Did Ivan the Terrible really say 'The serpent's head must be crushed.'?

Ivan the Terrible Quote Source & Citation:

The serpent's head must be crushed.

— Ivan the Terrible Early Modern · First Tsar of Russia

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"I will show no mercy to those who betray me."

"My anger is a terrible thing, and it will consume you."

"I am the heir of Caesar Augustus."

"Better to be feared than loved."

"My power is boundless, and my will is unshakeable."

A metaphorical statement about eliminating perceived threats and opposition.

Date: c. 1570s

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Found in 1 providers: grok

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