Last Podcast On The Left
Last Podcast On The Left
"The system is more agrarian, agrarian. And that means when you tie your shoes professionally, that's a question of a good, we're great here." — Unknown Speaker (Highlighting the stark contrast between societal norms and de Rais's actions)
The episode continues its exploration of Gilles de Rais by delving into his increasingly elaborate and problematic ventures. His theatrical pursuits escalated significantly, culminating in the production of "Le Mystère du Siège d'Orléans" (The Mystery of the Siege of Orléans), a play that heavily featured Joan of Arc, a figure whose historical narrative was being carefully managed by the crown. De Rais financed this massive production, which included hundreds of actors and lavish, single-use costumes, at a tremendous personal cost, potentially bankrupting himself. Simultaneously, he established the "Chapel of the Holy Innocence," presented as a church but heavily implied to be a front for his criminal activities, blending his fascination with ecclesiastical music and recruitment.
The narrative then shifts to the legal and political forces converging against de Rais. His defiance of the church by kidnapping a priest and his continued banditry, particularly his forceful attempt to reclaim a castle, provided tangible offenses that the church and other nobles could exploit. While the accusations of child murder and sorcery were widely whispered and central to his eventual trial, the episode suggests that the more provable crimes of trespassing, false imprisonment, and sacrilege were the immediate catalysts for his downfall, allowing powerful figures like the Duke of Brittany to seize his assets. The episode also touches upon the controversy surrounding his confession, with arguments presented for both coercion through torture and a strategic plea to mitigate the desecration of his corpse and secure a Christian burial.
Finally, the episode examines the lingering debate about Gilles de Rais's guilt, presenting arguments from both his defenders and accusers. The defense highlights inconsistencies in the trial evidence, lack of definitive physical proof, and potential political motivations for his condemnation. However, the overwhelming testimony regarding the "Chapel of the Holy Innocence" and the sheer volume of disappearances linked to his estates are presented as compelling, albeit disturbing, evidence that overshadows the legal technicalities. The hosts conclude that while the exact number of victims may be debated, the sheer scale of the alleged crimes makes it difficult to absolve him entirely.