Stakes

Every legend has a different view on the use of stakes. Most legends specify that the stake must be made of wood. Some legends believe a wooden stake has to be made from a particular wood or it won't work. Preferred woods include ash, aspen, or hawthorn. Another legend was the stake had to be made of silver, and blessed by a priest.

Judas Legend

According to one legend of Christian origin, the stake must be made of aspen. This is based on two premises:

• That Judas was the first vampire. Since Judas betrayed Jesus, legend has it that God cursed Judas and his family, causing them to forever drink the blood of the Christians.
• The cross that Jesus was crucified on was reportedly made from aspen.

Thus, it was believed a stake made of aspen would destroy Judas as a vampire.

How to Use the Stake

When it comes to killing a vampire, appropriate steps must be taken:

• First get a stake, wooden or silver whichever legend preferred.
• Second, find a vampire. This is the most important step because you wouldn’t want to stab a stake through an innocent bystander.
• Third, find the vampire’s heart. This is where you must stab the vampire.
• Fourth, point the stake towards the vampire, raising your hand as if you want to stab it.
• Finally thrust the stake into the vampires heart with all your strength.
• A heavy hammer or mallet is recommended.

Most agree that the stake must pierce the heart, and not just puncture the chest cavity. Some experts believe that the stake must not only puncture the heart, but punch through to the other side and into whatever material is behind or below the vampire -- thus pinning it to the wall or floor.

Results

Some legends believe the vampire will not die unless the stake is "perfect". When in doubt, it is best to research the legend appropriate to the culture or religious preference of the vampire you are facing.

Other Ways to Kill A Vampire

• Sunlight

• Crucifix

• Garlic

• Holy Water

• Fire

• Silver

• Beheading

References

1. Vampires in History and Culture. http://beltaine.blogspot.com/2005/05/vampires-in-history-and-culture.html. 2009-2-21.

2. Vampires and Werewolves. http://www.zerotime.com/night/destroy.htm. 2009-2-21.

3. To Kill A Vampire-5steps. http://www.thedeadites.com/monster-hunting/tiny-wight-monster-hunting-tips/to-kill-a-vampire-5-easy.html. 2009-2-21.

4. Vampire. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vampire#cite_note-51. 2009-2-21.