Gilles de Montmorency-Laval, better known under the name of Gilles de Rais, was a knight and lord from Brittany, Anjou and Poitou, a leader in the French army during the Hundred Years' War, and a companion-in-arms of Joan of Arc. He is best known for his reputation and later conviction as a confessed serial killer of children.
He is often credited as the main inspiration for the character of Bluebeard, a wealthy man of rank who, soon after his marriage, goes away, leaving his wife the keys to all the doors in his castle but forbidding her to open one of them. She disobeys and finds in the locked room the bodies of his former wives.
He also serves as the inspiration of a vampire from the Castlevania video-game franchise who shares the same name.
History[]
Born in 1405 in France, was initially known for his noble heritage and promising military career. He was the son of a wealthy landowner, and his upbringing was marked by privilege and a rigorous education. Raised in a prominent family, de Rais was well-positioned to become an influential figure in 15th-century France.
Gilles de Rais’s early reputation was largely shaped by his role as a military leader. He served as a commander in the French army during the Hundred Years' War, a series of conflicts between England and France that lasted from 1337 to 1453. De Rais distinguished himself by fighting alongside Joan of Arc, the famous French heroine who played a crucial role in lifting the Siege of Orléans in 1429.
De Rais’s military prowess earned him accolades and land, and he was even elevated to the rank of Marshal of France, one of the highest military honors of the time. His connection to Joan of Arc, however, was not only professional but also deeply personal, as he supported her in her mission to restore the French crown and defeat the English invaders.
Despite his initial acclaim and success, Gilles de Rais’s life took a dramatic and horrific turn. After the war, his fortunes began to decline. Financial difficulties, personal losses, and a series of ill-advised investments led him into a downward spiral. To counteract his financial troubles, de Rais increasingly sought out unconventional means to regain his wealth.
In the 1430s, de Rais became notorious for his gruesome crimes. Allegations began to surface that he had engaged in the abduction, torture, and murder of children. These claims were initially dismissed or ignored, but over time, the evidence became too overwhelming to deny. The gruesome nature of the accusations, combined with de Rais’s once-illustrious reputation, captured public attention.
Trials and Execution[]
In 1440, Gilles de Rais was arrested, and his trial began. The charges against him were severe, including accusations of sorcery, heresy, and the murder of numerous children. The trial revealed a horrifying picture of his actions, including testimonies from witnesses and former accomplices who described the brutal nature of his crimes. It was alleged that de Rais had used his wealth to lure children to his estate, where they were subjected to unspeakable atrocities.
After a lengthy and highly publicized trial, Gilles de Rais was found guilty. He was executed by hanging and then burned at the stake on October 26, 1440. His execution was a grim conclusion to a life that had once held great promise but had ultimately descended into infamy.