Was Elizabeth Báthory really a serial killer?
Was Elizabeth Báthory really a serial killer?
Shelley Puhak reveals the truth behind the legend of Elizabeth Báthory – from political disinformation to rumours of a supernatural pretzel
Published: July 13, 2026 at 4:01 PM
Elizabeth Báthory is history's most prolific female serial killer and took pleasure in bathing in the blood of virgins... or so the story goes.
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In this episode of the HistoryExtra podcast, Shelley Puhak challenges that idea. Speaking to Isabel King, Shelley describes the complex campaign of disinformation that Elizabeth faced, and reveals the historical truth behind the canonical legend.
Authors
Isabel KingJunior content producer
Isabel King is a junior content producer at HistoryExtra
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