Tuesday, July 07, 2009

Please Sign Here


One of my colleagues was pointing out the other day that on the web one can find pretty much anything, even the signature of the Devil himself as it appeared in a 17-th century official document. But behind that document there is a very interesting story: the story of Urbain Grandier. Grandier was a catholic priest who lived in France and who at some point gained a few enemies including some nuns and the famous and powerful cardinal Richelieu. As it was the habit at the time, enemies were quickly dealt with. So Grandier was acused of witchcraft. But since there was no evidence to support these serious claims, some evidence had to be produced. And conveniently, a document appeared out of nowhere showing clearly that Grandier made a diabolical pact with the Devil. The document appeared to be signed by Grandier and several demons. This is the English translation:

“We, the influential Lucifer, the young Satan, Beelzebub, Leviathan, Elimi, and Astaroth, together with others, have today accepted the covenant pact of Urbain Grandier, who is ours. And him do we promise the love of women, the flower of virgins, the respect of monarchs, honors, lusts and powers.
He will go whoring three days long; the carousal will be dear to him. He offers us once in the year a seal of blood, under the feet he will trample the holy things of the church and he will ask us many questions; with this pact he will live twenty years happy on the earth of men, and will later join us to sin against God.
Bound in hell, in the council of demons.
Lucifer Beelzebub Satan
Astaroth Leviathan Elimi
The seals placed the Devil, the master, and the demons, princes of the lord.
Baalberith, writer.”

Sadly, Grandier was found guilty and sentenced to death.

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