La Bête du Gévaudan - Callisto #11

Summary

Welcome to 'Callisto', a podcast journey through myths and legends. This episode delves into the chilling tale of the Beast of Gévaudan, a dark legend from 1764 in the Languedoc and Auvergne regions. A creature with glowing eyes, dark fur, bear-like paws, and long claws instills terror, dubbed 'the Beast'. Panic ensues with reports of women slaughtered and children devoured. Some see divine punishment, while others organize resistance. Despite efforts, the Beast remains elusive until a farmer named Jean bravely hunts it down, ending its reign of terror after two years and over 70 victims. The mystery of the Beast's true nature remains shrouded in history, leaving a somber chapter in the memories of those who encountered it.

Takeaways

• 🎙️ The script is from a podcast episode of 'Callisto', which focuses on myths and legends.
• 📹 The podcast 'Callisto' occasionally releases episodes on YouTube, but many more are available on various podcast platforms.
• 📡 Platforms where 'Callisto' can be found include Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Spotify, Amazon, and Podcast Addict apps.
• 🐺 The episode discusses the chilling story of the Beast of Gévaudan, a creature that terrorized a region in France.
• 🗓️ The story takes place in the borderlands between Languedoc and Auvergne in 1764.
• 👁️ The beast was first described as having glowing eyes, dark fur, bear-like paws, and long claws.
• 😱 The creature caused widespread panic and was dubbed 'the Beast of Gévaudan' by the terrified populace.
• 🚨 The first victim was a 14-year-old girl named Jeanne, whose body was found mangled, sparking a series of similar attacks.
• 🛡️ Locals armed with rudimentary halberds were unable to combat the beast, leading to organized resistance efforts.
• 👑 King Louis XV intervened by sending professional hunters and his personal musketeer to assist the locals.
• 🔍 Despite numerous theories, from strange hybrids to political conspiracies, the beast continued its rampage until a farmer named Jean managed to kill it.
• 🐺 The creature turned out to be a large wolf with 42 sharp teeth, responsible for over 70 deaths.
• 🏰 The truth about the nature of the Beast remains shrouded in mystery, leaving behind a dark chapter in the history of those who encountered it.

Q & A

What is the podcast 'Callisto' about?

The podcast 'Callisto' is about myths and legends, taking listeners on a journey through various mythical stories and historical legends.

Where can you find episodes of the 'Callisto' podcast?

Episodes of 'Callisto' can be found on various platforms such as Apple Podcast, Deezer, Spotify, Amazon, and other podcast apps like Podcast Addict.

What is the historical setting of the story about the Beast of Gévaudan?

The story of the Beast of Gévaudan is set in the border region between Languedoc and Auvergne in the year 1764.

What was the initial description of the creature that came to be known as the Beast of Gévaudan?

The creature was described as having glowing eyes, dark fur, legs as thick as a bear's, and claws as long as a finger.

How did the local population react to the first reports of the Beast of Gévaudan?

The initial reports of the creature caused a real panic among the population, who began to call it 'the Beast of Gévaudan'.

What was the first significant incident involving the Beast of Gévaudan?

The first significant incident was the discovery of the mutilated body of Jeanne, a 14-year-old girl.

How did the Beast of Gévaudan primarily target its victims?

The Beast primarily targeted women and children who were easy prey as they tended to herds on the remote plateaus of Gévaudan.

What was the reaction of some inhabitants regarding the attacks by the Beast of Gévaudan?

Some inhabitants saw the attacks as a divine punishment, a form of divine wrath for their lack of piety in this isolated region.

What efforts were made to combat the Beast of Gévaudan?

Efforts included organizing hunts with rudimentary weapons like halberds, setting traps, and eventually, King Louis XV sent his musketeers and a rifleman to assist the peasants.

Who was the person that eventually killed the Beast of Gévaudan?

A peasant named Jean, in a desperate act, pursued and finally killed the creature after several attempts.

What was discovered after the Beast of Gévaudan was killed?

After the Beast was killed, the world discovered the body of a large wolf with 42 sharp teeth.

How many victims were attributed to the Beast of Gévaudan?

More than 70 victims were attributed to the Beast of Gévaudan over several years.

What remains of the Beast of Gévaudan story after its end?

Despite Jean's testimony about the wolf, theories and speculations persist, and the truth about the nature of the Beast is shrouded in the mists of history, leaving a dark chapter in the memories of those who encountered the Beast of Gévaudan.