Murder, Infanticide, and Satanism at the Court of Louis XIV

Step into the lavish world of the 17th-century French monarchy and you will encounter a dark underbelly filled with violence, cruelty, and even satanic rituals. The Court of Louis XIV, known as the Sun King, was not just a center of opulence and grandeur, but also a hotbed for scandalous secrets that would shock the world if they were ever exposed.

The King's court had long been plagued by rumors of murder and infanticide. In an era where power meant everything, individuals would stop at nothing to maintain their positions of influence. From courtiers to nobles, and even members of the Royal Family, the thirst for power often led to heinous acts that would make your blood run cold.

One of the most infamous cases of murder at the Court of Louis XIV was the mysterious death of Henriette d'Angleterre, Duchess of Orleans. Married to the King's younger brother, Philippe I, Duke of Orleans, Henriette was a woman of extraordinary beauty and charm.

The Affair of the Poisons: Murder, Infanticide, and Satanism at the Court of Louis XIV

by Anne Somerset (Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	872 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	409 pages

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However, beneath her enchanting veneer lurked a tragic fate. Henriette's death, officially ruled as a result of "complicated mesenteric hernia," is believed by many historians to have been orchestrated by her own husband. Suspicions were further fueled by the fact that the couple had been living separate lives due to Philippe's open affairs and homosexual tendencies.

But murder was not the only dark secret lurking within the palace walls. Infanticide, the act of killing newborn infants, was shockingly prevalent in the Court of Louis XIV. This horrific practice was often carried out in secret, hiding behind the glamorous façade of the royal court.

As the King's power grew, so did the number of illegitimate children he fathered. There were accounts of desperate mothers, often from humble backgrounds, being coerced into giving up their newborns to be killed in order to preserve the reputation of the Royal Family. These innocent lives were sacrificed in the pursuit of maintaining the image of divine purity associated with royalty.

But perhaps the most chilling aspect of the Court of Louis XIV was its rumored involvement with satanic rituals. Despite the strict observance of Catholicism in France during this period, whispers of devil worship and occult practices were heard in the halls of power.

Several courtiers were accused of engaging in satanic rituals, and investigations were launched to uncover the truth. It is believed that these rituals were conducted in secrecy, often in hidden chambers within the palace. Black masses, sacrifices, and diabolical ceremonies were alleged to have taken place, with participants including members of the aristocracy and even high-ranking clergymen.

While the extent of satanic activities at the Court of Louis XIV is still debated among historians, it is clear that the period was filled with an air of intrigue and darkness. The abuses of power and the pursuit of pleasure resulted in a society that was ruthless and morally bankrupt.

Today, as we admire the captivating beauty of the Palace of Versailles and its magnificent gardens, let us not forget the harrowing secrets that were once hidden within its walls. The Court of Louis XIV may have showcased elegance and refinement, but it was also a hotbed of murder, infanticide, and alleged satanic practices.

So the next time you find yourself drawn into the allure of historical dramas set in this era, remember that behind the lavish costumes and grand events, there lies a hidden world of darkness that was once concealed from public view.

And as we delve into the history of the Court of Louis XIV, let us not shy away from acknowledging the wicked underbelly that existed alongside its opulence. For in understanding the depths to which humanity can sink, we are reminded of the importance of justice, compassion, and the pursuit of a more enlightened society.

The Affair of the Poisons: Murder, Infanticide, and Satanism at the Court of Louis XIV

by Anne Somerset (Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	872 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	409 pages

FREE

The Affair of the Poisons, as it became known, was an extraordinary episode that took place in France during the reign of Louis XIV. When poisoning and black magic became widespread, arrests followed. Suspects included those among the highest ranks of society. Many were tortured and numerous executions resulted.

The 1676 torture and execution of the Marquise de Brinvilliers marked the start of the scandal which rocked the foundations of French society and sent shock waves through all of Europe. Convicted of conspiring with her adulterous lover to poison her father and brothers in order to secure the family fortune, the marquise was the first member of the noble class to fall.
In the French court of the period, where sexual affairs were numerous, ladies were not shy of seeking help from the murkier elements of the Parisian underworld, and fortune-tellers supplemented their dubious trade by selling poison.

It was not long before the authorities were led to believe that Louis XIV himself was at risk. With the police chief of Paris police alerted, every hint of danger was investigated. Rumors abounded and it was not long before the King ordered the setting up of a special commission to investigate the poisonings and bring offenders to justice. No one, the King decreed, no matter how grand, would be spared having to account for their conduct.

The royal court was soon thrown into disarray. The Mistress of the Robes and a distinguished general were among the early suspects. But they paled into insignificance when the King's mistress was incriminated. If, as was said, she had engaged in vile Satanic rituals and had sought to poison a rival for the King's affections, what was Louis XIV to do?

Anne Somerset has gone back to original sources, letters and earlier accounts of the affair. By the end of her account, she reaches firm s on various crucial matters. The Affair of the Poisons is an enthralling account of a sometimes bizarre period in French history.