| The Legend of Elizabeth Bathory The most famous cases of the Vampire's lust for blood and power, would be that of Countess Erszabet (Elizabeth) Bathory of Hungary. She is said to have drunk and bathed in the blood of 650 young virgins. She did this in the belief that this practice would rejuvenate her and preserve her youth. Victims were recruited, with the help of her subordinates, on the pretense of recruiting servant girls at the Castle Csejthe, her home. In the winter of 1610, the Castle was raided after an intended victim had escaped and warned the authorities of the crimes committed by the Countess. Blood-drained bodies were discovered - some pierced with tiny holes all over the flesh; some girls were found alive, but partially drained and one was found completely "emptied" of blood, but still warm. Her accomplices were tried and beheaded. The Countess was walled up in her own room, where she was fed through a small hole until he passed on in 1640. It is still not known whether the Countess was a true Vampire or simply an insane woman with a particular passion for youth. There are those in the area of her original home who say she still walks and still kills... |