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.
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 RUclips 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 RUclips “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!
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 🎉🎉🎉
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.
@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.
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.
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.
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
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
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
@@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 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.
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.
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.
@@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.
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.
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.*
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
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. 🏰
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
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 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!)
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.
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'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
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...
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.
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?
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.
🌵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!!🏜️🌺🌵
Dan I can't believe I got my notification 🔔 , I just had my dinner a got into my nest to chill out, thank you for your work . I haven't watched it yet but I just know it's QUALITY. This is my dessert 🍰. Peace ✌ 🇮🇪
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.
Seeing this documentary-style video after watching Fate/Zero it's insane to see how the character in the anime was heavily inspired by his own horrid life. Fate does an amazing job of making the legends of these almost mythological humans become heroes and horrors in their own right.
Blimey Dan,I think that about ticked every Medieval box! Murder, loot, witchcraft, war,Royalty 😲🗡 definitely guilty as sin😉 excellent video, the quality of your work always astounds me, wonderful stuff 👏👏👏
Witches are more of a Renaissance thing. The Medieval catholic church cracked down on the very belief in magic more than any alleged practice of it. Sought to dampen any foolish belief in questionable practices and superstitions that drew people away from devotion to faith and the church.
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?
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.
I learned of Gilles De Rais when I heard the song 'Into the Crypts of Rais' on the metal band Celtic Frost's first record, Morbid Tales. I learned of Countess Bathory from the band Venom. I think it was the record Welcome to Hell that had the song simply titled 'Countess Bathory,' or maybe it was on their next record, the classic 'Black Metal.' Metal music is filled with songs based on the darkest parts of history. Both Gille De Rais and Countess Bathory have many songs written about them. EDIT: One of the most famous old - school black metal bands ever was named 'Bathory,' as well.
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.
@@jasondashney Joan wasn't a depraved murderer best known for abducting, r@ping, torturing and murdering a LOT of young boys, and worshipping the devil.
I would love to see a Gilles de Rais movie starring Vincent Cassel. It would be somewhat poetic, given that he portrayed Gilles de Rais in the movie, "The Messenger" back in 1999. Now that he is older, he would be perfect for the role I think.
@@morbidmorag People always get aged up in historical remakes. Plus, Vincent Cassel is a dancer who lives a healthy lifestyle. He looks like he is in his 40s, even without makeup.
@@morbidmorag The GDR movie I was imagining was to be a continuation of his role in "The Messenger", so him playing a younger version in his prime isn't necessary. This would be a movie about Gilles' later life, and supposed more sinister part. And I would prefer an actual French actor to play the role, as opposed to Johnny Depp.
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.
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.
c'est un mystère historique fascinant, dont j'avais très peu de connaissances. cette vidéo est superbe, j'aimerais voir plus d'histoires médiévales de "vrais crimes" (true crime) 🖤
It's a foundational element of the conspiracy theory that he was tortured, which is why all evidence or lack of evidence must be twisted to support that assumed conclusion. Remember that torture was not unlawful or anything to be ashamed about at the time and there was no reason to hide it. When the trial record mentions the threat of torture, that is taken as evidence that torture was in fact used. When the trial record does not mention that torture was carried out, that is also taken as evidence that torture was in fact used. When the king later does not mention torture when talking about Gilles treatment, that is also taken as evidence that he was tortured. All this still doesn't change the fact that even if he had been tortured that wouldn't make his confession false or make him innocent of his crimes.
![KAYTRANADA - Witchy (feat. Childish Gambino) [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/jGK3YVmGZ3Y/mqdefault.jpg)
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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
Easy subscribe. I'll tell people about your channel. I'll be binging your content now.
@@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 gotcha,thank you very much
@@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.
First time I heard about this guy as a kid my dad got really drunk and started ranting about how Joan of Arc was friends with a serial killer lol
In Vino Veritas, and all that... 😅
Your dad sounds like a lot of fun...
Omg please I need a story time lol
That's hilarious lolol
YEAH WELL YOU KNOW CATHOLICS AND PROTESTANTS HAVE TO SAVE THE OTHER'S SOULS BY BURNING EACH OTHER TO DEATH
IT WAS A THING BACK THEN
RELIGION HUH
I love that every image of one of Gilles de Rais’ relatives just looks like a sick ass black metal album cover
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 love your name 😂
celtic frost moment
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!
