ABSTRACT
Transcendental and millenarian movements are easily usurped by men and women who share characteristics that fit the diagnosis of malignant narcissist leader. Jan of Leiden, the leader of the Anabaptists during the siege of Munster in the 16th century, was a progenitor of this type of contemporary leader. Between 1534 and 1535, his reign in Munster displayed many of the characteristics seen in other cult and totalitarian leaders. The author reviews how Jan of Leiden utilized religious fervor, terror, and showmanship to solidify power over his followers. His reign in Munster is compared with Hong Xiuquan, Antônio Conselheiro, Adoph Hitler, David Koresh, and Credonia Mwerinde—all of whom share an ability to embody and then manipulate millenarian beliefs to dominate followers.
