On the 15th of September, 1440, Gilles de Rais was taken into custody. He is one of the earliest known seriel killers. I posted recently about Jack the Ripper, it appears that he was rather restrained in comparison with Gilles de Rais.
Gilles de Rais, also known as Gilles de Retz, was a French nobleman, military captain, and notorious figure in the annals of history, whose life transitioned from celebrated hero to infamous criminal. Born around 1405 into a wealthy and influential family in the region of Brittany, Gilles de Rais was destined for prominence from an early age. He inherited substantial estates after the death of his father, which positioned him among the elite of French nobility.
De Rais distinguished himself as a military leader during the Hundred Years’ War, aligning with Charles VII of France. His most notable military exploits were alongside the legendary Joan of Arc, participating in key battles that contributed to lifting the Siege of Orléans in 1429. His bravery and leadership on the battlefield earned him accolades and recognition, as well as the prestigious title of Marshal of France, one of the highest military honours.
However, following the end of his military career, Gilles de Rais’s life took a dark and sinister turn. He withdrew from public service and immersed himself in alchemical and occult practices. He squandered his vast fortune on extravagant displays of wealth, including the construction of elaborate chapels and theatrical productions, particularly the play ‘Le Mystère du Siège d’Orléans,’ in which he invested heavily. His financial decline was swift and severe, leading him to desperate measures to regain his lost wealth.
The most chilling aspect of Gilles de Rais’s life is the series of crimes he committed, which ultimately overshadowed his military achievements. Between 1432 and 1440, he was implicated in the abduction, sexual assault, and murder of numerous young children, predominantly boys. The exact number of his victims remains uncertain, but estimates suggest it could be in the hundreds. His crimes were characterised by extreme brutality, involving acts of sadism and ritualistic elements.
De Rais’s downfall began with a dispute with the Church and local authorities over property matters. His audacious behaviour and the mysterious disappearances of children in the regions surrounding his estates aroused suspicion. An investigation ensued, led by both civil and ecclesiastical authorities. Witness testimonies from surviving family members of the victims, servants, and accomplices painted a horrifying picture of de Rais’s actions.
In 1440, Gilles de Rais was arrested and put on trial in Nantes. The proceedings revealed graphic details of his atrocities, eliciting shock and revulsion across France. De Rais confessed to his crimes under the threat of torture, though some historians debate the extent to which his confession was coerced. Nevertheless, the evidence against him was overwhelming. He was found guilty of multiple charges, including murder, sodomy, and heresy.
On the 26th of October, 1440, Gilles de Rais was executed by hanging and burning, alongside his accomplices. His death marked the end of a tragic descent from celebrated war hero to one of history’s most notorious criminals. The case of Gilles de Rais has since been a subject of intense scrutiny, with various interpretations and analyses attempting to understand the psychological and sociological factors behind his actions.
The legacy of Gilles de Rais is complex, intertwining themes of heroism, nobility, and monstrous criminality. Some historical accounts suggest he may have served as an inspiration for the French folktale character Bluebeard, a wealthy man who murdered his wives. His life has been explored in numerous literary and artistic works, reflecting society’s enduring fascination with figures who embody both virtue and vice.
In modern times, scholars and criminologists examine the case of Gilles de Rais through the lenses of psychology and forensic science, attempting to diagnose his possible mental health conditions. Some theories propose he suffered from severe psychopathy or paraphilic disorders, contributing to his heinous behaviour. Others consider the sociopolitical and religious context of 15th-century France, which may have facilitated both his rise to power and his subsequent moral collapse.
Gilles de Rais’s story serves as a stark reminder of the duality within human nature and the potential for individuals to embody both extraordinary courage and unfathomable cruelty. His life and crimes continue to provoke debate and reflection on the factors that can lead a person from celebrated heroism to infamy.