SHOCKING! 14th-Century French Nobleman Who Made A Hobby Out Of Killing Children

#1

When it comes to 14th-century French nobility, there are few characters more illustrious (and more terrifying) than Gilles de Rais. Rais began his life as a darling of the French military, and he even fought alongside Joan of Arc during the Hundred Years' War.

However, later in his life, it was revealed that Rais was always up to no good.

#2

After growing up in his grandmother's household, Rais curried favor among his noble peers and was admitted to the French court. From 1427 until 1435, Rais served in the French military. He was eventually named Marshal of France and spent time fighting alongside Joan of Arc.

#3

During his life, Rais had become quite wealthy. After he retired, he spent the vast majority of his fortune on a large-scale theater production of his own design. The play was called Le Mistère du Siège d'Orléans. The script included more than 20,000 lines of verse, 140 major roles, and 500 extras. The entire thing nearly bankrupted him, and it was only performed once.

#4

After severely depleting his family's fortune, Rais dabbled in the occult. He hoped to broker with demons as a way to get more wealth. For several months, one of his friends attempted to summon one; however, after the demon failed to appear, the friends concluded that the demon needed a human sacrifice. That's when Rais started killing.

After a conflict with a member of the clergy, the church began investigating Rais. What they found were numerous complaints of children near his castle disappearing. Further investigation found a grave near his property containing the naked remains of at least 47 children. At his trial, it was revealed that Rais lured the children in with the promise of a meal. After dinner, he then sexually abused and murdered them. In 1440, he was convicted for his heinous crimes and sentenced to death by hanging.