I do that with the picture of my momma on the bedside table when I bring home girls from Tinder. :(
@@connorperrett9559 don’t we all!
@@connorperrett9559 Real sigma males make direct eye contact with it and scream "OH YEAH YOU SEEING THIS SHIT MOM?" during the act.
@@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.
I'm pretty sure it was just made up by powerful rivals. It's just too outlandish.
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 RUclips 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 RUclips “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!
Only 52 likes for the absolute truth.
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 😂
Ironically my mom was named Jill Delray and last December she was charged with the murder of 3 young boys
@@Xxsnipedawg72xXweird thing to lie about
@@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 🎉🎉🎉
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.
Yes indeed, that's one I need to investigate thoroughly, as I did with this one.
Perhaps she was just an inconvenient heiress.
@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.
@@OffRampTourist absolutely
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,
Sounds like the countess Bathory. Are they all innocent?
@@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 doubt the veracity of confessions declared under torture. Especially when the confessor has vast wealth that will be confiscated upon conviction.
I find it interesting how witch trials except those two are declared false allegations
I love how dan’s narration. His skill as a fiction writer really helps these documentaries come to light with narrative structure and description
You would ya suck up.
Fiction writer! Exactly. Fiction and opinion and guesswork.
@@tamsin1969 The hell are you on about? He is a published author of historical fiction. I.e. fiction based on historical events.
@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've never heard of Gilles de Rais which, is why I clicked on the video. It is very informative and interesting.
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.
Your use of the English language is super gay. Write like a normal person.
Apart from decency, it's also prudent to avoid RUclips demonetisation.
Afaik tube would censor.
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.
Nerd.
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.
Is the English speaking U.S Anglo-saxon?
Lol yes. UK USA Aus NZ
Forgot Canada 🤭
Well any form of royalty is as large of a serial killer. This guy was just sloppy enough to get caught.
anglosphere not anglo-saxon world.
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.
Thank you, my friend 🙏
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
Joan didn't have blind faith, she just had faith, big damn difference!
@@carlhobson4083 you meant to say D'arc suffered from Scizophrenia religiosa?
This isn’t my usual era of history that I enjoy but I found this fascinating. Thank you
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
@@dowhatiwantc7637for real?
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!
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
Is this like the Pacte de Loups?
it's more accurate
I'm so glad I don't know you.
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.
I Love The Fashion of The Middle Ages. Lived Then. Was Rough!🌛
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.
This story is better than anything Hollywood could come up with.
Killed by a wild boar, the Mad King! GOT! Yes history is always the blueprint for fiction😮
Anything? 🙄
@@ChrisLawton66 anything
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.
Hollywood could never tell this story!
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.
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
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 !
Thank you very much.
This is new history for me to learn as well. I am grateful for the time and effort put into this.
Because of the wide-spread use of torture no admission of guilt, during this time period, can be trusted.
Honestly that’s what makes history so scary yet interesting. Only the winners get to write history. Who’s to say that’s not the case here?
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
This guy's story always fascinated me but I never was terribly knowledgeable about all the aspects of it...thanks for making a video on him!
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.
When he saw the torture equipment he said "If I may I'd like to confess now" lmao. Not the same outreach you gave your victims
That's how it usually goes.
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.
Science & medicine, hella
Wow. I was excited for this, but I didn't expect a whole hour! I can't wait! I know there's a lot of controversy about de Rais.
Nobody expects the A-hole hour
My mind runs to Erszebet Báthory and whether this case was true or falsified by other powerful nobles wanting their power and funds.
Superb storytelling, as we’ve come to expect from Dan
I’m always skeptical about “confessions” made no doubt under extreme torture.
Did you listen to the end of the video? He clearly states multiple times that there is no evidence that show they were tortured…
@lifeisdeath99 threat of torture is often enough.
That doesn't mean it didn't happen either
@@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 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.
@@moomyung9231 God, that's a disturbing statistic.
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.
@@morbidmorag Also they're often lied to about evidence and manipulated into confessing.
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.
ya, like we can all acknowledge that people who confessed to witchcraft during torture were innocent, but for some reason not in this case.
I am brand new to this channel. All history and folklore are things I'm really into. There's just no one I know to talk about this with. Awesome!
Thank you, welcome to the channel.
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.
