Là-Bas · Chapter
XVIII explained
Durtal agrees to attend a Black Mass officiated by Canon Docre, signing a letter of introduction arranged by Mme Chantelouve.
What happens
Durtal agrees to attend a Black Mass officiated by Canon Docre, signing a letter of introduction arranged by Mme Chantelouve. He reflects on the interconnectedness of his research into Gilles de Rais and contemporary Satanism. Des Hermies visits and they discuss the history and nature of Black Masses. The chapter then shifts to the trial of Gilles de Rais, where he confesses publicly to his horrific crimes, is embraced by Jean de Malestroit, and the court sentences him.
Themes in this chapter
Satanism and Evil
Durtal prepares to witness a contemporary Black Mass, and the chapter details Gilles de Rais's horrific crimes and Satanic practices.
Religion and Blasphemy
The Black Mass parodies Catholic liturgy, and Gilles's confession and repentance highlight the tension between sin and divine mercy.
History and Truth
Durtal connects his study of medieval diabolism (Gilles de Rais) to modern Satanism, showing how historical research reveals contemporary undercurrents.
Characters to notice
- Durtal
Agrees to sign a letter to attend the Black Mass, reflects on his research into Satanism, and discusses the ceremony with Des Hermies.
- Mme Chantelouve
Arranges Durtal's attendance at the Black Mass by having him sign a letter, then leaves hurriedly.
- Des Hermies
Visits Durtal, announces Gévingey's return and a dinner at Carhaix's, and discusses the history of Black Masses.
- Canon Docre
Identified as the officiant of the Black Mass Durtal will attend; Durtal considers him the only interesting occultist.
- Gilles de Rais
Appears before his judges, confesses his crimes in detail, breaks down, and is embraced by Jean de Malestroit.
- Jean de Malestroit
Presides over the trial, grants Gilles's request to confess, and later raises and embraces the repentant Gilles.
Key passages
““I already had data on incubacy and poisoning by spells. There remained only the Black Mass, to make me thoroughly acquainted with Satanism as it is practised in our day. And I am to see it! I’ll be damned if I thought there were such undercurrents in Paris. And how circumstances hang together and lead to each other! I had to occupy myself with Gilles de Rais and the diabolism of the Middle Ages to get contemporary diabolism revealed to me.””
Durtal reflects that his research into medieval Satanism has led him to an opportunity to witness a modern Black Mass, revealing hidden currents in Paris.
Durtal connects his historical study to present-day occult practices.
““The cult of the Demon is no more insane than that of God. One is rotten and the other resplendent, that is all. By your reckoning all people who worship any god whatever would be demented. No. The affiliates of Satanism are mystics of a vile order, but they are mystics.””
Des Hermies argues that Satanism is a form of mysticism, no more irrational than worship of God, just oriented toward evil.
Des Hermies defends the rationality of Satanic worship as a perverse mysticism.
““Farewell, Francis my friend, we shall never see each other again in this world. I pray God to give you good patience and I hope in Him that we may meet again in great joy in Paradise. Pray God for me and I shall pray for you.””
Gilles de Rais bids farewell to his accomplice Prelati, expressing hope for their reunion in Paradise.
Gilles shows a moment of tenderness and religious hope before his public confession.