#22 - The Possession of Barbe Hallay

Unsolved Canadian Mysteries

The Possession of Barbe Hallay is Canada's oldest documented case of demonic possession—a terrifying tale of obsession, curses, and supernatural forces that dates back to 1660 in Beauport, New France, near present-day Quebec City. It is a story of unrequited love that turned into a nightmare, involving prominent historical figures, unexplained phenomena, and a community gripped by fear.

Barbe Hallay was a young teenager when she took a position working for a family in Beauport. One day, a man named Daniel Vuil arrived at the household and asked for her hand in marriage. Although only 13, Hallay was legally old enough to consent, but she declined his proposal. This rejection enraged Vuil, who stormed away from the property. According to legend, he retreated to his home, where he invoked dark forces to torment the young girl and bend her will to his.

Soon after, strange and terrifying events began to unfold. Barbe was plagued by seizures, convulsions, and hallucinations. Witnesses claimed she spoke in tongues and displayed unnatural strength. She described visions of demonic figures and was often found writhing in agony, screaming of unseen tormentors. Objects reportedly moved on their own, and eerie noises filled the household, terrifying the entire community.

The situation escalated when local religious authorities were called to intervene. Jesuit priests, including Father Paul Ragueneau, performed exorcism rites, recording the events in meticulous detail. Their writings describe the battle as a war with the forces of darkness, with Barbe’s body contorting and her voice shifting into guttural tones. The priests believed she was possessed by demons summoned by Vuil’s malicious intent.

As word of the possession spread, it attracted the attention of key figures in New France, including Governor Pierre de Voyer d’Argenson. The case became a sensation, with crowds gathering to witness the exorcisms. Meanwhile, Daniel Vuil disappeared, and some believe he fled the colony to escape justice.

The exorcisms continued for weeks, with Barbe experiencing periods of relief followed by renewed torment. It was only after her mother’s unwavering faith and the community’s relentless prayers that the possession seemingly ended. Barbe recovered, though she carried the trauma of the ordeal for the rest of her life.

Was Barbe Hallay truly possessed by demons, or was this a case of extreme psychological distress exacerbated by religious and societal pressures? And what happened to Daniel Vuil—did he indeed wield supernatural forces, or was he merely a spurned suitor with a dangerous imagination?

Join us as we delve into the spine-chilling story of The Possession of Barbe Hallay in our Halloween Special episode of Unsolved Canadian Mysteries, available now on Spotify and YouTube.