Yes he's a sociopath. Very common among all serial killers
I'm blown away that I've never heard of this person until I happened to cross this video. Thank you for uploading this! This was fascinating.
Unless you are french, its pretty normal for you to never have heard of him, Hollywood dont make movies about french historical figures
I thought Joan of arc was a good tactician. Instead she was just a dumb girl that was supported by a bloodthirsty killer.
@@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.
@@alexp2327 The Reckoning...Wilhem Defoe. (Movie)
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.
Wow. Families have their problem children, but Gilles beats them all
Well, this is what he did
Here before this blows up! Incredible video!
I never knew Gilles de Rais was such a key component to Joan of Arc's story. It's an insane juxtaposition to think about.
Absolutely fascinating, well chronicled and narrated.
Great to see you back Dan, always look forward to your content
Thank you 🙏 There's another one coming in two weeks.
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.*
ROTFLMAO! I heard that years ago when I was in the army. I'd forgotten it!
Oh Yess!! What an great day Dan Davis dropped new video and Paul Cooper new episode of Fall Of Civilizations 😍
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 first read about Gilles de Rais in a book about serial killers back in high school. I’ve always found his story fascinating.
It's channels like this, that makes TV obsolete....excellent video! 👍🏻👌🏻👏🏻
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. 🏰
He probably was that way all along but i like to think when he learned Jeanne was burned he renounced all light and set on his course.
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
so u saying he was innocent?if they wanted to get rid of him wouldnt there have been easier ways?
@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
"This gold is fake! *raises an eyebrow at the 'warlock', who starts sweating buckets* ...that demon must have tricked us!"
“Maybe the real treasure was the comedic gold we struck along the way.”
Another Master Piece Mr. Davis! Can't Wait to see the Next One on William the Marshal!
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 feel like his massive spending on normal people is why he had so many loyal conspirators
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!)
How can any confession from that time period be given any credence? Countless innocents died after 'confessing'.
Very true.
I love this channel. You deserve far more subscribers, keep going I'm sure they will come!!
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.
It's like Jeffrey Epstein's suicide he may have in fact actually committed suicide but ALOT of powerful people slept easier after it happened.
are the academic circles in the room with us
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.
You can’t believe so called confessions from this era
I have listened to 4 of your documentaries now. Love them. Please keep it up!
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'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
Very interesting video, learned a lot I didn't know! This is one of the stories that I love to see made into a drama, possibly a miniseries.
This is one of my favorite 'Dark" stories from history.
Really enjoyed this. Very well explained. Tremendous story 🔥 Joan🔥
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...
Except he was proven guilty and all you've managed to come up with is conjecture and speculation
@@manic_eyes_music sure... those accused of witchcraft and sorcery were always justly convicted right? 'proven guilty' you sure about that first word?
and all those children that disappeared around him just got lost in the woods?
Thanks for your super work, you did a wonderful job bring the Barron's story to life. Blessings to all.
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.
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?
exactly. imagine how many others like him that got away with it throughout history.
28:10 hospitality and generosity beyond call of duty was an appreciated quality for noble people.
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.
I think his haircut was the first clue, should've been a dead giveaway..
Seriously though, another excellent video Mr Davis.
🌵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!!🏜️🌺🌵
Thank you Mr. Davis!
These ages were dark indeed. You are a fantastic story teller sir! Enjoyed the vid a LOT 👍
Greetings, T.
All ages have their dark parts. This time was hardly unique in that.
Dan I can't believe I got my notification 🔔 , I just had my dinner a got into my nest to chill out, thank you for your work . I haven't watched it yet but I just know it's QUALITY. This is my dessert 🍰. Peace ✌ 🇮🇪
Thanks Sean! I appreciate it. Hope you enjoy the story.
@@DanDavisHistory what a fantastic piece of work , very talented man congrats 🇮🇪
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.
Once again an amazing video. I also finished listening the two Gods of Bronze books and i can’t wait for the next book to be released one day.
Seeing this documentary-style video after watching Fate/Zero it's insane to see how the character in the anime was heavily inspired by his own horrid life. Fate does an amazing job of making the legends of these almost mythological humans become heroes and horrors in their own right.
Kind of wonder if Joan was keeping him inline in secret and when she died a heretics death Gilles went off the deep end.
Perfect way to start my Sunday morning. Thanks for the video Dan
So he’s the first person to blame affluenza for his crimes.
