Mordake sought help from doctors, hoping to get rid of the second face. Sadly, no treatment could ease his suffering. The psychological impact was so great that he fell into deep depression.
Ultimately, the legend ends tragically. Edward Mordake is said to have taken his own life at a young age, unable to endure the torment. Some versions claim he asked to be cremated after death to destroy the second face.
Reportedly, before he died, Mordake told doctors, “I have a face in the back of my head that never stops whispering to me.” The face was a symbol of his endless pain and his final plea for relief.
The Medical Mystery: Was It Real?
While Mordake’s story is full of myth, there’s a real medical basis. The condition he might have had, craniopagus parasiticus, is rare but exists. In this condition, an incomplete parasitic twin forms in the womb. Sometimes, a half – formed face or body attaches to the main body.
There’s no proof that Mordake’s second face had all those supernatural traits. But the idea of parasitic twins and conjoined individuals is a real medical interest. A real – life example is Shannon and Casey Kimbro, conjoined twins with a non – functional, partially formed second face.
Over time, Mordake’s story has been exaggerated and turned more into folklore, especially the part about the face whispering and laughing. It’s been written about in 19th – century medical texts, but the supernatural bits might be over – the – top additions as the story was passed down.
A Lasting Legacy of Mystery and Horror
Whether Mordake really had that second face or not, his story is well – known in medical history and pop culture. It’s been retold in books, documentaries, and inspired horror movies, making him a macabrely fascinating figure.
What makes Mordake’s story important isn’t just his rare condition, but how it’s captured people’s imaginations. His life and supposed suffering represent the human fear of being different, of isolation, and of the pain that can come with such a condition.
The story of Edward Mordake, mixing fact and fiction, has become a modern legend. It makes us feel a sense of spooky wonder, empathy, and the deep sadness of a man who may have lived a life tormented by his own body.