Elizabeth Báthory: The "blood countess" who reportedly killed 600 young girls
She holds the Guinness record for most prolific female murderer
© Public Domain
History has a way of turning powerful women into folklore. Elizabeth Báthory, a Hungarian noblewoman and alleged serial killer from the 16th and 17th centuries, is certainly at the top of the list as, even 400 years after her death, she continues to inspire tales of horror and sadism.
Deemed the world's most prolific female murderer by Guinness World Records, Báthory reportedly killed more than 600 young girls to satisfy her need for blood. But, like most events in history, her story is complicated.
Was she a cold-blooded, tortured murderer? Or was she the victim of a wide-ranging conspiracy? Browse the gallery and judge for yourself.
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
MOST READ
- Last Hour
- Last Day
- Last Week
-
1
CELEBRITY Relationships
-
2
LIFESTYLE Friendship
-
3
LIFESTYLE Construction
-
4
LIFESTYLE Society
-
5
HEALTH Lymphatic system
-
6
-
7
-
8
LIFESTYLE Exercise
-
9
HEALTH Medical science
Scientists have discovered a protein that may stop cancer from spreading
-
10
LIFESTYLE Happiness