Thanks for watching. Please do hit "like" on the video, it really helps me out. If you enjoyed this video please support the channel on Patreon ➜ www.patreon.com/dandavisauthor Get my novel Vampire Heretic in eBook, paperback, and audio here ➜ amzn.to/3y9THRg
Great video,thanks a bunch Can you tell me the evidence that Poitou and Henriet were tortured, or why you say they weren't? Is it just asserted by these people with absolutely no evidence? Or even just the sources that I can look it up myself Thanks in advance Best wishes,be safe and be well It's mostly to understand the case we'll enough to argue it with the morons maintaining he was certainly innocent
@@paulsansonetti7410 there's no record that they were tortured. No evidence they were tortured at all. Those who claim it was a set up say that where the servants testimony is identical is proof the confessions were falsely recorded or fed to the accused. Where their accounts diverge or contradict this is also taken as evidence the testimony is false. They get to have it both ways.
@@DanDavisHistory I think that he was falsely accused, the King of France became jealous for his fortune, it was unheard and unacceptable at that time that a particular could be wealthier than the King himself. When a nation is bankrupt they usually go after the most flashy amongst the Uber rich. This happened countless times in China for exemple, or Russia with oligarchs enemies of Vladimir Putin. It's not impossible that Gilles had secret vices or that he may even have been a serial killer, but the history of France proved that there were far worst sexual deviants than him, who lived without any scrutiny from the King. One example from a different epoch was the the Marquis De Sade, a man who was allowed to had made countless crimes but was only arrested because of his criticism of the government. And when he wrote the "100 days of Sodom", a book that illustrate the debauchery of his life and his elite companions, he wasn't penalized for it and they released him. Marquis De Sade died from old age with children that he had with a 15 years old domestic. His son tried to burn all his books but a few were already published and this is how we know him today.
I know, what's that about? They are photos (obviously not of the actual people) so it looks like they got some historical re-enactors and then just said "we're gonna make these random dudes from history look br00tal" lol.
I read the trial of Gilles de Rais by chance many, many years ago. Was struck by the way the judge turned the picture of Christ to the wall so it wouldn’t be part of the sickness unfolding in the court room. But when I learned more about him it was his relationship with Joan of Arc that I found the most interesting of all. Fascinating history- thanks!
@@Colddirector That's probably a good way to make sure she doesn't come back, if that's what you want. Though a word of caution - If she does want to come back after you do that, you should be extremely careful. That's the danger zone right there.
Funnily, I lived in a nearby village as a child. Gilles de Rais' Tiffauges castle was really close. When we were naughty, the adults would tell us that we'd end up in Blue beard's castle 😂
@@sarah69420 look her up dude, she recently ended herself on April 30th 1945, her pilot kept begging her to fly out of Germany but she said she didn't want to be captured by the soviets
@@sarah69420 the last thing she ever told me was "NEVER LET THE PARTY DIE!!" So I became a DJ in Buenos Aires. Id like to say she'd be proud of me but I discovered that we had a misunderstanding regarding her definition of party. Anyways if you looking for a good party time come to Argentina 🎉🎉🎉
When I saw the thumbnail and title of this video I was a bit skeptical and was hoping it wasn’t (but assuming it was) one of those exploitative, salacious videos from channels that hire some random actor to essentially read out a Wikipedia article and skip all the “boring” parts while focusing on the gory details. Imagine my pleasant surprise when I find the exact opposite of that! This is an extremely educational, informative, well-researched video. You’ve definitely gained a new viewer in me. The state of historical videos on RU-vid can be truly pathetic at times, but this is the exact kind of content I’m craving. Maps! Successions! Detailed political maneuvering! Sources! Pictures of things and THEN CLARIFICATION THAT THE PORTRAIT WASNT CONTEMPORARY HOLY SHIT! You know 3/4 of RU-vid “history” channels would 100% just throw that portrait in as a visual without clarifying or even KNOWING that no contemporary likenesses exist. It feels like you’re truly going the extra mile to make your videos actually educational with accurate and essential information. Awesome job!
