Baron Gilles de Rais: The Medieval Serial Killer

Gilles de Rais was a war hero and a Marshal of France, who fought alongside Joan of Arc to drive out the English invaders. He was also a serial killer.
During his trial he confessed to the most terrible crimes imaginable. The court heard stories of alchemy, demon summoning, heresy, and the admission that the great lord and his accomplices had abducted, abused, and murdered countless children.
But how did he spiral so completely out of control? How was he finally caught and prosecuted?
And what about those who claim that he was, in fact, an innocent man - framed by a conspiracy of powerful lords who wanted his wealth for themselves?
This is the shocking story of the famous knight, wealthy baron, and medieval serial killer Gilles de Rais.
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Video Sources
The Trial of Gilles De Rais by George Bataille ➜ amzn.to/3E74AY3
The Real Bluebeard by Jean Benedetti ➜ amzn.to/3rpOBMY
The Martyrdom of Gilles de Rais by Margot K Juby ➜ amzn.to/3SMoKL4
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Video Chapters
00:00 Gilles de Rais' Execution
01:38 Help the channel
01:56 Gilles de Rais' Childhood
12:11 Gilles and Joan of Arc
21:32 Financial problems
25:50 Abductions and depravity
28:26 The Chapel of the Holy Innocents
29:50 The Mystery Play of Orleans
32:29 Alchemy and Demon Summoning
38:40 The Final Outrage
41:14 The Trial of Gilles de Rais
52:00 Was Gilles de Rais Innocent?

[@DanDavisHistory]

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

[@paulsansonetti7410]

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

[@jonahs.757]

Easy subscribe. I'll tell people about your channel. I'll be binging your content now.

[@DanDavisHistory]

@@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.

[@paulsansonetti7410]

@@DanDavisHistory gotcha,thank you very much

[@majuscule8883]

@@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.

[@Vexarax]

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

[@juneroberts5305]

In Vino Veritas, and all that... 😅

[@fauxpinkytoo]

Your dad sounds like a lot of fun...

[@Averyr91]

Omg please I need a story time lol

[@chocolatemilk4437]

That's hilarious lolol

[@David-wk6md]

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

[@Italian_Spiderman]

I love that every image of one of Gilles de Rais’ relatives just looks like a sick ass black metal album cover

[@DinoCism]

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.

[@KalGiaquinta]

I love your name 😂

[@jrojala]

That gothic style is timeless

[@jeremycunningham7897]

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!

[@connorperrett9559]

I do that with the picture of my momma on the bedside table when I bring home girls from Tinder. :(

[@jeremycunningham7897]

@@connorperrett9559 don’t we all!

[@Colddirector]

@@connorperrett9559 Real sigma males make direct eye contact with it and scream "OH YEAH YOU SEEING THIS SHIT MOM?" during the act.

[@ColonelSandersLite]

@@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.

[@randalthor6872]

I'm pretty sure it was just made up by powerful rivals. It's just too outlandish.

[@meryljeanneau6396]

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 😂

[@admiraltiberius1989]

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.

[@DanDavisHistory]

Yes indeed, that's one I need to investigate thoroughly, as I did with this one.

[@OffRampTourist]

Perhaps she was just an inconvenient heiress.

[@admiraltiberius1989]

@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.

[@marleymorningstar3671]

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.

[@marleymorningstar3671]

@@OffRampTourist absolutely

[@i8canada]

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]

Sounds like the countess Bathory. Are they all innocent?

[@zekun4741]

@@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.

[@cocobutter3175]

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.

[@themousethatroared3371]

I doubt the veracity of confessions declared under torture. Especially when the confessor has vast wealth that will be confiscated upon conviction.

[@jasonmullinder]

I find it interesting how witch trials except those two are declared false allegations

[@Jay-qh6uv]

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 KZbin 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 KZbin “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!

[@Frenchylikeshikes]

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.

[@arvidalexatsinch1163]

Is the English speaking U.S Anglo-saxon?

[@IsaacJ143]

Lol yes. UK USA Aus NZ

[@IsaacJ143]

Forgot Canada 🤭

[@aurizzistic]

Well any form of royalty is as large of a serial killer. This guy was just sloppy enough to get caught.

