Long before Beauty and the Beast became a fairy tale, a real couple may have inspired it—Petrus and Catherine Gonsalvus.
Petrus was born in the 1500s with a rare condition that covered his face and body in hair. Instead of being treated poorly, he was welcomed into the French royal court, given an education, and became known for his kindness and intelligence.
Catherine, a young woman from the court, was chosen to marry him. At first, she didn’t know what he looked like, but over time, she saw the goodness in his heart. Their marriage lasted for many years, and they had several children.
Their story of love and acceptance reminds us of the same lesson at the heart of Beauty and the Beast: true beauty is found within.