Gotta wonder how many other ancient and Middle age time period serial killers may have existed but we simply don't have records. Elizabeth Bathory is one of the most famous examples but again I wonder if she was as truly evil as the legends say. Or was her body count hyped up to fit a narrative.
@Brandon Letzco its the bathing in blood that is a bit much to me. Though if you've killed a dozen or two dozen young servant girls..... who knows what your mindset is.
It's entirely possible that the tales were either in part or in entirety, just fabricated because she was said to be not only unlikable but a woman that held land in her own right but also had holdings that were being eyed by rival nobleman.
The original manuscript of the trial of Gilles de Rais at the Nantes Library have missing pages at the begining of Gilles's statement. This too lead us scholars to believe that the thruth was hidden about the fact that Gilles might be innocent since many nobles, and especialy the Duke of Britanny was owing Gilles de Rais lots and lots of money,
@@hayliedlr I think the main idea is that since following the accusations of Gilles de Rais and Elizabeth Bathory, many other nobles, often rivals and rival family members started fighting over the lands and wealth of the condemned murderer, implying that it was always about land and inheritance, therefore likely have been false accusations. I would say people were always trying to get their hands on property and wealth, and if it was discovered that a large land owner had committed crimes that would get him condemned by society, then it was seen as a just cause to eliminate them and take their lands. Nobles did a lot of weird things and were sometimes exposed. But obviously there's a lot of exaggerations when it comes to confessions under torture or the threat of torture, those torturers were very good at convincing people to confess things.
Yeah, I kinda compare Bathory and Rais to Michael Jackson. Did they do this, or was it a crazy conspiracy to get their money? The allegations sound unbelievable, but a conspiracy would be just as unlikely. We were here and still argue about Jackson's innocence. Maybe it was the same way back then, and no one knew the truth about Rais. When you look into things, there seems to be evidence that these things are about money/land. But a lot of testimony makes them seem guilty, even though people can just lie. What if it's both? What if they're actually guilty and people wanted money? Maybe they were guilty of something smaller, but it's been greatly exaggerated so that others could profit off their demise. It drives me nuts not knowing the truth beyond a reasonable doubt.
I'm actually kind of happy that the Anglo-Saxon world is finally discovering Gilles de Rais. That guy is hugely famous in France and actually still until today France's worst serial killer. Regardless of his crimes, the guy truly had an unusual life to say the least, and is a very mysterious character.
Initially i was massively surprised that you didn't make any attempt to describe the torture & murder of the children kidnapped by baron Gilles, but then i realised its only the voyeuristic nature of the internet that makes me expect the most horrific information about murder and deviancy. (crime podcasts aimed at suburbanites particularly seem to revel in titillation at murder) Thank you for making that decision. I respect that a lot.
All the graphic and horrific detail that the accusers went into makes me actually believe he was framed. That’s a Catholic priest for ya some adrenochrome cheese pizza eatin babyr@perz. Elizabeth Bathory same story. Church benefitted greatly by seizing their wealth in both cases and they went into details that would make Steven King puke.
@darthdonkulous1810 Do your homework on the subject matter of this story, before commenting and saying for certain that everything said here is fact. There are other "experts" on Gilles who have completely different narratives. There are many facts, but also a lot of presumption, all depending on the point of view of the writer.
@@tamsin1969 I said nothing on the subject matter, other than that Dan is a published author who writes stories based on historical fiction. One story being that which is set around Gilles.
I watch quite a few of these channels that do similar style history related content. I gotta say, the way you put these together and tell the story really reels me in every time. Usually I get bored a half hour in and half to come back and finish a video but with your content its like the time flies because I'm so consumed by the story. Keep up the amazing work my friend!
What always is stark to me with medieval trials regarding vile novels are the servants. Servants could not disobey their lord BUT we're killed for carrying out their lord's wishes. Damned if they do. Damned if they don't.
For real his body even just got touched by fire and then got a Christian burial. They got burned to ashes and scattered, just in the since of there religion to treat them like servants to a pharaoh
Considering that the French monarchy framed the Templar order like this, even with charging him with many of the same charges they held against the Templari, who were also very rich 🤔... Interesting isn't it? As for his sudden change of heart and attitude? It wouldn't be the first time powerful people haven't orchestrated things
Fascinating and grisly tale. I attended a high school named after Joan of Arc, and it's certainly a (dare I say "refreshing"?) wake-up call to hear her legend more critically assessed. Cheers Mr. Davis, thanks for narrating this story for us.
