Historians document that vampires have most often been reported as inhabitants of shallow graves in the Eastern European countryside. Bram Stoker portrayed Dracula (1897), most renown of all revenants, as master of a gloomy and forbidding castle. For contemporary novelist Anne Rice, the French Quarter of New Orleans has long been a favorite milieu for the undead.
Perhaps the best place to find vampires is in the darker recesses of the human imagination. There is something about the image of the vampire that has attracted and fascinated as well as frightened and repelled. Understanding the vampire, then, may be a way of understanding some of the mysteries of the human psyche. Nevertheless, the vampire has not been constructed entirely of moonbeams and fantasies. There is a practical, down-to-earth side of the vampire that deserves careful attention.
The vampire seems to defy the firm, mutually exclusive categories of being dead or alive. A vampire's biography begins with death. Furthermore, much of the vampire's time is spent as a corpse or corpse-impersonator. But at night, when the living lie themselves down, up rises the apparent corpse with its dangerous cravings. In the twenty-first century new definitional issues related to brain death, life support systems, persistent vegetative states, and the freezing of both embryos and cadavers (cryonic suspension) have blurred the boundaries between life and death. It is also recognized that some structures, such as the mosaic tobacco virus, can exhibit the properties of either a living or nonliving structure depending upon their situation. For much of history, though, it was the vampire who most daringly crossed and recrossed the borders between the living and the dead.
Vampires are sometimes referred to as "the undead" and sometimes as revenants, reanimated corpses that drink the blood of the living to preserve their own existence. Scholars currently believe that the word vampire derives from the Slavic language spoken in Serbia. The consensus is that vampire derives from the Slavic verb "to drink." The term was known in England in the late seventeenth century and entered other European languages early in the eighteenth century. Perhaps surprisingly, this term did not make its way to the supposed homeland of vampiresHungary and Transylvaniauntil some time afterward.
The vampire (by whatever name) may have been with humankind since earliest times. In his The Great Mother: An Analysis of the Archetype (1963), the analytical psychologist Erich Neumann suggests that early civilizations had an intensely conflicted attitude toward both the earth and femininity.
In the myths and tales of all people, ages, and countriesand even in the nightmares of our own nightswitches and vampires, ghouls and specters, assail us, all terrifyingly alike. . . . This Terrible Mother is the hungry earth, which devours its own children. (Neumann 1963, pp.148149)
Neumann offers many examples of rituals and artifacts to support his belief that the vampire is an ancient and universal symbol of the Great Mother swallowing up her own creations in order to recycle them in new form. However, this dramatic idea remains in need of more evidence for the supposed prevalence of vampirism in the ancient world and does not explain why males have been in the clear majority among vampire ranks (until the twentieth century). Scholars also reject the assumption that vampires are part of all world cultures. Native-American traditions, for example, have their own creatures of the night, such as the skinwalkers (restless spirits of the dead who sometimes make themselves visible), but these do not fit the precise profile of the vampire. A plausible case could be made for a widespread fear of the dead in many cultures, but not necessarily for belief in blood-sucking revenants.
It is clear that vampirism had a secure place in Slavic superstitions for many years before it became a household word with the publication of Bram Stoker's Dracula (1897). The author transformed these folk stories into a dark gothic romance. His leading character was inspired by a character he did not have to invent: Vlad Tepes, a fifteenth-century tyrant who slaughtered and sometimes tortured thousands of people. "Vlad the Impaler" was no vampire, though; he did his terrible deeds while alive and had a hearty appetite that did not include sucking blood. Stoker, using literary license, combined the historical Vlad with vampire legends and added a veneer of Victorian culture. Separating fact from fantasy became increasingly difficult as popular literary and theatrical vampires distanced themselves from their roots in anxiety-ridden folklore. Inquiring minds have therefore been following the trail of the vampire, classifying and explaining as best they can.
Classification and description are the first steps to shedding light on these dwellers in darkness. Of most interest to serious students of vampirism is the folk vampire. This is the creature who preceded the literary and commercial vampire. In general, the folk vampire is simpler, cruder, and less appealing than his citified cousin; therefore, folk vampires are seldom cunning or sexy. Many are just thirsty, and not always particular about their sources of nutrition. Rural vampires have been accused of rising from their graves to filch the blood of cows or other available livestock. Unlike the elegant Count Dracula, these revenants are foul-smelling and gross, as might be expected from those who, partially decomposed, spend much of their time in a grave.
Another common feature of folk vampires is that they are rarely, if ever, seen at work. The classic case for the existence of a local vampire is built upon (a) something bad that happened in the night and (b) discovering a corpse in its grave that did not appear sufficiently dead. The corpse might have flecks of blood on its face, especially the lips, and might seem to have changed position.
