Case file · Apparition / miracle
Louis Riel, 'Prophet of the New World'
Métis leader Louis Riel, who reported a mystical calling in December 1874, led the 1885 resistance at Batoche as a prophet, renaming the days of the week and forming a council called the Exovedate.
1885 CE · 52.75, -106.11 · status: account
The account
After the defeat he was tried for treason and hanged at Regina on 16 November 1885; his jury had recommended mercy. He had been held in Québec asylums in 1876-78. He is now honoured as a founder of Manitoba.
The sceptical view
Debate continues over whether his visions were religious genius or mental illness; his defence lawyers argued insanity, which he rejected.