vampires mitology

Vampires are mythological or folkloric beings that subsist primarily by feeding on the blood of living creatures, whether they are strigoi or living individuals. Although vampiric entities have been recorded in many cultures, according to the speculations of British literary historian Brian Frost, who believes that "vampires and demons are as old as humans themselves," their origins can be traced back to "prehistoric times." The term "vampire" gained popularity in the early 18th century, following an influx of vampire superstitions in Western Europe from regions where vampire legends were prevalent, such as the Balkans and Eastern Europe. Local variations were also known by different names, such as "вампир" in Serbia and Bulgaria, "vrykolakas" (meaning "vârcolac") in Greece, and "strigoi" in Romania. This surge in superstitions in Europe led to mass hysteria and, in some cases, people were accused of vampirism.

While folkloric vampires from the Balkans and Eastern Europe exhibited a wide range of appearances, from almost human-like to cadaverous and putrefied, the success of John Polidori's novel "The Vampyre" (1819) introduced a fictional vampire characterized as charismatic and sophisticated. This archetype continued to evolve in the 19th century with works like "Varney, the Vampire" and "Dracula." Bram Stoker's novel "Dracula" (1897) is often regarded as the quintessential vampire novel, providing the foundation for the modern vampire fiction. The Victorian-era depiction of vampires has persisted and transitioned into contemporary times through films, video games, and literature.

The theme of vampires in horror literature has been studied by British writer Susan Sellers.

Concepts of Vampire Origins

Various and diverse causes of transformation into vampires exist in original folklore. In Slavic and Chinese traditions, any corpse that was leaped over by an animal, especially a dog or a cat, was feared to become one of the undead. A body with an untreated wound was also seen as a risk. In Russian folklore, vampires were said to have been witches or individuals who rebelled against the Church while alive. Cultural practices often emerged to prevent the transformation of a loved one into a vampire. Burying a corpse upside down was common, as was placing earthly objects like scythes or sickles near the grave to satisfy any demon attempting to possess the body. In the most prevalent legend, the first vampire is said to have been created by a demon.

Identifying Vampires

Elaborate rituals were used to identify a vampire. One method involved leading a virgin boy through a cemetery, or a virgin mare. These were usually black in color, but in Albania, they were white. Holes appearing in the ground above a grave were taken as signs of vampirism. Suspected vampire corpses were generally described as appearing healthier, plumper, and without signs of decomposition. In some cases, when suspicious graves were opened, villagers described the corpses as having fresh blood from a victim all over their faces.

Protection Methods

Garlic and holy water are common elements in vampire folklore. The specifics vary from region to region. In Europe, a branch of rose and hawthorn, or sprinkling mustard seeds on the roof, are believed to keep vampires away. Other sacred objects, such as a crucifix, rosary, or holy water, are also used for protection.

Vampires are unable to enter sacred ground, such as a church or temple. Methods of destroying vampires vary. In Russia and the Baltic states, they can be killed with a wooden stake. Potent vampires are often killed through the heart, though in Russia and Germany, the most vulnerable spot is the mouth, and in northeastern Siberia, it's the stomach. Decapitation is the preferred method in Germanic and Slavic areas. The head is buried between the legs, behind the buttocks, or far from the body. This act was seen as a way to expedite the departure of the soul.

Other measures included pouring boiling water on the corpse or complete incineration. In the Balkans, a vampire can be killed by shooting, drowning, sprinkling with holy water, or through exorcism. Garlic, in Romania, can be placed in the mouth, and more recently, in the 19th century, precautions were taken such as firing a bullet through the coffin. For resistant cases, the body was dismembered and burned, and the ashes mixed with water were administered to family members as a remedy.

Although not traditionally, mirrors have also been used to ward off vampires when placed outside a door (in some cultures, vampires have no reflection and sometimes no shadow, possibly as a manifestation of their lack of a soul). Some also claim that a vampire can't enter a house unless invited by the owner, though once invited, they can come and go as they please. While folkloric vampires were believed to be more active at night, they are highly vulnerable to sunlight. The idea that they transform into bats is unlikely, according to many accounts. Sources of information on this subject have multiplied in the last 5 years due to the curiosity of many individuals.

In Literature

Writers have capitalized on the current fascination among teenagers with this topic, leading to a plethora of books about this mythological creature. Examples include Stephenie Meyer's "Twilight," L.J. Smith's "The Vampire Diaries," Darren Shan's "Cirque du Freak," Anne Rice's "The Vampire Chronicles," Richelle Mead's "Vampire Academy," P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast's "House of Night," Rachel Caine's "The Morganville Vampires," Charlaine Harris's "Southern Vampire Mysteries," Melissa de la Cruz's "Blue Bloods," and more. Nevertheless, the subject is by no means exclusive to young adult literature, as masterpieces like Bram Stoker's "Dracula," Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu's "Carmilla," Stephen King's "Salem's Lot," and George R.R. Martin's "Fevre Dream" stand as genre landmarks.

In Romanian literature, the vampire theme is frequently employed by both classic and contemporary authors. Notable examples include the short stories of Liviu Radu and Costi Gurgu, Mircea Eliade's "Domnișoara Christina," Costi Gurgu's "Hotelul Sfinților," Ana-Maria Negrilă's "Cântecul zorilor," Doina Ruști's "Zogru," Oliviu Crâznic's "...Și la sfârșit a mai rămas coșmarul," Ștefana Czeller's "Cerneală și sânge," O.G. Arion's "Nemuritor" series, and more.

Metamorphosis

Normally, vampires can transform into predatory animals such as wolves, lions, cheetahs, etc., or even into a more bizarre form of werewolf. Some more powerful vampires can transform into giant bats, green mist, dragons, or even griffins. Most will hunt in the form of demons with enormous wings, horns, and slender bodies, sometimes red or black.