[@twisted258]

anglosphere not anglo-saxon world.

[@leslietarkin5705]

I've never heard of Gilles de Rais which, is why I clicked on the video. It is very informative and interesting.

[@joeyj6808]

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.*

[@mlbowen6476]

ROTFLMAO! I heard that years ago when I was in the army. I'd forgotten it!

[@olgas9970]

I love how dan’s narration. His skill as a fiction writer really helps these documentaries come to light with narrative structure and description

[@yamum6498]

You would ya suck up.

[@tamsin1969]

Fiction writer! Exactly. Fiction and opinion and guesswork.

[@darthdonkulous1810]

@@tamsin1969 The hell are you on about? He is a published author of historical fiction. I.e. fiction based on historical events.

[@tamsin1969]

@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.

[@darthdonkulous1810]

​@@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.

[@kenricnarbrough8191]

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.

[@Ownage96O]

Your use of the English language is super gay. Write like a normal person.

[@alliedatheistalliance6776]

Apart from decency, it's also prudent to avoid KZbin demonetisation.

[@randomcomment6068]

Afaik tube would censor.

[@geraldfriend256]

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.

[@deraykrause4517]

Nerd.

[@samos343guiltyspark]

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

[@liquidoxygen819]

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.

[@DanDavisHistory]

Thank you, my friend 🙏

[@claudeyaz]

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 !"

[@claudeyaz]

@@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

[@carlhobson4083]

Joan didn't have blind faith, she just had faith, big damn difference!

[@808bigisland]

@@carlhobson4083 you meant to say D'arc suffered from Scizophrenia religiosa?

[@unnaturalselection8330]

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.

[@DanDavisHistory]

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.

[@DanDavisHistory]

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."

[@unnaturalselection8330]

@@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.

[@aardsnark940]

This isn’t my usual era of history that I enjoy but I found this fascinating. Thank you

[@terrir780]

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.

[@ericlondon2663]

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.

[@dowhatiwantc7637]

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

[@hepsabaptron00]

My mind runs to Erszebet Báthory and whether this case was true or falsified by other powerful nobles wanting their power and funds.

[@ambermaccraig7316]

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.

[@janetlieb2507]

I Love The Fashion of The Middle Ages. Lived Then. Was Rough!🌛

[@NutcupKatarina]

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.

[@Crytica.]

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.

[@Sb_Antimony]

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.

[@garnerjoyce606]

Science & medicine, hella

[@garrettelgin4742]

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

[@Neenerella333]

Is this like the Pacte de Loups?

[@20FreeWill]

it's more accurate

[@joshuaschoonyan3263]

I'm so glad I don't know you.

[@viderevero1338]

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?

[@ColonelSandersLite]

"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.

[@paragraphler]

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!

[@dianecheney4141]

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]

so u saying he was innocent?if they wanted to get rid of him wouldnt there have been easier ways?

[@nabstix8745]

​@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

[@matthewfors114]

@@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

[@fabiodeoliveiraribeiro1602]

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.

[@andreabrava6899]

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.

[@bill_4615]

Because of the wide-spread use of torture no admission of guilt, during this time period, can be trusted.

[@eligreg99]

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?

[@gobanito]

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.

[@itzakpoelzig330]

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.

[@moomyung9231]

@@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.

[@itzakpoelzig330]

@@moomyung9231 God, that's a disturbing statistic.

[@CoffinBanger]

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.

[@n1ppe]

@@morbidmorag Also they're often lied to about evidence and manipulated into confessing.

[@margaretgreenwood4243]

Wow. Families have their problem children, but Gilles beats them all

[@veronicaroach3667]

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 !

[@DanDavisHistory]

Thank you very much.

[@CrazyFeathers]

This is new history for me to learn as well. I am grateful for the time and effort put into this.

[@evilsaddist666]

You can’t believe so called confessions from this era

[@PlutoTheGod]

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

[@quandaledingle113]

This story is better than anything Hollywood could come up with.

[@johnmarano6588]

Killed by a wild boar, the Mad King! GOT! Yes history is always the blueprint for fiction😮

[@ChrisLawton66]

Anything? 🙄

[@quandaledingle113]

@@ChrisLawton66 anything

[@WildWombats]

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.

