The Terrifying Case of Anneliese Michel: The True Story Behind The Exorcism of Emily Rose

TLDRAnneliese Michel, a deeply religious girl from Bavaria, Germany, suffered from undiagnosed mental illness that led to her possession and ultimately her tragic death. Her exorcism, performed by priests, fueled controversy and legal proceedings.

Key insights

👹Anneliese Michel's possession and exorcism inspired the movie 'The Exorcism of Emily Rose.'

🔥The 70s, a decade marked by satanic hysteria, set the backdrop for Anneliese's case.

😱Anneliese exhibited strange behavior, including growling like an animal and exhibiting superhuman strength.

👻During her exorcisms, Anneliese claimed to be possessed by notorious historical figures like Hitler and Judas Iscariot.

⚖️The priests who performed Anneliese's exorcisms faced legal consequences but claimed success in liberating her from demons.

Q&A

Was Anneliese Michel possessed by demons?

—Her possession was a topic of controversy. Some believed she was truly possessed, while others suspected an undiagnosed mental illness.

Did Anneliese's exorcisms cause her death?

—Anneliese's physical and psychological condition deteriorated during the exorcisms, contributing to her death from malnutrition and dehydration.

Who performed Anneliese's exorcisms?

—Father Ernst Alt and Arnold Renz performed the exorcisms, claiming to communicate with six spirits possessing Anneliese.

Did Anneliese's exorcism inspire 'The Exorcism of Emily Rose' movie?

—Yes, Anneliese's case served as inspiration for the movie. The film explores the blurred lines between possession and mental illness.

What were the legal consequences for the priests involved in Anneliese's exorcisms?

—Father Alt and Father Renz were charged with manslaughter and received suspended sentences.

Timestamped Summary

00:00The 70s were marked by satanic hysteria and the growing popularity of the Church of Satan.

04:00Anneliese Michel, a deeply religious girl from Bavaria, Germany, experienced seizures and hallucinations.

06:23After failed medical treatments, Anneliese's family turned to exorcism to heal her.

07:30During the exorcisms, Anneliese exhibited bizarre behavior, such as growling and showing superhuman strength.

08:55Father Ernst Alt and Arnold Renz performed 67 exorcisms on Anneliese over an 11-month period.

09:49Anneliese ultimately died from malnutrition and dehydration, leading to legal proceedings against the priests involved.

09:56Anneliese's case sparked debate whether she was possessed by demons or suffering from an undiagnosed mental illness.

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