Vampires
Vampire from the movie, "Nosferatu"
There is an overabundance of vampiric folklore and legends. However, it is generally accepted that the vampire legends began in the Slavic area (Wellman). Generally, the vampire legend is traced back to Vlad Tepes, a ruler who united the Wallachia area during the rule of the Ottoman Empire. He has often been called Vlad the Impaler because of his propensity to impale his enemies on stakes (often alive) or Vlad Dracula after his father who was a member of the Order of the Dragon. (Porter) The vampire legends cannot be reasonably linked to Vlad Tepes. Although he was a bloody ruler, there is evidence that he was much loved by his people and is still regarded as a liberator.
Vampires all possess similar qualities; the first being the need to consume blood to continue living. Most vampires will take the blood of humans, but it is not unheard of for a vampire to drink from an animal. They are attributed with improved strength, speed and senses far higher than those of humans. Some legends claim vampires can be hurt or even killed with silver or holy relics. However, it’s important to note that the holy relics are always Catholic in nature. For example, many instances of a crucifix damaging a vampire can be seen. However, there are not a lot of instances of a Star of David doing the same damage. Vampires are also attributed with the ability to mesmerize or seduce their prey. Often the prey seems to offer themselves willingly as a result of the hypnosis. Vampires can levitate for short distances and change into various animals such as bats, owls or cats for longer distances. All vampires are at least sensitive to sunlight although it is speculated that older vampires become somewhat tolerant to its effects. Vampires do not eat food but, again, it is speculated that some older vampires can ingest human food as a means of camouflage to assist hiding among humans. (Wellman)
Beyond these common traits, vampires can vary widely. They have changed from the older demonized corpse as seen in the movie “Nosferatu” to a seductive, sly predator.
Vampires all possess similar qualities; the first being the need to consume blood to continue living. Most vampires will take the blood of humans, but it is not unheard of for a vampire to drink from an animal. They are attributed with improved strength, speed and senses far higher than those of humans. Some legends claim vampires can be hurt or even killed with silver or holy relics. However, it’s important to note that the holy relics are always Catholic in nature. For example, many instances of a crucifix damaging a vampire can be seen. However, there are not a lot of instances of a Star of David doing the same damage. Vampires are also attributed with the ability to mesmerize or seduce their prey. Often the prey seems to offer themselves willingly as a result of the hypnosis. Vampires can levitate for short distances and change into various animals such as bats, owls or cats for longer distances. All vampires are at least sensitive to sunlight although it is speculated that older vampires become somewhat tolerant to its effects. Vampires do not eat food but, again, it is speculated that some older vampires can ingest human food as a means of camouflage to assist hiding among humans. (Wellman)
Beyond these common traits, vampires can vary widely. They have changed from the older demonized corpse as seen in the movie “Nosferatu” to a seductive, sly predator.