Mata Hari
Mata Hari | |
|---|---|
Mata Hari, c. 1910 | |
| Born | Margaretha Geertruida Zelle 7 August 1876 Leeuwarden, Netherlands |
| Died | 15 October 1917 (aged 41) Vincennes, France |
| Cause of death | Execution by firing squad |
| Occupations |
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| Spouse |
Rudolf John MacLeod
(m. 1895; div. 1906) |
| Children | 2 |
| Espionage activity | |
| Allegiance |
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| Service branch | Deuxième Bureau |
| Service years | 1916–1917 |
| Signature | |
Margaretha Geertruida MacLeod (née Zelle, Dutch: [mɑrɣaːˈreːtaː ɣeːrˈtrœydaː ˈzɛlə]; 7 August 1876 – 15 October 1917), better known by the stage name Mata Hari (/ˈmɑːtə ˈhɑːri/ MAH-tə HAR-ee, Dutch: [ˈmaːtaː ˈɦaːri]; Malay for 'sun', lit. 'eye of the day'), was a Dutch exotic dancer and courtesan who was convicted of being a spy for Germany during World War I. She was executed by firing squad in France.
The idea of a beautiful exotic dancer using her powers of seduction as a spy made her name synonymous with the femme fatale. Mata Hari's story has inspired books, films, and other works. It has been said that she was convicted and condemned because the French Army needed a scapegoat, and that the files used to secure her conviction contained falsifications. Some have even stated that she could not have been a spy and was innocent.