An important distinction can be made among folk vampires. Some are simple, brutish, and unfortunate creatures. Others, though, are corpses that have either been "vampirized" by evil forces or who have willed themselves to return and wreak vengeance on those they believe have wronged them. Not surprisingly, it is this more dangerous and evil form that has attracted the most attention. Vampire-finders, accompanied by the bravest of the brave and a representative of the church, sought and opened suspect graves and took measures to ensure that the inhabitants would henceforth remain in place. Decapitation and, of course, driving a stake through the heart, were among the specific remedies.
Literary and commercial vampires are generally more sophisticated and take better care of their appearances among the living. The sexual allure and prowess of vampires is almost entirely a literary embellishment, again owed chiefly to the Victorian imagination of Bram Stoker. There is little doubt that the popular success of vampires has been enhanced by their dangerous sexuality. These dark lovers were nearly perfect for a society that discouraged open expression of sexuality, especially for women. Vampires embodied both forbidden sexuality and escape from death but their wretched form of existence was punishment for their transgression.
Another type of vampire has been created by those attempting to explain the creature on scientific grounds. The cultural historian Paul Barber has made a strong case for the vampire as a creature of
KOBAL COLLECTION
It may be added that fears of being buried alive were widespread in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Some of these fears were justified, for example, by an epileptic seizure or other loss of consciousness mistaken for death. Porphyria has been nominated repeatedly as a medical condition that produces pallor, giving the individual a somewhat bloodless appearance. The victims are highly sensitive to sunlight and therefore are likely to adopt lifestyles resembling the nocturnal vampire.
The philosophical (or inner) vampire has been created by those seeking to understand the meaning of vampirism in their own minds. Although the speculations have some grounding in fact, some are more appropriately offered as questions rather than answers. For example, is the vampire a sort of "middle man" who provides an image and focus point for all the organic recycling that occurs in nature through season after season and life after life? Is the vampire a concealed warning to humankind? Meaning, people should perhaps be content with one life and not grasp for more. Or, is it possible that within each person lurks an ancient and relentless archetype that seeks satisfaction in the most primitive ways despite one's learning, civilization, and moral development? However when one answers these questions, it is likely that the vampire will not be leaving its haunts in the human mind anytime soon.
Barber, Paul. Vampires, Burial, and Death: Folklore and Reality. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 1990.
Dresser, Norine. American Vampires. New York: W. W. Norton, 1989.
Dundes, Alan, ed. The Vampire: A Casebook. Madison: University of Wisconsin Press, 1998.
Gladwell, Adele O., and James Havoc, eds. Blood and Roses: The Vampire in Nineteenth-Century Literature. London: Creation Press, 1992.
Heldreteth, Leonard G., and Mary Pharr, eds. The Blood Is the Life: Vampires in Literature. Bowling Green, OH: Bowling Green University Press, 1999.
McNally, Raymond T., and Radu Florescu. In Search of Dracula. Greenwich, CT: New York Graphic Society, 1972.
Neumann, Erich. The Great Mother: An Analysis of the Archetype. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 1963.
Perkowski, Jan L., ed. Vampires of the Slavs. Cambridge, MA: Slavica Publishers, 1976.
Rice, Anne. The Vampire Lestat. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1985.
Summers, Montague. The Vampire and His Kith and Kin. New York: E. P. Dutton, 1928.
Wolf, Leonard. The Annotated Dracula. New York: Clarkson N. Potter, 1975.
Continue reading here:
Vampires - rituals, world, burial, body, life, history, time ...