Her story and that of the knights templar..and ezerbet bathory husband..."never be owed money by a king...you will end up dead, WITH a ruined reputation !"
@@DanDavisHistory I wonder how many nobles tried the version blood technique commake karma after the story a bath or 2 another's come out come out. I want wonder what the underground coat underground a cold scene was really like...I mean 20th century Rasputin. Means it was normal..or atleast not uncommon
Subscribed. I appreciate that you do not deal with the goulish aspect of this man and his activities but concentrate on the facts of the historical story so far as they are known. Thank you.
This reminds me of the “werewolf” trials of repulsive killers like Peter Stubbs. It seems like the medieval mindset categorized the most vile serial killers into monsters and witches, because frankly it’s more satisfying than the non answers of modern criminal psychology
Non-Answers? You mean Non Hyperbolics that remain over dramatic for the sake of humanity debasing deeds to abnormality in a desperate desire to separate themselves?
"This reminds me of the “werewolf” trials of repulsive killers like Peter Stubbs." That's exactly why I think that Gilles de Rais was guilty of the crimes he confessed to. To the point - Why would medieval people go to the effort of making up all this stuff that's right in line with the pathology of actual serial killers when they could have very easily just declared him a witch or some mythological creature and executed him for that instead? To be honest, it would probably even be preferable for those who formerly associated with him if they *could* claim that he was a good guy that just got bitten by a werewolf at some point later in his life. With the nature of the accusations they convicted him of, they have to own up to the fact that their buddy was a monster the whole time they knew him.
Medieval history would have to be the most interesting era, for me that is, to learn about and study. I don't know why, but something about it has always piqued my interest and curiosity. I look forward to more videos from your channel on this fascinating topic. Thank you for all the hard work and time you dedicate to it.
It's romanticized since we are kids, it's like fantasy, some things seem unbelievable because of the myths that surround real living people. Just a guess as to why it's so interesting to so many.
Excellent documentary. I am fascinated by the life and journey of Joan of Arc, including and especially the details of her process. I have been a lawyer for 33 years and I have noticed, keeping the due particularities, some similarities between the nullities that occur in processes marked by Lawfare and those that occurred in the case of Joan D'Arc. Even ignoring religious issues, this girl's trajectory is really remarkable and unlikely. There is absolutely no other woman of modest origin in the medieval period who has risen from anonymity and become a symbol of her time in life. I am more or less aware of the heroic, sadistic and tragic trajectory that involves the life of Gilles de Rais. But the documentary is very detailed and that surprised me. In a way, the Marshal of France is a kind of avatar of the case conducted by Pierre Cauchon. The inhuman, dehumanizing and unfair process that victimized Joan of Arc seems to be similar to the dehumanizing and unfair process to which Gilles de Rais subjected his victims. The humanity and life of Joan of Arc were as valuable to Cauchon as those of his victims were to the sadistic nobleman and serial killer.
There's a famous saying I always love to say. Truth is often stranger than fiction, because fiction has to make sense. The wild thing about the Truth is, it doesn't always make sense, it's not always the answer you wanted or thought, and even when you know the truth, sometimes it still makes no sense, and unlike fiction, you can't just explain it away and say "Well it's just fiction so it's natural some parts might not make sense." Which makes the truth even that much more baffling and strange.
There are many things to appreciate with Dan's video work. I came across his videos because of his vivid narrative of prehistory, something I sought out in Henry Mithen's 'After the Ice', and found in great quantity here. I love to imagine the deep 'dark' past and the ordinary lives that lived it, and Dan's painting of cultures existing pre-writing scratch a particular itch for story of the past. This particular chapter is a vivid horrific chunk of history, told well, and given fresh perspective. It's hard to overstate the depth of a serious writer's historical research, and I very much appreciate that this channel is largely the fruits of that. One of the things I love most about these videos is the opinions given. After all is said and done with the research, what conclusions can you draw and do you agree with them? It's something often missing in teaching and education: the overt stating that, 'this is what I think and this is why.' It spurs the student (or viewer) to agree or challenge. I've not read any of Dan's books, yet. I need to finish the multiple series I'm in the middle of. But for the painting of the times, they're up at the top of the next-to-read list.
