William Rufus (William II of England) (ca. 1056-1100)

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William Rufus (William II of England) (ca. 1056-1100)

Son of William the Conqueror, and tyrant of England in the eleventh century. Much disliked, particularly by priests and monks, whom he reduced to extreme poverty, he became the subject of a devilish legend after his welcomed death.

One day when he was out hunting in the year 1100 (the 44th year of his life, the 13th of his reign), he was assassinated by an arrow launched by an unknown assailant. According to the legend, while Rufus was drawing his last breath, the Comte de Comonailles, who had been separated from the hunt, saw a shaggy black goat carrying off a mangled human form, pierced by an arrow. The Comte ordered the goat to halt, asked who he was, and tried to find out where he was going. The goat responded that he was the Devil and was carrying William Rufus off to be judged, condemned for his tyranny, and forced to accompany him (the Devil) to his abode.

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William Rufus (William II of England) (ca. 1056-1100)

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