LIKE A VIRGIN

 

Ladies have accomplished many things in history, some great and long-lasting, others just unique. A 17th century Countess may have been the world's first lady serial killer, and is credited as being the most prolific serial killer ever - body count : 650. But did Elizabeth Bathory really slaughter virgins to bathe in their blood, or was that way back in the day anti-feminist propaganda? Erzabet Bathori was born into a very politically well connected family in 1650. She was well educated, even by today's standards. She learned languages, literature, science and math. Her parents were wealthy and owned a great deal of land. 


When she was 10 Elizabeth's father died and at age 11 she became betrothed and was sent to live with her future husband's family. She and her husband married when he was 15. They were given a castle as a wedding gift - you know, cause blenders are so over gifted. Elizabeth and her husband had five children - mostly sons. Her husband died in 1604 leaving Elizabeth responsible for her family's money and property.


About 1602 rumors began to spread that Elizabeth slaughtered young women and bathed in their blood to stay young. She was arrested in 1612, soaked in blood, torturing a girl - or - having dinner with her family as was the official record. There have never been any records that someone swore a complaint about Elizabeth officially, but allegedly 300 witnesses gave statements. These statements were reiterations of rumors given by people who toiled for very little money for their lady boss who lived in a castle. Servants who gave accounts were tortured into confessing. Elizabeth offered a gynaecium - a place where girls could be educated. She owned land and money in a time when women were considered property. One of her accusers owned Elizabeth a great deal of money ; the debt was nullified upon her arrest. Elizabeth Bathory was forced to remain in her castle for the rest of her life. She died in 1614 and divided her estate equally among her son's and daughters. Elizabeth Bathory's story is a powerful reminder about how a rumor can last 422 years.


SOURCES :

Elizabeth Bathory. Wikipedia.



FURTHER MEDIA :

Frey, Holly / Wilson, Tracy V., hosts. "The Elizabeth Bathory Episode : Was a Hungarian Countess the World's Most..." Stuff You Missed In History Class, iheartradio, 25 June 2008.

Graham, Beckett / Vollenweider, Susan, hosts. "Elizabeth Bathory." The History Chicks, Episode 118, Wondery, 27 January 2019. 

Nelson, Katie Dr. / Meikle, Olivia, hosts. "The Blood Countess - Elizabeth Bathory." What'sHerName, Episode, Nelson, Katie Dr. / Meikle, Olivia, 11 October 2023.

Richardson, Vanessa, host. "The Blood Countess - Elizabeth Bathory -  pt 1 and pt 2." Female Criminals, Parcast, 20 and 27 January 2021.

Schwarz, Dana, host. "Elizabeth Bathory - The Blood Countess," Noble Blood, Grim & Mild, 12 October 2021.

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