Unveiling The Serpent Queen: The True Story Behind Her Real-Life Prototype

The Serpent Queen, which debuted in 2022 and recently returned for a second season on Starz, may be a period drama, but don't expect it to be historically accurate. Like other period dramas, from Bridgerton and The Crown to The Borgias, it is a work of fiction, but inspired by real events.

The Serpent Queen follows the life of Queen Catherine de' Medici of France, one of the most powerful women in 16th century Europe.

What Is The Serpent Queen About?

Modern series are rethinking the role of women in history, and The Serpent Queen is one of the main representatives of this wave — it combines an excursion into the history of 16th-century France with a fourth wall break.

According to the plot, Medici arrives at the court of monarch Henry II at the age of 14 — the girl was supposed to become a humble wife and give birth to a dozen heirs for her husband, but instead she began to weave intrigues in order to take the throne herself.

Catherine de' Medici's Real Story

Catherine was born to Lorenzo de' Medici, who ruled Florence at the time. However, her parents died soon after, and when Catherine was eight, the Medici were overthrown. At the age of 14, she became the daughter-in-law of the French monarch.

At court, she was considered too rude and uneducated, and her manners and accent were ridiculed. When the heir to the throne died in 1536, rumors circulated among the courtiers that Catherine had poisoned him to make her husband king.

Catherine was unable to conceive for a long time and was forced to undergo treatment for infertility. Anyway, she was able to give birth to ten children. The last two twin daughters did not survive: one died in the womb, the other shortly after birth. After that, doctors forbade Catherine to become pregnant, and from then on, the king spent his nights in the chambers of his favorite, Diane de Poitiers.

In 1559, he died from a spear wound. Catherine became regent for her 15-year-old eldest son, Francis II, but he did not live to see his 17th birthday. The second son, Charles IX, died at the age of 24. The fourth son, King Henry III, outlived his mother by only a few months.

Image of Catherine de' Medici

In popular culture, Catherine de' Medici's image is rather dark — the "Black Queen", versed in the occult sciences, whose path to power is littered with corpses. Her name is associated with the events of the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre, which began with her knowledge on the day of her daughter's wedding.

As for the occult, Catherine probably studied astrology, but in the 16th century this field was considered a science.

And black became a constant companion after the death of her husband, when Catherine went into mourning. At the same time, she was a patron of the arts — she built palaces, collected an extensive library, and organized court festivals — today's ballets and operas are distantly related to them.