Journey into the terrifying world of 19th-century India to uncover the chilling reality of Thug Behram, one of history's most prolific serial killers. This episode of Devils of History explores the rise and fall of the Thugee cult—a secretive network of professional assassins who haunted the dusty trade routes, including the Grand Trunk Road, conducting ritualistic murders in the name of the Goddess Kali (Bhavani).

Learn how the crumbling Mughal Empire and the economic upheaval caused by the British East India Company created the perfect, lawless environment for the Thugs to thrive. We delve into their dark methods, their coded language (Ramasee), their chilling hereditary initiation rituals, and the belief system that justified their thousands of strangulations using a silk scarf (rumāl).

Finally, discover how British administrator William Henry Sleeman and his revolutionary use of approvers (informants like Feringhea) managed to systematically dismantle this centuries-old cult, leading to the capture and 1840 execution of the elusive Jamedar, Behram, and forever changing the face of law and order in the subcontinent.

This is a story of organized darkness, religious justification for mass violence, and the ultimate clash between ancient custom and colonial-era justice.

In this episode of "Devils of History," the podcast delves into the life and alleged crimes of Elizabeth Báthory, the infamous "Blood Countess" of 16th and 17th-century Hungary. The podcast explores the complex figure behind the legend, raising the question of whether she was a monstrous sadist or the victim of a political conspiracy. It begins by setting the stage in a volatile, war-torn Hungary where noble families, like the powerful Báthorys, held immense power and acted as kings in their own domains. The episode highlights Elizabeth's aristocratic background, her intelligence, and her arranged marriage to the formidable warrior, Ferenc Nádasdy. With her husband frequently away at war, Elizabeth was left in charge of their vast estates, including the remote and isolated Čachtice Castle, a place that would become central to her dark reputation.

The narrative explores how Elizabeth’s unchecked power and temperament allegedly led to a pattern of escalating cruelty. The episode addresses the most sensational and enduring part of her legend: the "blood baths."

The episode details the trial of her accomplices, who were tortured into confessing, and explores the political motivations behind her prosecution.

Elizabeth Báthory's story remains an enduring enigma, a chilling reminder of how power, cruelty, and legend can intertwine to create a monster who continues to haunt our collective imagination.

Devils of History: Historical Serial Killers in Their Own Words, is a new type of True-Crime podcast. It is told by the monsters themselves. Jack The Ripper - London's most notorious killer, Elizabeth Bathory - the "Blood Countess", H.H. Holmes - America's most prolific serial killer, Jane Toppan - "Jolly Jane", Peter Niers - the German torturer, and even, Adolf Hitler.

This episode offers a chilling, first-person narrative from the perspective of Jack the Ripper, combined with historical analysis, to explore the infamous Whitechapel murders. The podcast delves into the social and historical context of Victorian London, presenting the killer as a product of the city's grim realities and social inequalities. The narrator, in the persona of Jack the Ripper, provides a sinister and chilling account of the murders, seeing them not as simple acts of violence, but as a form of artistry and a statement against the hypocrisy of his time.

Devils of History: Historical Serial Killers in Their Own Words, is a new type of True-Crime podcast. It is told by the monsters themselves. Some might include: Jack The Ripper - London's most notorious killer, Elizabeth Bathory - the "Blood Countess", H.H. Holmes - America's most prolific serial killer, Jane Toppan - "Jolly Jane", Peter Niers - the German torturer, and even, Adolf Hitler.

Devils of History: Historical Serial Killers in Their OwnWords, dares to peel back the layers of history's most chilling enigmas. We do not merely recount facts, but delve into the very psyche of the era, the shadows of the victims, and, for the first time, through the chilling, first-person narrative of the monsters themselves. From Jack the Ripper toElizabeth Báthory, the “Blood Countess,” to H.H. Holmes, America's most prolific serial killer, Devils of History takes a new perspective. You won’t believe your own thoughts as you find yourself immersed in the mind of history's Devils.

Transcript:

History is written by the victors. The stories we are toldare neat, tidy, and sanitized. They keep the monsters in the shadows, where they belong… But what if I told you that the monsters are still speaking? Their stories still echo through time, not as legends, but as confessions.

Welcome, dear listener, to Devils of History, a podcast thatdares to peel back the layers of history's most chilling enigmas. Prepare yourselves, for we will not merelyrecount facts, but delve into the very psyche of the era, the shadows of the victims, and the chilling, first-person narrative of the monsters themselves.

For the first time, you'll hear the truth directly from themouth of the beast. We've meticulously researched their lives, their words, their final testaments. We've constructed their world so you can walk through it with them.

Step into the swirling mists of Victorian London and hearthe cold logic of a deranged man who came to be known as Jack the Ripper. Travel to the desolate, windswept castles of 16-th century Hungary to understand the chilling calculus of Elizabeth Báthory, the “Blood Countess.” And travel to thegleaming city of Chicago of the 1890’s to discover the labyrinthine mind of America’s most prolific serial killer, H.H. Holmes.

What twisted philosophy allowed them to justify suchunspeakable acts? What drove these demons to target their victims? And what, beyond the headlines, actually happened during those most vial moments of history?

You won’t believe your own thoughts as you find yourselfimmersed in the mind of history's most infamous killers. This isn't entertainment. It’s a descent.

From the Better Pod Network, please follow Devils of Historyon your favorite podcast player. Viewer discretion advised.