Elizabeth Báthory

It is a horror story stained with blood. A Hungarian noblewoman tortures and murders her female servants out of jealousy and sadistic need for violence. After the grisly deed, she bathes in the blood of her victims to gain eternal youth and beauty. Some claims put her kill count in the range of 600 young women to thousands, making her possibly the most prolific female serial killer in history. Lady Gaga has played her, Brahms Stoker used her as inspiration for Count Dracula, the Grimms Brothers based the Evil Queen in Snow White off of her, and countless books, movies, operas, and television shows have been dedicated to her sadistic ways. While this makes for an engaging and graphic horror story, the truth is far more elusive. In recent years, scholars and authors have begun to question the legitimacy of these legends surrounding Elizabeth Báthory, and attempt to find the real woman underneath.

Featured Guest: Discussing Elizabeth Bathory with me today will be novelist Rebecca Johns, author of the book The Countess.

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