In 18th century France, a series of brutal killings terrorized the rural region of Gévaudan, leaving dozens dead and an entire population gripped by fear. Witnesses described a massive, wolf-like creature with strange features, and as the attacks continued, panic spread from isolated villages to the royal court of King Louis XV. In this episode of Conspiracy Theories, Cults, and Crimes, Vanessa Richardson examines the mystery of the Beast of Gévaudan, the widespread manhunt that followed, and the competing theories about what was really behind the killings. From rogue predators to coordinated attacks and folklore shaped by fear, the case quickly blurred the line between reality and legend. Was the Beast a single animal, multiple attackers, or something more deliberate hiding in plain sight? More than two centuries later, the story of Gévaudan remains one of history’s most chilling and debated mysteries. Head over to our Conspiracy Theories, Cults, & Crimes YouTube channel to WATCH our video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@Conspiracytheoriescultscrimes If you’re new here, don’t forget to follow Conspiracy Theories, Cults, & Crimes to never miss a case! For Ad-free listening subscribe to Crime House+ on Apple Podcasts. Conspiracy Theories, Cults and Crimes is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios 🎧 Need More to Binge? Listen to other Crime House Originals Clues, Crimes Of…, Serial Killers & Murderous Minds, Crime House 24/7, Murder True Crime Stories and more wherever you get your podcasts! Follow me on Social Instagram: @Crimehouse TikTok: @Crimehouse Facebook: @crimehousestudios X: @crimehousemedia YouTube: @crimehousestudios To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.