This is often claimed, but it seems to me the claim lacks arguments. The real-life case of Gilles de Rais is nothing like "Bluebeard". De Rais murdered children, while Bluebeard murdered his wives, and the plot of the tale does not resemble the Gilles de Rais story. They have nothing in common except that they are both noblemen and serial killers. I don't think that's enough to assume a connection.
This is often claimed, but it seems to me the claim lacks arguments. The real-life case of Gilles de Rais is nothing like "Bluebeard". De Rais murdered children, while Bluebeard murdered his wives, and the plot of the tale does not resemble the Gilles de Rais story. They have nothing in common except that they are both noblemen and serial killers. I don't think that's enough to assume a connection.
- Very Loosely Based on a True Story: Bluebeard may have been inspired by fifteenth century serial killer Gilles de Rais
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Let's just say and leave it at that.