Mata Hari

Description: (Dutch Exotic Dancer Who Was Convicted and Executed for Being a Spy)

Margaretha Zelle or Mata Hari is known to the world as a courtesan and a double-agent who was executed by the French during World War I. However, her trials and convictions have been the subject of speculations even nine decades after her death. A lot of researchers believed that there was not enough evidence to prove the espionage charge and that she was wrongly convicted. There are numerous books written on her and several movies have been made to commemorate this spectacular woman, for whom her emancipation meant everything. In the male dominated society of her time, she chose a path without any confines or restrictions. She was least ashamed of what she did as she believed that god has gifted her with a flawless beauty and it is not a crime to flaunt it. She was a feminist in her own right who pursued her dreams and lived on her own terms. We all know her as a dancer and courtesan, but before that she was a wife and a mother who led a disastrous family life for nine long years until fate took her to Paris where her beauty and exquisiteness was well-received.

Overview

Birthday August 7, 1876 (Leo)
Alternative names Margaretha Geertruida Zelle
Died on October 15, 1917
Spouse/Ex- Rudolf John MacLeod (m. 1895–1907)
Parents Adam Zelle
Antje van der Meulen
Children Louise Jeanne, Norman-John

Did you know

What was Mata Hari's real name? Mata Hari's real name was Margaretha Geertruida Zelle.
What was Mata Hari's occupation? Mata Hari was a dancer and a courtesan.
What led to Mata Hari's arrest and execution? Mata Hari was accused of being a spy for Germany during World War I, leading to her arrest and eventual execution by firing squad.
Where was Mata Hari born? Mata Hari was born in Leeuwarden, Netherlands.
All Filters