What are some good books that give info about the ordinary people? I liked "a time travelers guide to medival England" because it talked so much more about day to day life than other history books I have read.
Wow - what an incredible story - I had never heard any of this before. Thank you so much, it was spell-binding ! This is wonderful history, and you tell it so well !
I agree, but Giles was a mentally unstable person before he was arrested! His grandfather should've made the younger brother his heir and their family fortune would have stayed intact
To confess in the middle ages is not realy a fact to be taken as such, as many were forced under torture. I think the framing of that man is just as likely as him actually doing it.
I have heard of Gilles de Rais, but only in accordance with Jeanne d'Arc . I knew he was quite the war hero but I did NOT know this messed up life beyond the sieges and battlefields. Thanks for this very entertaining but most importantly informative and disturbing retelling of his life.
These were torture confessions, most historians are in consensus that they did not actually happen. Kinda like with Jeanne of Arc being burned by the English as a confessed witch n heretic.
I would venture a guess that most people under torture will confess to anything jut to make the pain go away and in many instances just the threat of torture will get them to confess. I'm a bit skeptical of the Gilles de Rais confession and the things he was accused of.
You don't have to guess. This has been conclusively proven. Torture and threats of torture are well-known to be just about the worst possible way to get actually usable information.
@@itzakpoelzig330 It still could be true but it makes the likelihood less. In the US, 66% of false death penalty convictions, there was a false confession. That's an insane number, but if you look at the circumstances of the confessions, and that's without explicit torture.
He didnt pay off the church or his family, they all fucked him for it. Gilles de Rais was innocent. Priests making accusations of pederasty is the pot calling the kettle black.
Little known fact: the first US Marines ate the remains of Jean de Craon, thereby establishing a long tradition of eating crayons in the USMC. *You're welcome.*
I think it was his support of Joan of Arc that got him the label as a serial killer. One of the points of negotiation on peace was that Joan of Arc was killed and that was probably extended to her generals as they would have been quietly critical of the king
@nakedsnake6076 no, the easiest way at the time was to ruin his reputation by any means, and make him an enemy of God along the way, they had to make him a public enemy, and its obvious
@@nakedsnake6076 do u think joan of arc was also a heretic in league with satan? cause it was the same type of guys that burned her at the stake that said all this shit about him
I’m not saying he’s innocent or guilty. I’m saying I’m utterly unconvinced on either score based on the evidence presented here. I feel like I don’t know enough about the circumstances of the trial, the veracity of the accounts, or the character of the man to make a judgment, and that’s after watching the full video.
Well maybe go look it up instead of relying on a single source and you will see why his guilt isn't even remotely questioned among academic circles.. What's debated is the number of victims and methods.
Yeah it's kind of annoying the author of the video relies on analysis of character instead of presenting some kind of evidence or at least delving deeper into the witness accounts.
@@alexp2327 or unless you're a nerd that plays a certain game that turns quite a number of historical figures female and are aware of most historical figures thanks to it :)
@@alexp2327 Not necessarily- depends on your parents, I suspect. My mother didn't speak any language other than English, but she was forever reading translated history books from all over the world. And that at a time when libraries was your only option.
Gilles de Rais actually reminds me a lot of Gacy. He was involved in politics, he was known around town, a showman of sorts with his clown gig and his construction business. He also reminds me of Dean Corll "the Candyman", who used 2 young men to lure boys into his trap.
Yea, it pays to be a devil worshipper with friends in high places. Gacy was on a first name basis with the mayor of Chicago as well. Let’s not forget at this Time Gacy was a known pedo- file who had already served 18 months for graping a boy.
