Welcome

hroughout the centuries, mankind has been fascinated by the vampire. It is a figure that transcends time and culture. When we hear the word "vampire", most of us think of the "traditional" eastern-European version popularized by Bram Stoker in his famous novel Dracula. But that is just the tip of the iceberg. What is it about this creature that so fascinates us, that has become such an integral part of our collective psyche?

To be sure, the legend of the vampire has strong roots in western and eastern Europe, particularly the Transylvanian portion of Romania. The Dracula story is based in part on the historical figure Vlad Drakulya, the bloodthirsty prince of Wallachia in the latter part of the fifteenth century. However, the roots of the vampire legend grow much deeper and broader than that. Traces of the vampire can be found in pre-historic Mesopotamia and Sumeria, the classical period, and has been linked with the Old Testament and early Christianity. Nor is it purely a creature of western origin. The legend of the vampire can be found in Japan, China, India, Africa, and a host of other countries and cultures.

Historical Aspects

Historically, humanity has taken the vampire quite seriously. During the middle ages, European corpses were sometimes dug up and "staked" to prevent their return from the grave. Others were buried with rocks or bricks in their mouths so they could not chew their way through their burial shrouds. Medieval writings speak of vampire outbreaks as news, rather than fiction. As late as the early twentieth century, vampire protection and slaying kits were sold commercially.

Causes

Modern medicine has linked a number of genetic disorders and infectious agents with vampirism, notably diseases such as rabies, porphyria, and even diabetes. There is also the psychological counterpart -- the DSM IV recognizes a number of mental disorders related to vampirism. Indeed, some of the most notorious serial killers over the last 500 years either claimed to be or exhibited behaviour associated with the vampire.

The Coolness Factor

Today, vampires are cool. The rise of the goth sub-culture of the 1970s laid the groundwork, with its corpse-like pallor and funereal dress. Today, vampires are portrayed as the lonely outsiders, the beautiful ones who never age, never die. Their women are wrapped in skin-tight leather and spandex and carry powerful handguns. Their men are broody and thin and darkly romantic. They appear regularly in Japanese anime and manga, and now with the advent of the Twilight series, there's even a niche for the "tween" set.

The Vampyre Lifestyle

The vampire has become more than a legend; for some it has become a lifestyle. Those who practice it walk among us as "Vampyres". Some affect the Victorian style of Anne Rice's Lestat, while others follow the old-school goth style of bands like Bauhaus. Some "live the un-life", going so far as to drink the blood of willing donors.

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In Closing

Vampires frighten us. They entertain us. They teach our children to count and they sell us breakfast cereal. Whatever they are, there is no doubt that they will remain an integral part of our collective subconscious.

~ Drew Sabol, Esq. ~~ a.k.a. Vlad ~~ 4 May 2009