Literary Sources/Tradition: Historical Trials

Encyclopedia of Mythical Creatures:
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Gilles de Rais: Historical Figure and Demonological Subject

Gilles de Laval, Lord of Rais, companion of Joan of Arc, Marshal of France (1404 1440)

Gilles de Laval, Lord of Rais, companion of Joan of Arc, Marshal of France (1404 1440)

French nobleman associated with military leadership, criminal trials, and demonological accusations Gilles de Rais (c. 1405-1440) was a French nobleman, military commander, and companion-in-arms of Joan of Arc who became notorious for allegations of murder, sexual crimes against children, and occult practices. In demonological literature, he is referenced not as a demonic entity but as … Read more

Encyclopedia of Mythical Creatures:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Trials of Witchcraft

Trials of Witchcraft were judicial methods used to identify and condemn alleged witches. The Gothic trial, for instance, shared similarities with the testing of rabid dogs. A suspected witch would be bound and immersed in water; if she floated, she was deemed guilty and burned at the stake, while sinking indicated innocence. Other trial methods … Read more