History of the Countess Elizabeth Bathory, The Blood Countess

Elizabeth Bathory was born in 1560 at the castle of Ecsed in Hungary. As a child, Elizabeth threw frequent fits. It was reported that she would be easily overcome with rage and lash out with uncontrollable behavior. As Elizabeth matured, it was easily recognizable that she was exceptionally intelligent. She was also adventurous and rebellious. She liked to dress up in men’s clothes and play men’s games. It gave her a kind of freedom and power that she, by nature, craved. She carried out her ruling position of head of household like her family tradition encouraged, and soon became known for her cruelty to her servants. She relished her freedom and power and ran the estate with an iron hand, often personally delivering torture as punishment. In addition and due to her renowned beauty, she accumulated an innumerable amount of lovers.

Historical records are peppered with the cruel and sadistic acts of the Countess. She would beat, torture and kill her servants with an alarming fervor that even authorities of the court began to question.

Elizabeth’s formal trial began on January 2, 1611. It was a huge public affair and details were broadly cast. When the public learned of the accusations against the Countess they labeled her the, ‘Blood Countess.’ The story grew more and more fantastic making it difficult to know what was true and what was silly folklore and superstition. Gossip spread from every mouth about bathing in blood, draining blood and drinking blood – and forevermore, the association with vampirism and the Countess Bathory was born.