Gilles Garnier

Born [date unknown] in Dole, Jura, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France

Died 18 Jan 1573 in Dole, Jura, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France

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Biography

Research Notes

Known as the Warewolf of Dole, Gilles Garnier (died 18 January 1573) was said to be a French serial killer, cannibal, and hermit convicted of being a werewolf. He was known as “the hermit of St. Bonnot,” and a recluse shunned by others. His story represents a sixteenth-century classic instance of lycanthropy (delusional disorder possibly brought on by toxic grains where the individual perceives themself as becoming a werewolf or another dangerous animal).

Scientists surmised that ergot fungus was prevalent in wheat, rye and other plants due to certain climactic conditions. The contaminated grains were ground into flour. The fungus had a hallucinogenic effect on a large population who lived mostly in poor and rural areas.

Gilles Garnier confessed to his crimes. On 18 January 1573, Gilles Garner was burned at the stake as a penalty for his murders.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilles_Garnier

https://www.monstrous.com/ergot-poisoning/

https://www.encyclopedia.com/science/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/garnier-gilles-d-1574

https://www.werewolves.com/gilles-garnier-the-werewolf-of-dole/

https://www.britannica.com/science/lycanthropy

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/239138501/gilles-garnier

Sources