This is a common question that many have wondered about these two mysterious and influential historical figures. At first glance, there appear to be some striking similarities between St Elder and St-Germain that have led some to believe they may be the same person. However, a deeper dive into the details of their lives and identities reveals key differences that suggest they were in fact two separate individuals.
The Mysterious St Elder
St Elder is a shadowy and enigmatic figure about whom very little definitive information is known. He apparently lived during the late 18th and early 19th centuries and was active in elite social and political circles in Europe during that time. Some of the key points about St Elder include:
- His origins are completely unknown – there are no verified records of his birth, parents, or homeland
- He seemed to be extraordinarily wealthy with unlimited funds and access to precious gems and metals
- Possessed unusual skills and knowledge spanning many disciplines like philosophy, music, medicine, alchemy, and mysticism
- Spoke many languages fluently and was able to blend seamlessly into many different cultures and social groups
- Seemed to be ageless – maintained a youthful appearance throughout decades of activity
- Traveled extensively throughout Europe and the Middle East associating with nobility, intellectuals, secret societies, and occult groups
- His real name remains a mystery, “St Elder” may have been an adopted alias
In essence, St Elder left behind the legend of a profoundly knowledgeable, wealthy, and mysterious gentleman who moved in elite social circles but confounded those he met by keeping the details of his origins and identity firmly concealed.
The Mysterious Le Comte de St-Germain
St-Germain was an adventurer, mystic, and philosopher who achieved great notoriety in European high society during the mid-1700s. Here are some key facts about him:
- Claimed to be centuries old and to possess the secret of eternal life
- Apparently had unlimited wealth and displayed a vast range of talents and knowledge
- Spoke many languages and was an accomplished musician and artist
- Associated with royalty, nobles, and top intellectuals throughout Europe
- Possessed knowledge of esoteric philosophies and mystical traditions
- His origins were unknown, with no verified information about his family or early life
- Acted as a diplomat, spy, and advisor to kings like Louis XV of France
- Pursued alchemy and other early scientific experiments
Like St Elder, St-Germain moved in elite circles as a mystifying and charming figure who never revealed much concrete personal history. The two shared many qualities and interests that have led to the speculation that they were one and the same man.
Key Differences Between the Two
While there are many similarities between St Elder and St-Germain, an examination of the documented facts points to key differences that strongly suggest they were not the same person:
| St Elder | St-Germain |
|---|---|
| Date of birth unknown, but active primarily in late 18th/early 19th centuries | Date of birth unknown, but active primarily in mid-late 1700s |
| Strong ties to occult circles, Masonic lodges, and mysticism | Mainly associated with European high society and royalty |
| Extensive travels in the Middle East documented | No evidence he traveled to the Middle East |
| Evidence suggests a German or Eastern European background | Claimed to be son of Portuguese nobleman |
| No known association with political or court intrigue | Involved in political machinations and court affairs |
| Minimal documentation exists about him | Far more extensive written accounts available |
Based on these points of divergence, most historians agree that St Elder and St-Germain do not appear to have been the same person. The gap in their timelines, differing spheres of activity, and contrast in documented facts strongly point to them being two distinct figures who led very different lives.
Conclusion
In the end, the question of whether St Elder was the same as the mysterious Count St-Germain remains an intriguing historical puzzle. While their lives followed similar trajectories in some respects, critical examination shows key differences between the two that cannot be reconciled. St Elder remains even more obscured in mystery than St-Germain, and trying definitively to equate them as one person does not align with the documented facts. They were in all likelihood two separate individuals who adopted secretive personas to maneuver through European high society during the late 17th and 18th centuries.