Felnégyelve

Felnégyelve, meaning "quartered" in Hungarian, refers to a form of medieval execution and punishment where a condemned person's body was dismembered. This brutal practice involved the severing of limbs, typically at the joints, and often the torso. The intent was not only to end the victim's life but also to inflict extreme suffering and serve as a public spectacle to deter others from similar crimes.

The procedure itself varied, but generally involved restraining the individual and then using axes or swords to separate the limbs from the torso. In some instances, the body was then displayed in public spaces, such as on city gates or prominent squares, as a grim warning. This display of the dismembered parts was intended to maximize the psychological impact of the punishment.

Felnégyelve was reserved for the most heinous crimes, such as treason, regicide, or rebellion against authority. It was a punishment designed to be physically and symbolically annihilating, demonstrating the absolute power of the ruling entity and the severe consequences of transgressing its laws. While the practice was widespread in medieval Europe, its prevalence and specific methods could differ between regions and time periods. The term itself, "felnégyelve," directly translates to the division of the body into four parts, reflecting the typical outcome of the execution.