The iron maiden, also known as a iron virgin or torture virgin, is known as one of the favorite torture devices in medieval Europe. Its use is however debated to this date, many considering it a hoax invented in the eighteenth century. The now common interpretation of an iron maiden is essentially a coffin like device with a hinged lid. As you can tell from the name, iron maidens are usually made of iron but wooden variants , while rare, exist. On the inside, the iron maiden has several blades, nails or spikes that will cut or pierce the victim when the iron maiden is closed.