[@vickywitton1008]

Hollywood could never tell this story!

[@samsalamander8147]

I’m always skeptical about “confessions” made no doubt under extreme torture.

[@lifeisdeath99]

Did you listen to the end of the video? He clearly states multiple times that there is no evidence that show they were tortured…

[@kevinryan4906]

​@lifeisdeath99 threat of torture is often enough.

[@georgerafa5041]

That doesn't mean it didn't happen either

[@samsalamander8147]

@@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.

[@marieturnage-jensen7603]

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!

[@DanDavisHistory]

Thank you, welcome to the channel.

[@miaouew]

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!

[@Lumaxis61]

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.

[@tyrlant2189]

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.

[@diebesgrab]

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.

[@danielmiller9012]

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.

[@kutloanodlamini4153]

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.

[@Kaosi]

are the academic circles in the room with us

[@winderofcoils]

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.

[@NASkeywest]

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.

[@barryschalkwijk9388]

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.

[@jacklawson3769]

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.

[@Aerie925]

I first read about Gilles de Rais in a book about serial killers back in high school. I’ve always found his story fascinating.

[@KickassMcfly]

Absolutely fantastic video, thank you for this, will share as much as I can.

[@themaestroslady1812]

Absolutely fascinating, well chronicled and narrated.

[@ColdDrone13]

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.

[@alexp2327]

Unless you are french, its pretty normal for you to never have heard of him, Hollywood dont make movies about french historical figures

[@H0mework]

I thought Joan of arc was a good tactician. Instead she was just a dumb girl that was supported by a bloodthirsty killer.

[@greatmacaron5779]

@@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 :)

[@juneroberts5305]

​@@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.

[@thegreencat9947]

@@alexp2327 The Reckoning...Wilhem Defoe. (Movie)

[@jayzion23]

Bro you by far have the best history channel on youtube and I'm subscribed to all of them! Great content mate!!!

[@nickbarton6022]

Superb storytelling, as we’ve come to expect from Dan

[@Catonius]

I think his haircut was the first clue, should've been a dead giveaway.. Seriously though, another excellent video Mr Davis.

[@Duececoupe]

It's channels like this, that makes TV obsolete....excellent video! 👍🏻👌🏻👏🏻

[@greyhound2401]

Really well done. Thank you! I'm hooked!

[@julianwilkins1669]

Thanks for your super work, you did a wonderful job bring the Barron's story to life. Blessings to all.

[@fringer6]

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.

[@Thedarkestduchess]

I've just found this channel, I am absolutely enthralled! Thank you so much! Top notch content!

[@ViktoriaEvans]

Fascinating and phenomenally well-done! I really enjoyed listening to this.

[@ER-uy7ct]

I have listened to 4 of your documentaries now. Love them. Please keep it up!

[@andreajanota6258]

So he’s the first person to blame affluenza for his crimes.

[@waterstick14]

I love this channel. You deserve far more subscribers, keep going I'm sure they will come!!

[@micaelpicarra9041]

Thank you very much for this, I’ve really enjoyed it.

[@Tami8161]

This was fascinating, and I thank you! I’m looking forward to seeing your other videos. I really enjoyed the history lesson.

[@marco0445]

Here before this blows up! Incredible video!

[@vitsirosh3722]

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

[@davebowman9000]

Thank you so much for your time and effort! This is incredible!

[@DinoCism]

I'm just glad to know there was a guy named "Jean the Crayon."

[@spiderhssstt]

Thanks for posting this video. Very interesting.😊

[@normanheindrichs6101]

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.

[@nickharmer3049]

Terrific documentary. Quite esoteric. Absolutely loved it. Great stuff.! Subscribed.!! Bless up 👊

[@JaceMorley]

"This gold is fake! *raises an eyebrow at the 'warlock', who starts sweating buckets* ...that demon must have tricked us!"

[@edoboleyn]

“Maybe the real treasure was the comedic gold we struck along the way.”

[@binder946]

28:10 hospitality and generosity beyond call of duty was an appreciated quality for noble people.

[@brynnesantos9817]

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.

