Gilles de Rais, a once-loyal companion of Joan of Arc and celebrated military leader, was arrested on charges of heinous crimes that shocked the local community. Accusations against him were spearheaded by Jean de Malestroit, the Bishop of Nantes, whose concerns for the welfare of local children came to the fore when families reported their young ones missing, last seen near de Rais's estate. This led to a public outcry and a subsequent investigation that would unravel a dark tale of murder, child abduction, and occult practices.

During the investigation, various witnesses testified that de Rais had engaged in horrific acts against children, perpetuating a serious societal fear. The trial, characterized by sensational testimonies, revealed not only the brutality of his actions but also his reputed obsession with the supernatural. The community's anger and fear reached a crescendo as more victims' families emerged, claiming their children had vanished without a trace while in de Rais's vicinity.

The trial effectively highlighted the period's complexities of noble privilege, societal protection of children, and laid bare the fascination with witchcraft and alchemical practices prevalent among the nobility at the time. De Rais's arrest was more than just the apprehension of one man; it was a reflection of the darker undercurrents in the social fabric of 15th-century France, which would continue to influence discussions around law, morality, and justice for centuries to come.