Great story telling, and script. Fair summary of the arguments for his innocence. But you give your opinion at the end more weight than I think it deserves, because it basically comes down to personal credulity. Also, I specifically think you greatly underestimate the fear of torture that anyone would feel, accused of the crimes he was accused of in the time he was accused of them. Also - who wrote the original sources? His enemies. He could well have been tortured one day (or threatened with it), and then found inner strength the next only to 'confess' when it was about to become real. As for relying on testimony, poor servants, poor people can always be paid for testimony, there was no evidence, they just had to speak the words. The details of the crimes all sound very exaggerated and very... well they sound typical of the imagination of medieval clergy. Maybe he did do these things, maybe he didn't, I don't see how anyone can have anything but a personal opinion on it. There's no evidence for his guilt that would stand up to today's scrutiny, so in all fairness I'd say innocent 'til proven guilty...
There is a possibility he was framed , and he may have been , but I doubt it . Putting the murders to one side , his life revolved around self-indulgence , narcissism , excess , the occult , violence in war and a sense of entitlement that put him above the law (or so he thought). It's odd some people find it hard to believe he could have been a murderer too. Some find parallels between his story and that of Countess Bathory , but I would say the accusations against her were shaky indeed , and it is far more likely she was framed than Gilles.
@@morbidmorag lots of serial killers are nice guys and even brave sometimes. ted bundy worked at a suicide prevention center and was apparently good at it. john wayne gacey worked as a clown at childrens parties for free. josef mengele saved soldiers out of a burning tank and got the iron cross. it takes nothing away from the horror or evidence of their crimes. if he wasnt a murderer how did so many children disappear around him?
This video auto-played after one of MrBallen’s videos. I normally just exit the new video when this happens, but not today. This is awesome! History, crime and great narration. The British accent is a huge bonus (I’m a borderland Texan lol). Thank you, sir. 🏰
The band Celtic Frost has an awesome song about him which is how I first came to even learning about who he was when I was younger. One of those unforgettable monstrous characters throughout history
I do actually believe that then he talked to the court about his parrenting advice he believed what he said. If you have read the book, you know that an important part of the ritual for him was to spoil the kids with the finest food and clothes before he killed them. So there must be something very deep rooted in him about spoiling kids,and that kids who are being spoilt deserve a horrible death. WE will never find out why that is, but there must be some very deep rooted issue if it is such an essential part of his ritual.
It's psyche 101, he wants to see a version of them in a pure and happy state, only to see it destroyed by his hands, mainly because he knows he'll never have that perfect moment, ever again. Ultimately control wins over everything else.
@@morbidmorag I actually think he did saythis, since it so perfectly fits into his MO. Back then they would not make this connection since they did not understand psychology. So that is too much of a coincidence to me
@@morbidmorag How would they understand the psychology behind him so well ?? If this was just about putting some morals into this you would expect the speech to fully adress his own wrong doings.
@@morbidmorag Read about his ritual. Before he defiled those children he spoiled them hard. They where getting fine clothes, they organized a big dinner for them, showered them in gifts etc. Once they where properly spoiled he led them into another room and defiled them. This spoiling of the children was an integral part of his ritual.
How did Gilles de Rais get away for it so long? Because he was nobility, who had the power of life and death over his serfs. They literally were less valuable than cattle. Who would believe such shocking accusations against a member of the nobility?
Fantastically put together. Really enjoy hearing about lesser known historical figures. Can I suggest Hereward the wake! Would love your insight on him! Cheers again for great content 👍
Ooh yeah, I read Charles Kingsley's book about Hereward and I would love to learn more about him and his first wife, who sounds like she was something between a witch and a saint.
This is a very good documentary, but despite that your portrayal of Joan of Arc was rather shallow, which makes me doubt your take on Gilles de Rais as well. If you actually read Jeanne’s trial transcripts you can get a sense of of how sound she was-not some schizophrenic hysterical maniac the way she is often portrayed. The accusations against her are obviously crazy, and her accusers corrupt. The fact an intelligent and courageous young woman was put to do death like that was and is a travesty. Obviously Gilles de Rais was a very tortured person, and even though you did an amazing job here, I am now more convinced of his innocence. He obviously upset a lot of people and was ripe to be exploited for his wealth. The accusations sound exactly like the horrors people make up in smear campaigns and to justify their own misguided actions towards others that usually involve large sums of money, rearrangements of power, or even just the societal/psychological purge of pinning everything onto a scapegoat. Modern comparisons of what people are capable of seem out of place here as well, very different circumstances and times!
