Countess Elizabeth Bathory: Serial Killer

943 Words2 Pages

With the complexity and brutality of her crimes, Elizabeth Bathory is known as the most sadistic and prolific serial killer in the world; even more so, she stands out because she is a female that is rare: especially in the Elizabethan Era. Bathory was believed to have been responsible for the murders of 600 virgin girls. She was certain that a drop of blood would make her look youthful again, but was convinced that bathing in the blood of girls who were virgins would take years off her. Because of her personality, physical qualities, and her lack of moral/family values, Countess Elizabeth Bathory of Hungary had the life of one of the most fascinating yet obsessive leaders in all of Transylvania. It is believed that her family had an impact and influence on the way she behaved. She was born into a wealthy and sadistic family where her uncle instructed her in Satanism and her aunt taught her sadomasochism, which is the giving and receiving of pleasure; in most cases sexual. As a child, Elizabeth had witnessed some other cruel behaviors. This behavior was by her father, who was a harsh, but righteous man. Bathory enjoyed it as she watched her father punish a gypsy by sewing him into the stomach of a horse (“Evil Dames in History”). Bathory was not an easy child growing up; life wasn’t easy for her being a member of the wealthiest family in Europe. It is said that the young Elizabeth suffered from seizures accompanied by loss of control and fits of rage, which may have been caused by epilepsy, possibly stemming from inbreeding during the Elizabethan Era. In addition, modern psychologists have diagnosed her with having a narcissistic personality disorder based on the hours per day spent in front of a mirror, the 5-6 clothin... ... middle of paper ... ...abethan-era.org.uk/elizabeth-bathory.htm>. "Countess Elizabeth Bathory." Evil Dames in History. Community Audio,18 Sep 2006. Web. 3 Feb 2014. Johns, Rebecca. The Countess: A Novel of Elizabeth Bathory. New York: Crown Publishing Group, 2011. Print. Ramsland, Katherine. "Lady of Blood: Countess Bathory." Crime Library: Criminal Minds & Methods. John Blake Publishing, 14 Jul 2007. Web. 6 Feb 2014. Richard, Pallardy. "Báthory, Elizabeth." Britannica Biographies (2012): 1. MasterFILE Premier. Web. 4 Dec. 2013. Rose, Christopher, and Thomas Garza, "The Slavic Vampire." 15 Minute History. WordPress, 30 Oct 2013. Web. 3 Feb 2014. . Wheeler , Joseph. "Testimonies from the Dead." Literary Culture. 26 Jun 1959: 15-18. Web. 6 Feb. 2014.

Open Document