- Blood Hunt Reveals Which Avenger Has Been Turned Into a Vampire (Exclusive) - ComicBook.com - May 20th, 2024
- Blood Hunt #2 Preview: Vampires Win Round One; What Next? - Bleeding Cool News - May 20th, 2024
- New $28 Million Horror Movie Success Is The Perfect Reminder To Watch 37-Year-Old Vampire Comedy Starring ... - Screen Rant - May 20th, 2024
- 'Interview with the Vampire': A Guide to the Theatres des Vampires - IndieWire - May 20th, 2024
- 'Interview With the Vampire' Recap, Season 2, Episode 2 - Vulture - May 20th, 2024
- Married At First Sight star Ines Basic is convinced she belonged to a 'tribe of vampires' in her past life and - Daily Mail - May 20th, 2024
- CDC investigates after 'vampire facials' linked to 5 cases of HIV transmission at unlicensed spa; what to know before ... - KABC-TV - May 20th, 2024
- Interview with the Vampire Season 2 Episode 2 Review: Do You Know What It Means to Be Loved By Death - TV Fanatic - May 20th, 2024
- Interview With the Vampire season 2 episode 2 recap and review: Welcome to the Theatres des Vampires - Show Snob - May 20th, 2024
- 'Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires' Wraps Filming In New Zealand, Director Confirms - Just Jared Jr. - May 20th, 2024
- Planet of the Vampires Blu-ray (Terrore nello spazio | Limited Edition) (United Kingdom) - Blu-ray.com - May 20th, 2024
- 617 Q&A: Johnny Dynamite talks The Cure, vampires, and thinking for yourself - Vanyaland - May 20th, 2024
- Interview with the Vampire 201: What can the damned really say to the damned Review - Cape & Castle - May 20th, 2024
- There's My Deacon: Reginald the Vampire S2 E2 Highlight - Syfy - May 20th, 2024
- Facts about the original vampire bats that only feed on blood - The Times of India - May 20th, 2024
- Through its time change, "Interview with the Vampire" examines how war poisons the blood - Salon - May 20th, 2024
- Jacob Anderson and Sam Reid Hint at What Fans Can Anticipate in 'Anne Rice's Interview with the Vampire' Season 2 - eurweb.com - May 20th, 2024
- Union Jack: The Ripper - Blood Hunt #1 Preview: Bloody Hell - Bleeding Cool News - May 20th, 2024
- Vampire Weekend to Return as Saturday Night Live Musical Guests - Pitchfork - May 9th, 2024
- 10 Ways The Vampire Diaries Season 1 Has Gotten Better With Age - CBR - May 9th, 2024
- Reginald the Vampire's Jacob Batalon Primes Us for Season 2 of Vampire Comedy: "It Gets Stressful" - Syfy - May 9th, 2024
- English Dub Review: Vampire Dormitory Love 3. The pretty boy stays over. - Bubbleblabber - May 9th, 2024
- 10 Ways The Vampire Diaries & Supernatural Copied Each Other - Screen Rant - May 9th, 2024
- Delainey Hayles joins cast of Interview with the Vampire - KGET 17 - May 9th, 2024
- Why The Vampire Diaries Fans Need to Watch This AMC TV Show - CBR - May 9th, 2024
- Five Underseen Vampire Movies You Need to Check Out - 25YearsLaterSite.com - May 9th, 2024
- Kristen Stewart Will Star in New Vampire Movie Flesh of the Gods 12 Years After Twilight - E! NEWS - May 9th, 2024
- Review: Interview With The Vampire season 2 - The Cosmic Circus - May 9th, 2024
- Kirsten Dunst felt protected by Cruise & Pitt on Interview with the Vampire - JoBlo.com - May 9th, 2024
- Kristen Stewart Returns To Vampires In New Movie With Oscar Isaac! - PerezHilton.com - May 9th, 2024
- How to watch Reginald the Vampire Season 2 in the US on CTV for free - UpNext: Reelgood's Guide to Streaming - May 9th, 2024
- New Interview With the Vampire Preview Teases Season 2 Conflicts - ComicBook.com - May 9th, 2024
- Doctor Strange #15 Preview: Is This the Twilight of Strange? - Bleeding Cool News - May 9th, 2024
- "I had to fight tooth and nail": Ian Somerhalder Threw Away Vampire Diaries' Script Thinking It Was Just Another ... - FandomWire - May 9th, 2024
- Kristen Stewart and Oscar Isaac to Star in a Vampire Movie That Will Break Your Brain - Nerdist - May 9th, 2024
- 10 Great Elements That Make Abigail A One Of A Kind Horror Film - CBR - May 9th, 2024
- Reginald Tries To Pressure Maurice In Reginald The Vampire Season 2 Premiere Clip - Screen Rant - May 9th, 2024
- "Twilight" Fave Kristen Stewart Takes On Another Vampire Movie This Time With Oscar Isaac - Brit + Co - May 9th, 2024
- Civil War is beating vampires, spies, and big gorillas in its second week at the box office - The A.V. Club - April 22nd, 2024
- Meet Alisha Weir, The 14-Year-Old Breakout Star Of Universals Vampire Flick Abigail - Deadline - April 22nd, 2024