@@DanDavisHistory You’re right, this video isn’t about Joan. But she is an important part of it, and in the life of de Rais. You’re also right about how I should read the transcripts of Gilles’ trials… even though you previously said we really shouldn’t-I will.
@@alexisangelucci did you do it? i bet you wish you hadnt. now whats your verdict? would you let your kids have a slumber party over at friendly ol gilles house? i mean he was such a brave man right and was so close to joan of arc. i bet he wouldnt harm a fly...
Just as I expected with one of your videos! Love that you also added the contrarian argument that it was a conspiracy, as I've read of both over the years.
I am probably a psycho, but omg, a full hour on Gilles De Rais?!?! Historic true crime that rarely gets covered in depth? Eeeek, I am in heaven (oh, dear, not a great choice of words, but I am!)
@@morbidmorag thanks that was great and I strongly suspected after reading parts of his confession that he told them what they wanted to hear under threats of torture and outright torture he lied in an attempt to save his own skin.
I don't believe he was 'innocent' but I don't think he alone was guilty of these things. I think he was a deserving scapegoat for the collective sadism, evils, and character flaws of the noble guys generally. It is not as if we have not seen similar disgusting sadistic behavior in nobles and royals throughout history. Ivan the Terrible, Elizabeth Bathory, Vlad Tepisz. Henry VIII is a good example of both sadism and making scapegoats of people. So I tend to think a lot of these noble guys were doing monstrous things, and escalating it, basically doing the same or similar things to what de Rais was doing. But like certain criminals today most of them were untouchable and protected. I think he took the fall for things they were all doing. And I wonder if the killings of children really stopped when he was executed.
they were men and women of their time! like said the dutch historian Johan Huizinga the generation of gilles de rais was a sacrificed generation the early 15 th was one the worst of the western history,constant wars,mini ice age,plague.All the companions of joan of arc were even worse than Gilles of rais men like La hire of Xantraille were killers machine
I think you're absolutely right, and I don't think it was by chance or by fluke, "just a few bad apples". I think the nobility were systematically indoctrinated into a very weird way of thinking through all of their "brotherhoods" and "societies" and "orders" (like the Order of the Dragon that Vlad Tepes belonged to). Some of these may have been quasi-benevolent by their own standards, but the nobles seem to have thought of peasants approximately the same way peasants thought of livestock. They didn't conceptualize murder in the way we do now. Human rights were just simply not a thing. And I wish more people would call out Henry VIII for the psychotic mass-murderer that he was. Besides all the wife-killing he got up to, the man had somewhere between 50,000 and 80,000 of his own citizens executed, which would have been up to 3% of the total population of England at that time! He is also credited with introducing being boiled alive as an official method of execution (reserved for alleged poisoners) just because he thought it would be fun to watch.
I feel like not much has changed in the world that the ultimate evil rich guy got the lighter sentence in that he got a Christian burial, but the servant who was originally a victim and so today we might think of him like someone who was sex trafficked and brainwashed/had Stockholm syndrome/something like that, was burned to ashes. I had never heard this story though, and I've watched/read a few versions of the Joan of Arc story.
Sadly it's likely that his higher education and years at the royal court helped him know what other nobles liked to hear and appear virtuos, while his young accomplice likely had neither the upbringing nor experience for such theatrics. Sadly even nowadays appealing to some virtue to excuse your actions hasn't changed. Promoted virtues have changed, people have not.
