God's Judgement: How a Dog from Montargis Avenged His Owner's Murder

In the early Middle Ages, there was a special method of justice known as the Divine Court. It was usually used when conventional methods failed to help make a decision. Fire, water - both boiling and icy - and hot iron were used to determine guilt. A judicial duel was also often used, in which the plaintiff and the defendant fought. It was believed that the one who had the truth on his side would win. Not only people but also animals participated in such duels. The most amazing story of such a court is a duel between a dog and a knight.

The events most likely took place in the second half of the 14th century, during the reign of King Charles V. Although some sources claim that everything happened in the 13th century. Many historians are generally skeptical about this story, considering it a legend. However, many documents have been preserved that confirm the reality of the duel. They convincingly show that what happened could well have taken place.

In 1371, a knight named Aubry de Montdidier served at the court of Charles V of Valois, nicknamed the Wise. One day, he went hunting in the forest of Bondy, not far from the castle of Montargis, taking with him a hound named Verbo. But the knight never returned. Only the faithful dog ran home. She was rushing about, restless, and trying with all her appearance to make the guards follow her.

When the men agreed to follow the dog, he led them to a secluded corner of the forest. There, among the bushes, the earth was freshly dug. Under a thin layer of soil, they found the body of Aubrey de Montdidier with a wound from a dart. The dead knight enjoyed the king's special favor, so Charles insisted that the murderer be found as soon as possible.

A suspect quickly emerged. It was another knight from the royal retinue, Richard de Maquera. The dog of the murdered Montdidier attacked him every time he saw him, but he did not react like that to other courtiers. Maquera was interrogated, but he denied involvement in the crime, although he had motives. Many knew that he was jealous of the richer and more favored Montdidier.

The murderer probably lay in wait for his victim in the forest at Montargis Castle and killed him with a poisoned dart. When Montdidier died, the villain dragged the body into the thicket and covered it with earth and leaves. The only witness to these events was the faithful dog Verbo. But there was no evidence or witnesses, and Charles did not want to punish an innocent man. He was not called wise for nothing: the king decided to conduct a test.

By order of the monarch, twenty knights in hunting costumes were lined up in the courtyard. The dog of the murdered Montdidier was brought there. The dog did not hesitate for a second: time after time it rushed at Richard de Mackera, clearly intending to tear him to pieces. It became obvious to everyone that the murderer had been found. But what was the testimony of some dog against a man, and a nobleman at that? Therefore, the king decided to rely on the judgment of God and arrange a judicial duel.

Usually the interests of the murdered person were represented by a relative or close friend, but this time the plaintiff was a dog. The duel was to take place on the Ile Louviers in the middle of the Seine. Man and dog were to fight to the death, and the odds were clearly not equal. Richard de Maquera dressed himself in a thick leather jerkin, iron gloves and heavy boots with spikes. He was also allowed to take a club and a small shield.

Verbo the dog could only rely on his agility and rage, as well as an oak barrel without a bottom. It was given to the dog so that it could take refuge from the opponent's blows for a while and catch its breath. But the animal was determined. As soon as the dog was unleashed, he furiously attacked his opponent, causing approving cries from the spectators.

It was all over in just a few seconds. Makera didn't even have time to grab the club - the dog instantly bit his throat. The knight immediately began to beg for mercy and confessed to his vile crime. The king and his courtiers greeted the brave dog with loud applause, standing. The murderer was hanged that same day and buried in an unmarked grave on unconsecrated ground.

The story of the duel between the dog and the killer has inspired writers, poets, artists and theatre directors for centuries. In 1875, the French sculptor Gustave Debry captured this amazing fight between the faithful dog Verbo and the Chevalier de Maquera in bronze. His work can still be seen in Montargis.

The story of the duel between a dog and a knight sounds like a real legend, but documents confirm its reality. What do you think of this medieval method of justice? Was it fair?