The wife of Martin Guerre, Bertrande de Rols, is a historical figure who has become well known through the story of her marriage and its tumultuous events. Bertrande was born in the small village of Artigat, France in the mid-16th century. She was the daughter of a wealthy farmer and grew up in a time of great upheaval in France, as the country was torn by religious and political conflicts.
In 1556, at the age of 16, Bertrande married Martin Guerre, a young man from a neighboring village. The couple settled in Artigat and had three children together. However, their marriage was not a happy one, as Martin was known to be unfaithful and abusive towards Bertrande.
In 1560, Martin left Artigat without warning, leaving Bertrande and their children behind. Bertrande was left to care for the family farm and raise their children on her own. She struggled to make ends meet and was forced to rely on the support of her family and community.
Eight years later, in 1568, a man claiming to be Martin Guerre returned to Artigat. He looked and acted like Martin, and even had a birthmark on his leg that matched one that Bertrande knew Martin had. Bertrande, desperate to have her husband back and provide for her family, accepted the man as her husband and took him back into her home.
However, as the years passed, the man began to behave strangely and Bertrande began to have doubts about his identity. She confided in her family and friends, and they eventually convinced her to bring the matter before the local authorities.
The case of the "Impostor Martin Guerre" became a sensation in France, and the man was put on trial for impersonating Martin Guerre. Bertrande testified against him, stating that she had come to believe he was not her husband. The man was found guilty and sentenced to death.
However, the story did not end there. In 1577, the real Martin Guerre returned to Artigat, claiming that he had been away serving in the military and had been captured and held prisoner for several years. He was eventually able to prove his identity and was reunited with Bertrande and their children.
The story of Bertrande de Rols and the two men who claimed to be Martin Guerre has been told and retold in various forms, including a play and a film. Bertrande's role in the story has often been portrayed as that of a victim, forced to endure a difficult and unhappy marriage and then faced with the dilemma of whether or not to accept the man who claimed to be her husband as the real Martin Guerre. However, Bertrande's strength and determination in the face of these challenges should also be recognized. She was able to provide for her family and protect their interests in the absence of a husband, and she ultimately made the difficult decision to bring the matter of the impostor to the authorities, despite the potential consequences for herself and her family. Bertrande de Rols remains a fascinating and complex figure in the history of France.