About this episode

The episode explores the life of Julie D'Aubigny, a remarkable figure known for her sword fighting, opera singing, and defiance of gender norms in 17th century France.

Julie D'Aubigny was truly a rare one. She could sword fight with the best of them. She could sing opera like a song bird. She wore men's clothing, she wore women's clothing, she wore whatever she wanted. And as a great lover, she'd also steal your girl. There was almost nothing she couldn't do. She also was a shameless outlaw who lived by the sword and nearly died by the executioner's ax. But she was cool with the Sun King, Louis XIV. Basically, she lived, she loved, and her life begs the question: how is there not a major movie about her? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Topics covered

• 17th Century France
• opera
• sword fighting
• gender identity
• outlaws
• historical figures

Keywords

• Julie D'Aubigny
• Louis XIV
• opera singer
• sword fighter
• gender bending
• historical outlaw
• 17th century

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