15:30 To be fair, Joan had faith that working on God's behalf, God would protect her. Though Joan's charge might seem suicidal to us, to her it was exactly the right thing to do. Was Joan saved by God's intervention, or by de Rais? Well, she was sure, when she made the charge that she would neither be killed or captured. And she remained alive and free.
the fact that joan is still remembered to this day, i mean this is freaking 2022, and she's still mentioned, put's shivers down my spine. I would say without a doubt , she is truly christ like, i don't think anyone especially in the 21st centuary will live up to her saintly hood. If i ever met her in heaven, i think i would turn invisible out of shyness
@@H_cked Also, you better have the correct accent. And that might be hard considering we have no sound recordings and accents aren't transmitted with writing. When we stayed in Ireland we stayed with friends who rented their land out to a guy who grazed cattle on it. He came by to meet us and though he was speaking English, his accent was so strong I had no clue what he was saying. I have wondered if a person who speaks Latin fluently went back in time to Ancient Rome if he would actually be able to communicate. The Roman Republic and Empire were vast. Likely people from different provinces had very different accents, so having an accent wouldn't seem that odd, but would a modern Latin speaker be interlegible to a Roman? Accents probably also changed over time. You can hear it in old movies are radio broadcasts. People from 100 years ago had an accent no modern person speaks with, and that is less than 100 years.
Interesting that the priest could not conceive the truth - that man alone is capable of evil, not influenced by " the devil" The crimes that rich people could get away with in those days must have been great and unrecorded.
It's interesting to me that this guy did so many horrible things in a time when such things weren't widely reported. Now serial killers seem ubiquitous but history beyond the last hundred years doesn't record them much.
What upsets me about Gilles and Joan of Arc's cases is the use of religion to ensure a swift outcome. Its also so sad to see how the very institution who tried her ie the Catholic Church then in the 1920's ' Beautified' her. Now I think though the French courts have 'rehabilitated' Gilles reputation and basically exonerated him if I remember rightly. Still as we are so far away from those events and both their lifetimes ' who knows if the findings of the time mainly in Joan's case are true'. Anyway such a great presentation of a man through his life experiences lost. Two👍👍 up.
Jeanne was tried by a court of Catholics, not the Catholic church. People were outraged by the trial and within the century they investigated the trial and deemed it beyond flawed on many levels including pre-trial treatment of Jeanne.
Of course, I clicked on this video because I wanted to know more about the historical figure upon which the Fate/Zero character, Caster, was based, but what an excellent video! Liked and subbed, can’t wait to see more!
I think it could have been just a plot. In the period it was common to children get eaten by wolves or get lost and die in the woods (such as The Beast of Gévaudan 3 centuries after Gilles). Alchemy? Probably yes, the guy was broke so it does make sense but everything else, Im unsure.
The Beast of Gévaudan was a real thing?! I thought it was a legend, can't remember where I have heard it. Now I have to go down a google rabbit hole lol.
🌵Oh, Dan! You are SO AWESOME!! You've done it AGAIN! With lack of enough skilled history writers, and enough qualified professors in classrooms... YOU! have filled the Void!! ❤️ Thank you! Again!!🏜️🌺🌵
The fact that the "confessions" were obtained under threat of or after torture by a man and his servants who were in the possession of the man's enemies, and that all the crimes were standard rote accusations of the day AND that the guy was waaaay too powerful for any king to be comfortable with AND the fact that the vast majority of his lands were subsequently broken up and sold by his accusers.... All makes it pretty hinky.
Lol they weren't the standard rote accusations of the day, that's ridiculous. Abduction, sexual assault, and murder of multiple children was unheard of and indeed undreamed of. Feel free to read the two weeks of evidence hearings from multiple witnesses as well as the graphic descriptions of the many crimes.
Yes I've read his chapter on the trial of Gilles de Rais and it merely summarises all the usual points with nothing but circumstantial evidence for the conspiracy theory along with arguments from incredulity. His point relating to boilerplate testimony is to do with the standardised work of the notaries taking down the evidence and the standardised work of heresy investigations where witnesses are asked standardised questions. Fudge is generally sceptical but says "It does not seem prudent or sensible to conclude that the crimes committed by Gilles de Rais (whether real or imaginary) should be seen as belonging to the medieval world in which he lived. Rather, however we understand the confessions of Gilles de Rais at the climax of his legal ordeal, it does seem certain that he believed his penitential admissions merited divine grace and forgiveness. Though condemned to capital punishment, his confessions won him the sympathy of many at the court and on his way to death. Perhaps the ultimate strangeness of the case involving Gilles de Rais was the defendant’s assumption that his sins, whatever they might be, were required by God in order for one to achieve forgiveness and salvation."
