Nostradamus (1503 - 1566)

At 62 years old, Nostradamus feels like a tired old man who knows that his end is drawing near. He is an apothecary, a medical doctor and an astrologer who has wrestled all his life against the numerous outbreaks of the plague which ravaged France in the 16th century. He has also had to fight against all those who accuse him of heresy or who, jealous of his success, try unrelentingly to discredit him. Even though he is worn out, he still maintains his integrity. He in no way deserves the label of magician or sorcerer that has often been applied to him. This is the man that Queen Catherine comes to visit in March 1566.

The discovery of a curious, small stone several weeks earlier coincides with a worsening of Nostradamus' health and prevents him from responding to Catherine de Medici's plea, in spite of the fact that he has been her astrologer for many years.
This is why he sends his elder daughter Madeleine in his place.

He has always felt that a special destiny awaited Madeleine and because he sees much of himself in her, he undertakes, in spite of his frail health, to do whatever he can to help her.