The beast of Gevaudan?

Question

A real wolf-like monster prowling the Auvergne and South Dordogne areas of France during the years 1764 to 1767, killing about 100 people, often in bizarre circumstances. Every effort to stop her failed and she became nationally infamous. The King - Louis XV - took a personal interest, one reason being the unrest she caused in an area of religious/political tension and potential revolution. Many explanations - mutant, prehistoric beast etc. - were put forward at the time and during the two centuries since but none has ever been generally accepted. The important firm fact is that sufficient evidence remains to prove La Bête really did exist and was not just a myth. Among all the popular monster mysteries she is unique - she left behind one hundred bodies proving herself real and guilty beyond doubt.

Has anyone else heard about this?
Anyone have any ideas?

The beast saw humans particularly Women and Children as it main source of food. Over a three year period it killed 68 children, 25 women, and 6 men.

240 years ago in the now defunct Provence of Gevaudan France (now Lozere/Auvergne area) the killings began again. The region has been populated longer then any other in France despite the harsh conditions. 71 years earlier a beast like it had reportedly killed up to 200 people all women and children. Last reported killing by a La Bete like beast was 1954.

Answer 1

The Facts

From 1764 to 1767, the Beast was certainly the best-known Lozerien resident. Occupying Lozere for three years, he took more than 100 victims, mainly women and children.

As the attacks intensified to the point of becoming a national affair, regional authorities asked permission to tighten security and localize troops. The Royal Court was informed and military groups were organized but all actions undertaken were in vain.

In January 1765, the King offered six million pounds, adding to the already offered two million pounds from the General State of Languedoc and one million pounds from the province of Mende, to the slayer of the Beast. Quite a reward for the time.

In February 1765, faced with the intensifying situation, the King sent Denneval, famous for his slaying of wolves, to Gevaudan. Denneval was ineffective. Antoine de Beauterre, the King's Battle Lieutenant, replaced Denneval. All the tracking and fighting brought absolutely no results - the Beast was still a mystery.

In September 1765, Antoine de Beauterre captured a large wolf. The attacks stopped and the countryside breathed a sigh of relief. Then, in 1766, the killings began again. On June 18, 1767, Jean Chastel, during a search organized by the Marquis d'Apcher, finally caught the Beast.

The Legend of Gevaudan is born.


The Theories

What was the beast that terrorized the northern regions of Lozere between Aubrac and Margeride? If church records are to be believed about the Beast's identity as well as the date of the killings, it would more closely resemble a mysterious, supernatural force.

However, witness' accounts are subject to interpretation. How do you differentiate between what someone saw (often a child) versus what a person thinks he saw? Why, in this land inhabited by wolves and their frequent attacks, are these three particular years attributed to a legendary beast? Without a doubt, this is because it garnered great publicity by Abbot Pourcher. Outside of that, the sheer number of victims was shocking.

What about accounts of the Beast disrobing or speaking into the ear if its victims? Isn't there something here that could be perversely profitable while feeding the myth of demons and werewolves?

In any case, after the last wolf disappeared if you happen to be taking a stroll in Gevaudan, perhaps you will hear the piercing howl of a wolf...just remember the Beast.

Answer 2

i can't add much to the previous idea. HOWEVER if you are interested i'd REALLY reccomend you reading this book. it has a very very interesting theory about this.