@@morbidmorag When you go back and look at what the Templars were accused of or what Erzsebet Bathory was charged with ...and compare the two you get a strong sense of deja vu. These were the major sins of the era which could be used to smear a noble and deprive him/her of both property and the protections of their class. Simple murder, rape or robbery didn't cut it when it came to divesting a noble of their wealth. That's why the later, modern tribunal held on the guy's "crimes" found him not guilty. Guessing Dan, as an author prefers the salacious accusations as an author, and I must admit I don't blame him the preference; it would make great reading for an audience.
I've recently started being curious and getting into this historical figure and now you upload this cool video. There is a God and you are His gift to us, online nerds
Was Gilles de Rais the true military mind behind Joan of Arc? Where did Joan of Arc learn about military tactics and arms? Who taught her to use a sword? Where and when did she train? How long did she train for?
all of joan of arc's military acheviments are because of Gilles de Rais, joan of arc got blown up in recent history because she is a woman as a heoric female who saved france.
@@cuzimmoody6470 she was blown up in 15th century, because she was seen as religius leader/mystic/prophetess, however you call that. She is interesting for modern people because she played a role that was back then unthinkable for people of her gender and social class, but her role wasnt at all insignificant and blown up by modern people, regardless of her lack of training in military and tactics. Role of morale and spiritual reasurance, especially in times when idea of divine intervention was treated very seriously played very important role in initial military succeses. French victories were in big part a result of military tactics employed by comanding knights (not only gilles), but it was joan who was providing inspiration to fight for common soliders.
It really sounds like he's suffering from bipolar disorder, or maybe he's a manic depressive. Definitely a monster but his motives and life are fascinating
It was said he would listen to Judy Garland records before going into battle. He was heard to scream the word , Fabulous!!! When charging. His favorite musical was Cabaret and he had autograph photos of Joel Grey.
Thanks for the video! I remember picking up a book on Rais from a library in Loughton for about twenty pence. I wondered at the time why they were getting rid of what to me appeared to be a brand new book, then I read it and realised lol. I have often wondered just how much was true and how much was defamation for political ends. Some of it is so outlandish, but who knows?
@@MikeSmith-vl5em one penny. One hundred Pennies make a Pound. Even in today's world of mostly digital transactions the English unit of currency still survives (though it's worth maybe struggling to draw breath).
@@Sabundy well, do you still use pennies? I didn't know either how much "a pence" is, and frankly don't really care that much for such unimportant archaic currency of a failing empire.
Gilles de Rais' fatal error was when he chose to start taking liberties with the church. He could have continued abusing and offing the children of the local peasantry to his heart's content for all the law, the crown and the church cared. But even the Crown had to give due deference to Il Papa's Mob.
It wasn't the Church he upset, it was the Duke of Brittany. The priest he abducted wasn't important because he was a priest, it was because he was brother of a man in the Duke's household.
History is funny when you realize a saint and a possible serial killer/murderer were good friends with each other. That's like saying i dunnow Keanu and O.J were best friends lmao.
Sir Dan, you have a new subscriber from South Africa. I know so little about European history and I strongly suspect that I'm now going down the rabbit hole with you. Thank you for an interesting video.
I like that he killed thousands of children yet somehow the court was worried about the alchemy and demon summoning first and foremostly. Those are some priorities for sure.
@@morbidmorag I was being a bit hyperbolic I'll admit, but still quite comedic that the church always seems more angry about presumed witchcraft & wizardry, first and foremostly, above the actually bodily crimes someone commits. I guess in their eyes they assume the witchcraft /caused/ the crime to happen but still.
Dang but you are harsh on Jeanne d' Arc! I'm not saying your assertion that she was no tactician is incorrect, far from it, Jeanne could not have possibly been a warrior, but sometimes morale and symbolism is more important than the actual battles. Jeanne was vital to the restoration of the Valois. To be honest, it's sad that your tone and narrative is so disparaging.