- Transylvania Is Famous For Vampires, But Also Has Lots Of Grizzlies And Wolves - Cowboy State Daily - April 22nd, 2024
- Interview with the Vampire Cast Explains Why Your Friends Should Watch - Bleeding Cool News - April 22nd, 2024
- Marvel 'Blade' Reboot With Mahershala Ali Going Back To Basics Of "Killing Vampires - Bounding Into Comics - April 22nd, 2024
- Interview With The Vampire Got A Sequel 22 Years Ago, But Not Like You Think - Screen Rant - April 22nd, 2024
- First Trailer for Reginald the Vampire Season 2 Teases a Vampires vs. Angels Showdown - Syfy - April 22nd, 2024
- Kathryn Newton Talks Sinking Her Teeth Into Vampire Thriller 'Abigail' - Forbes - April 21st, 2024
- 'Vampire' bacteria thirst for human blood and cause deadly infections as they feed - Livescience.com - April 21st, 2024
- Some Microbes Are Tiny 'Vampires' With a Deadly Attraction to Human Blood - ScienceAlert - April 21st, 2024
- Common gut bacteria behave like vampires to target human blood - Earth.com - April 21st, 2024
- Now Playing in Memphis: Vampires, Sasquatches, and Monkey Man - Memphis Flyer - April 21st, 2024
- Dancing Vampires, Furry Families and More in Movies - Columbus Underground - April 21st, 2024
- New 'Interview with the Vampire' teaser reveals the laws of being a vampire - Mashable - April 21st, 2024
- The Vampire Rules In Abigail (And How They Change The Horror Game) Explained - SlashFilm - April 21st, 2024
- Blade's MCU Problems Ignore How Easy It Should Be To Make His Perfect Movie - Screen Rant - April 21st, 2024
- Being Human Werewolves, Vampires, and Ghosts! Four Seasons Streaming Right Now on SCREAMBOX! - Bloody Disgusting - April 21st, 2024
- Upcoming horror movies: Where and when to watch werewolves, vampires, and assorted monsters, oh my! - Popverse - April 21st, 2024
- One of the Very First Horror Westerns Started Out as a Joke - Collider - April 21st, 2024
- "Blade killing vampires..": Marvel is Giving Fans What They Exactly Want With Mahershala Ali's MCU Movie, Industry ... - FandomWire - April 21st, 2024
- Reports Reveal the Original Concept of the Blade Movie Before it was Simplified to Blade Just Killing Vampires - imdb - April 21st, 2024
- Who Lives? Who Dies? And Was That [Spoiler]? The Ending of Abigail, Explained - Syfy - April 21st, 2024
- THESE vampires drawn to human blood could be inside your body Know how they can kill you - The Financial Express - April 21st, 2024
- Concern over Vampire Bacteria and more - WGN TV Chicago - April 21st, 2024
- The Vampire Diaries' Stefan Without One Key Factor - CBR - Comic Book Resources - April 21st, 2024
- Abigail Takes a Bloody Delightful Bite Out of the Vampire Genre - Gizmodo - April 21st, 2024
- Interview with the Vampire: Reid, Anderson Walk Us Through Season 1 - Bleeding Cool News - April 21st, 2024
- Woman's blood-drained corpse is found in Italian church where she had been searching for ghosts: Victim, 22, - Daily Mail - April 12th, 2024
- My latest Game Pass obsession is a vampire-punching action game that could be Red Dead Redemption 2's wacky ... - Gamesradar - April 12th, 2024
- Lindy Ryan on Setting a Vampire Novel in a Small Texas Town - CrimeReads - April 12th, 2024
- 14 Actors Who Appeared In Both Supernatural & The Vampire Diaries - Screen Rant - April 12th, 2024
- Coachella 2024: How to Stream Every Performance on YouTube - Vulture - April 12th, 2024
- Back to the 80s: 'Lost boys' The State Hornet - StateHornet.com - April 12th, 2024
- Slay the Spire 2, Vampire Survivors meets Contra, and other Triple-i games - Ars Technica - April 12th, 2024
- How Vampire Weekend Mastered The Five-Albums Test - UPROXX - April 12th, 2024
- Abigail Directors Tease A Fresh Spin On Vampires That's "Very Much Us" - Screen Rant - April 12th, 2024
- Vampire Weekend Livestreamed Their Solar Eclipse Album Release Show: Watch - Stereogum - April 12th, 2024
- Fan favorite vampire films among those coming to a theater near you - WAPT Jackson - April 12th, 2024
- Vampire Weekend Reckon With the Divine (Again) on Only God Was Above Us - Spin - April 12th, 2024
- Review | Vampire Weekend have grown into their boat shoes - The Washington Post - April 12th, 2024
- Interview with the Vampire season 2: Release date, cast, and more - Android Authority - April 12th, 2024
- Upcoming horror movie Nosferatu debuted a trailer behind closed doors, and apparently Bill Skarsgrd's vampire is ... - Gamesradar - April 12th, 2024
Reviewed and Recommended by Erik Baquero