[@DidierDidier-kc4nm]

Thank you.by far the best vid about Gilles de Rais

[@nathansands71]

Wonderfully done. All the pertinent info. Fascinating. This is why my first degree was in history. Love it!

[@KincadeCeltoSlav]

Another Master Piece Mr. Davis! Can't Wait to see the Next One on William the Marshal!

[@PatyM00N]

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. 🏰

[@lindanickell8565]

Thank you Mr. Davis!

[@missourimongoose8858]

I feel like his massive spending on normal people is why he had so many loyal conspirators

[@trajan9034]

Could you pls make another Bronze Age video you are one of the only history channels which cover the time period ? :D

[@DanDavisHistory]

Yeah I'll always make bronze age videos. Will publish a copper age one in two weeks.

[@MrWolfstar8]

@@DanDavisHistory sweet. Copper age videos are very rare.

[@trajan9034]

@@DanDavisHistory Would you consider making a video about the Sky-Disc of Nebra and its people ? - Thank you in the forehand :D

[@PheOfTheFae]

@@DanDavisHistory Hooray! I enjoy the medieval videos too but my favorites are the ancient history ones.

[@judestevenson4943]

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 👍

[@itzakpoelzig330]

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.

[@abrahamulagay8057]

Thank you so much for this historical video and sharing it 🌼

[@RedSmirk54]

What a high quality channel - thanks for making such great content. Instant Sub.

[@nealmcgloin2984]

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.

[@sledgehammer9739]

It's Beatified. Beautified is something else entirely.

[@wastrelperv]

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.

[@grammarlings6517]

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...

[@manic_eyes_music]

Except he was proven guilty and all you've managed to come up with is conjecture and speculation

[@grammarlings6517]

@@manic_eyes_music sure... those accused of witchcraft and sorcery were always justly convicted right? 'proven guilty' you sure about that first word?

[@stayhungry1503]

and all those children that disappeared around him just got lost in the woods?

[@danielsaldana4663]

Thank you for this work I enjoyed it!

[@binky1612]

Thank you for a great and engaging video. I couldn't atop watching it.

[@brandonrepo9435]

Oh Yess!! What an great day Dan Davis dropped new video and Paul Cooper new episode of Fall Of Civilizations 😍

[@margodumelle8660]

This video is so well done! Bravo

[@kayladiamond8536]

Thank you Dan for all your hard hard work !!

[@ruperterskin2117]

Right on. Thanks for sharing.

[@kgeeplays]

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!

[@sonoransaguaro8428]

🌵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!!🏜️🌺🌵

[@Sarke2]

Fantastic content as always

[@theresachung703]

Thanks for sparing us the gory detail. That's so decent. Subscribed.

[@garrettcall]

It's tragic how easy it is to call the validity of the court's verdict into question due to how political it was. Was de Rais guilty? To a some degree, probably, but it wasn't justice for the victims that was the court decision nor motivation. Instead, they sought to line their pockets and secure their positions. Of course, that's mostly what court was for back then-and in many ways it remains to be so. Interest over justice. Great video, mate.

[@demonyakku3710]

Finally new upload best thing for a foggy afternoon.

[@mariannemartin5086]

Fascinating video, really well done!

[@sarsante]

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.

[@beautifuldreamer0811]

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.

[@stayhungry1503]

so many kids disappearing "naturally" around the same guy. no way.

[@Carmiel_Balfont]

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

[@Bernacide]

I was HOOKED from the intro! GREAT WORK!!! So unique and interesting! THANK YOU! ❤️👍😁

[@axafree]

More videos, please. They are all great!

[@Ragnarrroker]

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]

How much is a pence? And is it actually used anywhere anymore ?

[@Ragnarrroker]

@@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]

@@MikeSmith-vl5em how is this an actual serious question? 🙄🙄🤦🤦

[@canadianreserve]

Satanic Ritual Abuse is almost entirely lies. If they lie about that, it makes me dubious of any other allegations.

[@TobyIKanoby]

@@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.

[@seanwhelan879]

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 ✌ 🇮🇪

[@DanDavisHistory]

Thanks Sean! I appreciate it. Hope you enjoy the story.

[@seanwhelan879]

@@DanDavisHistory what a fantastic piece of work , very talented man congrats 🇮🇪