Ep. 13 - Gilles de Rais: Innocent or First Serial Killer in the World? | Historical True Crime Stories

He was executed as a serial killer who allegedly spiraled after Joan of Arc's death. But history reveals a different story- was he actually innocent?Let's dive into the dark history behind one of the world's worst serial killers- so YOU can decide if this is one historical true crime story told horribly wrong.⚠️ 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠: This episode includes themes involving death, tragedy, violence, and supernatural or potentially disturbing historical events.📍 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐝: To get the 'full' experience, check out the Château de Tiffauges' Bluebeard night festivals in July and August! They lean pretty heavily into the folklore, but it was Gilles de Rais' primary residence! Check it out HERE. (They handle these bookings directly, but we'd love to hear how you like it!)‼️ 𝐈𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐞 & 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞:Some images and historical documents used in this video are public domain, Creative Commons licensed, or included under fair use for commentary, research, and educational analysis.🖼️ 𝐈𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬:• Pied Piper (Historic Fairy Tale Postcard) – CC BY 2.0. From the Jack Zipes Historic Fairy Tale Postcard Collection. Photo courtesy of MCAD Library (2023).• Gilles de Retz (historical mixed-media figure) – CC BY-SA 3.0. Sculpture by George S. Stuart (2007).Full image URLs and attribution links: https://cursedvoices.com/gilles-de-rais-first-serial-killerPublic Domain Note: A full list of public domain images used in this episode is included at the above link for clarity and completeness.⚖️ 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐫: This episode is presented for educational and historical storytelling purposes. While extensively researched, some interpretations reflect legend or evolving narratives.🏆 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐬: Research, writing, and production by Jessica M. Lathrop, M.A. & Larry C. Lathrop, M.S. -- All content created by real people - not AI --🎙️ 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐨 𝐆𝐞𝐚𝐫: People often ask about the tools we use to produce the show. (We earn a commission from the following links at no extra cost to you.) Here is our current setup :Microphone: RØDE PodMic USB 👉 https://amzn.to/3Ltw6oBLaptop: ASUS Vivobook S16 with Intel Core i9 👉 https://amzn.to/4pgyFZbVideo Editing: Filmora Wondershare 👉 https://cursedvoices.com/filmorawondershareContent Creation: Canva 👉  https://partner.canva.com/cursed-voicesSoundproofing: Focusound 24 Pack Acoustic Foam Panels 👉 https://amzn.to/44R00K7(As An Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.)✒️ Episode Chapters:00:00- Intro: Noble Lineage & Nepo Baby: Gilles de Rais and Joan of Arc History 03:15- The Timeline of Triggers: From War Hero to Dark History 06:30- The Parental Lock: Extravagance & The King's Decree 09:45- Turn To The Medieval Occult: Alchemy & Demon Summoning 13:00- Crossing The Final Line: The Castle Siege & Kidnapping 16:15- Inquisitio Infamiae: Historical True Crime Stories & The Investigation 19:30- Two Possible Truths: Medieval Serial Killers or Political Plot? 22:45- Power & Money: The Duke of Brittany's Land Grab 26:00- Ulterior Motives Or Justice? Hidden History of the Trial 29:15- The Potential Crime Window: Examining the Timeline Flaws 32:30- Three Sets of Confessions: Servants vs. Clergy 35:45- Speed-Run Inquisition: Heresy Trial Irregularities 39:00- High Stakes, High Pressure: The Threat of Torture 42:15- Confession or Coercion? The Detailed Admission 45:30- Sentencing & Execution: The End of Gilles de Retz 48:45- Was He A Monster -or- A Victim? Unsolved Mysteries Conclusion📬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐔𝐬: 💀 Updates: https://www.cursedvoices.com 📰 Newsletter: https://cursedvoices.com/mythfits/ ☕ Support: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/cursedvoices 📧 Business: [email protected] © 2026 Cursed Voices Podcast.