The early life of Ivan Vasilyevich did not only affect him in his childhood, but had a everlasting affect on him. By the time Ivan was eight years old
both of his parents were deceased. During the first three years of his life,
Ivan’s father and mother were violent and cruel. His dad, Basil III, died when Ivan was only three, resulting in the crowning of Ivan as the
new Grand Prince. Elena Glinskaya, Ivan's mother, died when he was eight, making Ivan an orphan. He lived in his palace supposedly under the care of
the boyars. Ivan had shelter but was left to beg for food and often had
insufficient clothing. In his youth he witnessed beatings, murders, and abusive
behavior. In addition, he was abused and molested by the boyars and was unable
to strike back or defend himself.
Instead he hurt defenseless animals in vicious ways; cutting them up,
plucking the feathers off birds, and piercing their eyes. Ivan began exercising
his authority at the age of thirteen by calling the boyars for a meeting
concerning how they neglected him, his brother, Yuri, and the country. These
experiences had a negative effect on Ivan’s life and contributed to his brutal
behaviors that ultimately led to his legacy as “Ivan the Terrible."