Do vampires truly exist?
In the annals of history and folklore, vampires have been shrouded in mystery and fear. Once perceived as creatures of terror, they have served as models for the modern-day vampire myths that we know today. This article delves into the key figures and events that have shaped the vampire mythos, as well as the real-life influences that have contributed to its development.
One of the earliest authors to introduce a modern vampire in literature was John Polidori. In 1819, Polidori penned the influential work "The Vampyre," a story that often erroneously bears Byron's name. The tale of Lord Ruthven, a vampire who traverses society and preys upon humans, has had a profound impact on the development of the modern vampire mythos.
Bram Stoker followed suit with his seminal work, "Dracula," published in 1897. The eponymous character of Count Dracula is now iconic and has left an indelible mark on popular culture. Stoker's integration of existing myths and elements into his narrative formed the vampiric character that we are familiar with today. Other authors, such as Sheridan Le Fanu with "Carmilla" in 1872, have also contributed significantly to the modern vampire mythos. Le Fanu's story of a lesbian vampire is another important facet of the literary genre.
Vampires in folklore were believed to emerge from burial sites and hunt for victims at night. Vlad, the historical figure who inspired Bram Stoker's Dracula, died on the battlefield in 1476. Before his untimely demise, Vlad ruled Wallachia and fought against corruption, ensuring security in his realm through harsh penalties. His trade and culture flourished under his rule, and he was not seen as a tyrant by his people but was even revered.
However, Vlad's actions were far from saintly. He refused to continue paying tribute to the Ottoman ruler, leading to an invasion by the Ottoman army. During the invasion, Vlad had villages along the war path burned and the wells poisoned. These actions have been the subject of much debate and speculation, contributing to the dark and ominous image of Vlad that permeates popular culture.
The real-life influences on the vampire myth are varied and fascinating. For instance, Canadian microbiologist Dr. Dolphin proposed in the 80s that the real-life blood disorder porphyria could have led to vampire beliefs. Garlic, a common staple in vampire lore, acts as a poison for those suffering from porphyria. Similarly, neuroscientist Juan Gomez-Alonso proposes that rabies infection could be the basis for how vampires are typically portrayed.
In Southeast European folk belief, the Strigoi are undead creatures who rise from their graves to seek revenge on their fellow humans. Funerary rituals sometimes involve burying the deceased with vessels containing grain or seeds to keep the Strigoi occupied and prevent any thoughts of resurrection. The bat, another symbol of the modern vampire, became associated with the character of Dracula due to its nocturnal habits and penchant for sleeping upside down in caves during the day.
Depending on the myth, the vampire either kills its victims or turns them into vampires with its bite. In some cases, vampires are neutralized by the population or their relatives using a wooden stake. These elements of the vampire myth have been woven together by authors like Polidori, Stoker, and Le Fanu to create the captivating and enduring tales that continue to captivate audiences today.
In conclusion, the modern vampire myth has been significantly influenced by literature from the 19th century, with authors like John Polidori and Bram Stoker playing pivotal roles in shaping the vampire mythos as we know it today. The real-life influences on the vampire myth, such as porphyria and rabies, have also contributed to the dark and intriguing image of the vampire that continues to fascinate audiences worldwide.
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