Gilles de Rais: From Noble War Hero to Monster

Gilles de Rais was one of France's greatest military heroes, fighting alongside Joan of Arc and becoming one of the wealthiest noblemen in Europe. Then he became one of history's first documented serial killers, allegedly murdering hundreds of children in occult rituals at his castle.

After Joan of Arc's execution, Gilles retreated to his estates and his behavior grew increasingly bizarre. He squandered his massive fortune on lavish theatrical productions and began dabbling in alchemy and black magic, desperately trying to restore his wealth through demonic pacts. But his quest for occult power led to something far darker - the systematic abduction, torture, and murder of peasant children from surrounding villages.

When authorities finally investigated in 1440, the  ...