Blimey Dan,I think that about ticked every Medieval box! Murder, loot, witchcraft, war,Royalty 😲🗡 definitely guilty as sin😉 excellent video, the quality of your work always astounds me, wonderful stuff 👏👏👏
Witches are more of a Renaissance thing. The Medieval catholic church cracked down on the very belief in magic more than any alleged practice of it. Sought to dampen any foolish belief in questionable practices and superstitions that drew people away from devotion to faith and the church.
This should be made into a series!
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.
Either way....wouldn't want to meet either of them in a dark alley.
@@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?
Bloody love this, I do.
Another homerun from Mr Davis!
Thank you 🙏
Could you pls make another Bronze Age video you are one of the only history channels which cover the time period ? :D
Yeah I'll always make bronze age videos. Will publish a copper age one in two weeks.
@@DanDavisHistory sweet. Copper age videos are very rare.
@@DanDavisHistory Would you consider making a video about the Sky-Disc of Nebra and its people ?
- Thank you in the forehand :D
@@DanDavisHistory Hooray! I enjoy the medieval videos too but my favorites are the ancient history ones.
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.
@@morbidmorag No, it is psychology 101.
Thanks for leaving the Class to leave the details of the child murders out. Much appreciated.
I learned of Gilles De Rais when I heard the song 'Into the Crypts of Rais' on the metal band Celtic Frost's first record, Morbid Tales.
I learned of Countess Bathory from the band Venom. I think it was the record Welcome to Hell that had the song simply titled 'Countess Bathory,' or maybe it was on their next record, the classic 'Black Metal.'
Metal music is filled with songs based on the darkest parts of history. Both Gille De Rais and Countess Bathory have many songs written about them. EDIT: One of the most famous old - school black metal bands ever was named 'Bathory,' as well.
EVIL - IN LEAGUE WITH SATAN
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?
How much is a pence? And is it actually used anywhere anymore ?
@@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).
@@MikeSmith-vl5em how is this an actual serious question? 🙄🙄🤦🤦
Satanic Ritual Abuse is almost entirely lies. If they lie about that, it makes me dubious of any other allegations.
@@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.
Wealth and madness are a terrible pairing
Really well done. Thank you! I'm hooked!
There should be a movie about this guy. If done properly, it would be epic.
He is french so dont expect Hollywood to make a movie about him
@@alexp2327 Joan had several movies made about her.
@@jasondashney Joan wasn't a depraved murderer best known for abducting, r@ping, torturing and murdering a LOT of young boys, and worshipping the devil.
I've just found this channel, I am absolutely enthralled!
Thank you so much!
Top notch content!
I would love to see a Gilles de Rais movie starring Vincent Cassel. It would be somewhat poetic, given that he portrayed Gilles de Rais in the movie, "The Messenger" back in 1999. Now that he is older, he would be perfect for the role I think.
@@morbidmorag People always get aged up in historical remakes. Plus, Vincent Cassel is a dancer who lives a healthy lifestyle. He looks like he is in his 40s, even without makeup.
@@morbidmorag The GDR movie I was imagining was to be a continuation of his role in "The Messenger", so him playing a younger version in his prime isn't necessary. This would be a movie about Gilles' later life, and supposed more sinister part. And I would prefer an actual French actor to play the role, as opposed to Johnny Depp.
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.
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.
c'est un mystère historique fascinant, dont j'avais très peu de connaissances. cette vidéo est superbe, j'aimerais voir plus d'histoires médiévales de "vrais crimes" (true crime) 🖤
It's hard to believe that he did any of the things he was accused of doing because of the torture he endured while in prison.
He wasn't tortured.
It's a foundational element of the conspiracy theory that he was tortured, which is why all evidence or lack of evidence must be twisted to support that assumed conclusion. Remember that torture was not unlawful or anything to be ashamed about at the time and there was no reason to hide it.
When the trial record mentions the threat of torture, that is taken as evidence that torture was in fact used. When the trial record does not mention that torture was carried out, that is also taken as evidence that torture was in fact used. When the king later does not mention torture when talking about Gilles treatment, that is also taken as evidence that he was tortured.
All this still doesn't change the fact that even if he had been tortured that wouldn't make his confession false or make him innocent of his crimes.
I do think he was innocent just betrayed be his own peopel