The Serial Killer - Part XI
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One of my favourites ever is Elizabeth Báthory or, as she would later be known, the "Blood Countess of Transylvania". Considered to be the most prolific female serial killer in history, the hungarian aristocrat allegedly tortured and killed 650 girls and young women, daughters of local peasants, many of whom were lured to Csejte Castle by offers of well-paid work as maidservants. Later, she is said to have begun to kill daughters of the lesser gentry, who were sent to her gynaeceum by their parents to learn courtly etiquette, in a search for better blood.
Although the descriptions of torture that emerged during the trials were often based on hearsay. nevertheless the atrocities described most consistently included severe beatings, burning, mutilation and starvation. Some witnesses reported having seen traces of torture on dead bodies, some of which were buried in graveyards, and others in unmarked locations. Later writings about the case have led to legendary accounts of the Countess bathing in the blood of virgins in order to retain her youth.
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dçfkjsçd
One of my favourites ever is Elizabeth Báthory or, as she would later be known, the "Blood Countess of Transylvania". Considered to be the most prolific female serial killer in history, the hungarian aristocrat allegedly tortured and killed 650 girls and young women, daughters of local peasants, many of whom were lured to Csejte Castle by offers of well-paid work as maidservants. Later, she is said to have begun to kill daughters of the lesser gentry, who were sent to her gynaeceum by their parents to learn courtly etiquette, in a search for better blood.
Although the descriptions of torture that emerged during the trials were often based on hearsay. nevertheless the atrocities described most consistently included severe beatings, burning, mutilation and starvation. Some witnesses reported having seen traces of torture on dead bodies, some of which were buried in graveyards, and others in unmarked locations. Later writings about the case have led to legendary accounts of the Countess bathing in the blood of virgins in order to retain her youth.
We do not know why she did what she did. I like to think that she did it because she could, because she thought it was fun. Maybe envy moved her. Envy of youth. She was married with the age of 14 to a man 4 years older than her and probably for political reasons within the circles of aristocracy. Her husband left her alone most of the time, while he studied in Vienna. It was only after his death, at the age of 47, that Elizabeth began her murdering spree. Maybe she wanted to get revenge, because she knew her youth was for ever lost and wasted.
Some say she was a victim of a politically motivated conspiracy. At the time, there was great conflict between religions, including Protestant ones, and this was related to the extension of Habsburg power over Hungary. As a Transylvanian Protestant aristocrat, Elizabeth belonged to a group generally opposed to the Habsburgs. This may very well be true. Sometimes the best stories live only in the people's imagination and that is even more telling than reality. It tells us more about humans than anything else. It shows us they enjoy the vivid and bloody gruesome details of violence and vice. Maybe because they are not sufficiently brave to commit it themselves.
No public trial was held, for fear of tarnishing the aristocracy. Elizabeth, was imprisoned in a room of her own castle until her death, four years later. She was not forgotten, though, and that may very well be her greatest victory over time and decay. She still remains the Blood Queen.
No public trial was held, for fear of tarnishing the aristocracy. Elizabeth, was imprisoned in a room of her own castle until her death, four years later. She was not forgotten, though, and that may very well be her greatest victory over time and decay. She still remains the Blood Queen.
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