordrake is featured on a list of 10 People With Extra Limbs or Digits in The Book of Lists edition of 1976.
It is difficult to establish the facts behind Edward Mordake’s condition due to the lack of reliable medical records. Not even his date of birth and death are recorded and there are conflicting accounts regarding his suicide, as well as placement and position of his extra face. Much of what is known is based on oral retelling.
The 1896 text Anomolies and Curiosities of Medicine mentions a version of the story and Edward has not been featured in many texts, plays, and songs. However, the tale was considered false for quite some time. It was simply too fantastic to believe and, obviously, many parts of the story simply do not make medical sense – years of retelling warped what was likely a very real occurrence.
It could laugh or cry…..CRREEEEEPSTER.
Bucket my British Blue. Ready for Anything :)
Nessa likes to rock this face. I think she would also like to rock this hat….
The Witness
Contender #1
Totally drawn to this…
Sometimes you just gotta let it out.
I cannot believe how much I laughed in this movie. Sharlto Copley won my heart, while singing on a chopper blade. Bradley Cooper has always had my pants….
