A lucky few gained royal sponsorship, where they became glorified pets of the rich and famous, but at least lived in comfort.40  Overall, individuals with birth abnormalities lived outside the normal structure of society.  The arrival of an abnormal child brought speculation over the source of the abnormalities and the reason for the birth.  The majority of infants died from their conditions and the lack of medical care. If they survived, most were treated as curiosities and natural wonders. Although some individuals benefited from their popularity, others  lived a life dominated by prying spectators and loneliness.