A heroic story is told...
Illustration
A heroic story is told about Baron Gilles de Rais who was also nicknamed "Bluebeard." The most popular stories paint him as a rascally, murderous wretch. There is one, however, that recognizes him as an innocent victim who sacrificed himself for those he loved.
In September 1440, the wealthy debonair baron was arrested for sacrilege, sorcery, and for the ritual murders of 140 children. By the age of twenty-four, he had amassed an impressive resume and an even more impressive fortune. He had fought alongside St. Joan of Arc, was Marshal of France, was heir to the vastest and richest baronny of Britanny, and had castles in number and splendor rivaled only by the holdings of the king.
Largely because of his tremendous success and popularity, it was claimed that one so young must have solicited demonic aid in accelerating so quickly to these heights. To substantiate this thesis, it was alleged that Gilles employed an Italian magician who assisted him in his crimes and in gaining power over his enemies. He reportedly confessed on October 21st and was promptly hanged with his alleged henchman.
The trial and execution were rushed through and the trial itself was held in closed chambers. Speculators concluded that his was a calculated confession. He knew that a denial and then a guilty verdict would result in the confiscation of his entire estate. However, the law stipulated that if the guilty was repentant and confessed, his inheritance would be safeguarded for his heirs.
In September 1440, the wealthy debonair baron was arrested for sacrilege, sorcery, and for the ritual murders of 140 children. By the age of twenty-four, he had amassed an impressive resume and an even more impressive fortune. He had fought alongside St. Joan of Arc, was Marshal of France, was heir to the vastest and richest baronny of Britanny, and had castles in number and splendor rivaled only by the holdings of the king.
Largely because of his tremendous success and popularity, it was claimed that one so young must have solicited demonic aid in accelerating so quickly to these heights. To substantiate this thesis, it was alleged that Gilles employed an Italian magician who assisted him in his crimes and in gaining power over his enemies. He reportedly confessed on October 21st and was promptly hanged with his alleged henchman.
The trial and execution were rushed through and the trial itself was held in closed chambers. Speculators concluded that his was a calculated confession. He knew that a denial and then a guilty verdict would result in the confiscation of his entire estate. However, the law stipulated that if the guilty was repentant and confessed, his inheritance would be safeguarded for his heirs.
