| Gilles de Rais' Closet Key | |
|---|---|
| |
|
Origin |
Gilles de Montmorency-Laval - a.k.a Gilles de Rais (also known as Bluebeard) |
|
Type |
Silver closet key |
|
Effects |
Opens any closet door as long as the closet or the closet's owner hides a secret. |
|
Downsides |
After use, the key covers itself in the blood of its user, which cannot be washed off. |
|
Activation |
Opening a closet door. |
|
Collected by |
Warehouse 11 |
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Section |
|
|
Aisle |
540884-9233 |
|
Shelf |
687310-4928-182 |
|
Date of Collection |
December 16, 1732 |
| [Source] | |
Origin[]
Gilles de Montmorency-Laval (1404–1440), Baron de Rais, was a Breton knight, a leader in the French army and a companion-in-arms of Joan of Arc. He is best known by his reputation and conviction as a prolific serial killer of children.
In 1432, Gilles engaged in a series of child murders, his victims possibly numbering in the hundreds. The killings came to an end in 1440 when a violent dispute with a clergyman led to an ecclesiastical investigation which brought Gilles' crimes to light. At his trial the parents of missing children in the surrounding area and Gilles' own confederates in crime testified against him. Gilles was condemned to death and hanged at Nantes on 26 October 1440.
Gilles de Rais is believed to be the inspiration for the 1697 fairy tale Bluebeard by Charles Perrault. His life is the subject of several modern novels, and referenced in a number of rock bands' albums and songs.
Effects[]
Will open any closet door, providing it either hides a secret or the user has a secret they want hidden. After use, the key oozes blood that is a biological match to the user, though only as long as it's being held.
It is stored on Gilles de Rais' Key Ring to keep it calm, though it is still considered a separate artifact.