Lenin Was A Mushroom
Or at the very least loved them
A love for mushrooms is just as common in Russia as a love for sports is in America, and Lenin was no exception. In Nikolay Valentinov's book "My Encounters with Lenin," the author delves into stories shared by Lenin and those who knew him, including two stories recounting Lenin's fungal affinity.
The first anecdote comes from several of his family members including his older sister Anna and his cousin Veretennikov, who fondly recall the joyful times spent in their family summer home in Kokushkino (renamed Lenino in 1924 after Lenin's death). They engaged in various enjoyable and relaxing activities there, including water activities, lawn games, and, of course, mushroom hunting. Similar to other Russian children, his early foraging experiences laid the groundwork for Lenin's later love of mushrooms. [1]
Young Lenin on the far right side
The second account is provided by Lenin's wife, Nadezhda Krupskaya. For much of their relationship, Nadezhda believed that Lenin didn't particularly care for mushrooms. However, this changed on a rainy summer day in 1916 when they were rushing to catch a train in Schaudivise, near Zurich. While traversing the mountain paths, Lenin caught sight of a white mushroom peeping out of the forest. Without hesitation, he darted into the woods, paying no mind to the rain or the urgency of their journey. Only after completely filling a bag did he feel satisfied with his foraging. After the occasion, his wife had this to say: “We got soaked to the skin, and missed the train, of course.” [1]
Brain scan of Lenin showing the only thing on his mind was mushrooms
Sources
- Valentinov, N. (1968). Encounters with Lenin. Oxford University Press, USA.
