Who Really Invented Russian Roulette? Debunking the Myth.

Is it a testament to bravery, contempt for life, or just plain stupidity? Russian roulette can be perceived and interpreted in many ways, but does this famous life-or-death game really have its origins in Russia? Well, there are some doubts about that. If not in the East, where did Russian roulette originate? Let’s try to answer this question.

[Photo by Austin J. Best from Pexels]

Russian roulette is a motif often appearing in literature and cinema. It is sometimes portrayed in the context of a romantic or even heroic act. In practice, it has little to do with romance because the genesis of the life-threatening game lies in three factors: quarrels, boredom, and intoxication with alcohol. However, it should be emphasized that while risking one’s life was indeed a custom in the Tsarist Empire, there is no evidence that Russian roulette, contrary to what the name suggests, is a Russian invention.