Erzebet Bathory: History and Folklore of the Blood Countess
© Michelle Munro
Although a lot of the history surrounding Erzebet Bathory is speculative at best, her story is fascinating and gruesome.
Erzebet's Childhood and Married Life
In 1560 Erzebet Bathory was born into one of the oldest and wealthiest families in Transylvania. Her ancestors had assisted Vlad Dracule during his rise to power; other relatives went on to become cardinals, princes, Prime Ministers, and one the King of Poland.
Well educated, Erzebet was able to both read and write in four languages. At the age of 11, her parents arranged her future marriage to 16-year-old Ferencz Nadasdy. However, at 14 she found herself pregnant after a fling with a local peasant. In order to avoid a scandal, her parents sent her to an outlying Bathory estate under the excuse of illness until the child was born. Immediately after the birth, the daughter was given away and Erzebet returned to her parents' home.
On May 8, 1575 Erzebet and Ferencz were finally married. Erzebet took over the household concerns while Ferencz left for the Hungarian war against the Turks. Making the war his top priority, Ferencz began scoring victory after victory. His success was so great it earned him the nickname “Black Knight of Hungary.”
With her husband away for long stretches of time, Erzebet began to dabble in the occult. She also visited her aunt, Countess Karla Bathory, who introduced Erzebet to flagellation. Erzebet's fascination with torture likely began as a little girl when she witnessed firsthand the methods her family used to deal with political foes.
As an adult she passed the time beating servants and whipping debtors being held in the dungeon. On January 4, 1604, Ferencz died. Erzebet relocated to Vienna a month later, and spent time at Castle Blindoc before finally settling in Castle Csejthe.
Folklore and Legends Surrounding Erzebet
One of the well-known legends about Erzebet was motivated by her fixation with youth and beauty. It is said that one day, a servant girl was brushing Erzebet’s hair when she did something to upset the Countess. Erzebet struck the girl causing her face to bleed, a few drops falling on Erzebet’s hand. Erzebet noticed afterward that her skin looked younger. She was instantly convinced the blood of young girls was the key to eternal beauty.
Erzebet’s helpers allegedly began combing the countryside at night in search of village girls. Once they were brought to the castle, they were hung upside down in chains. The girls were killed and Erzebet would then bathe in the blood.
Erzebet's Childhood and Married Life
In 1560 Erzebet Bathory was born into one of the oldest and wealthiest families in Transylvania. Her ancestors had assisted Vlad Dracule during his rise to power; other relatives went on to become cardinals, princes, Prime Ministers, and one the King of Poland.
Well educated, Erzebet was able to both read and write in four languages. At the age of 11, her parents arranged her future marriage to 16-year-old Ferencz Nadasdy. However, at 14 she found herself pregnant after a fling with a local peasant. In order to avoid a scandal, her parents sent her to an outlying Bathory estate under the excuse of illness until the child was born. Immediately after the birth, the daughter was given away and Erzebet returned to her parents' home.
On May 8, 1575 Erzebet and Ferencz were finally married. Erzebet took over the household concerns while Ferencz left for the Hungarian war against the Turks. Making the war his top priority, Ferencz began scoring victory after victory. His success was so great it earned him the nickname “Black Knight of Hungary.”
With her husband away for long stretches of time, Erzebet began to dabble in the occult. She also visited her aunt, Countess Karla Bathory, who introduced Erzebet to flagellation. Erzebet's fascination with torture likely began as a little girl when she witnessed firsthand the methods her family used to deal with political foes.
As an adult she passed the time beating servants and whipping debtors being held in the dungeon. On January 4, 1604, Ferencz died. Erzebet relocated to Vienna a month later, and spent time at Castle Blindoc before finally settling in Castle Csejthe.
Folklore and Legends Surrounding Erzebet
One of the well-known legends about Erzebet was motivated by her fixation with youth and beauty. It is said that one day, a servant girl was brushing Erzebet’s hair when she did something to upset the Countess. Erzebet struck the girl causing her face to bleed, a few drops falling on Erzebet’s hand. Erzebet noticed afterward that her skin looked younger. She was instantly convinced the blood of young girls was the key to eternal beauty.
Erzebet’s helpers allegedly began combing the countryside at night in search of village girls. Once they were brought to the castle, they were hung upside down in chains. The girls were killed and Erzebet would then bathe in the blood.
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