The Demons of Loudun

The Loudun possessions of 1632-1637 constitute one of history’s most famous cases of alleged mass demonic possession. A convent of Ursuline nuns claimed to be possessed by multiple demons, leading to a sensational trial that resulted in the torture and execution of a charismatic priest, Urbain Grandier.

The Beginning

In 1632, nuns at the Ursuline convent in Loudun began experiencing what they described as demonic possession. They convulsed, spoke in strange voices, made obscene gestures, and claimed to be possessed by demons including Asmodeus and others.

The nuns accused Father Urbain Grandier of bewitching them. Grandier was a local priest known for his intelligence, good looks, and affairs with women. He had made powerful political enemies.

The Possessions

The possessed nuns put on public displays that drew thousands of spectators. They contorted their bodies, spoke in tongues, and identified Grandier as the sorcerer responsible for their torment. Exorcists attempted to drive out the demons but claimed Grandier’s power was too strong.

The public exorcisms became spectacles. Some observers noted the nuns seemed to perform on cue and questioned whether the possessions were genuine.

The Trial

Grandier was arrested and tried for sorcery. Despite torture, he refused to confess. A document allegedly signed by him and various demons was presented as evidence.

On August 18, 1634, Grandier was burned alive. He maintained his innocence to the end.

Aftermath

The possessions continued for several years after Grandier’s death, casting doubt on the accusation that he was responsible. The case has been interpreted as genuine possession, mass hysteria, or a political conspiracy to eliminate an inconvenient priest.

Assessment

The Loudun possessions represent one of history’s most analyzed cases of alleged mass possession. The political motivations, the theatrical public displays, and the continued possessions after Grandier’s death suggest the case was at least partly manufactured.