The Unnerving Myths and Legends of Vampires
Bram Stoker's Vampires, "The Undead of the Night"
The great Irish author, Bram Stoker's gothic Ebenezerian and dark tale of Dracula, first published in 1897, shocked the world and plant the notion of vampires firmly in the public's conscious. His unearthly and immortal creatures of the night have become synonymous with the word vampires. Stoker developed with the snarling count numerous modern vampire lore. To this day, the novel’s influence lives on in various ways, from popular fiction to films, merchandise, television, and even in fine art.
Traditional Vampires Are Not Soft And Cuddly - They Are Crepuscular, Bloodthirsty Predators
Traditional vampires often have pointed teeth and nails, no visible reflections in mirrors, decaying skin and heightened sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation. Most of the other vampire qualities in literature come from Stoker's novel. Many other vampire creatures have been added to these descriptions such as pale skin, red eyes or a compulsion to hunt during the night.
But no matter what region of the world a vampire comes from, traditional vampire folklore generally depict them as dangerous and threatening creatures of the night, thirsty for blood and ready to rear their ugly heads as soon as the sun goes down.
Blood-Drinking Vampires Have Transitions Into Today's Culture
Blood-drinking vampires have been around since ancient times and have made their way into modern literature, films and television. From Bram Stoker's characters of romanticized vampires and Anne Ricecentering on the dark creatures as protagonists in her novels, to movies like Twilight, the vampires have remained a popular and enduring part of the imagination.
Why Do We Find Them Fascinating?
No matter how you look at it, these creatures have a special place in our imagination. It might be that we find them exciting or even dangerous. On one hand, they bring to life the myth of transformative power into an "immortal" state of being. Or it could be their seductive qualities that capture our attention.
No matter why we are drawn to them, vampires have become a part of our culture, and continue to shape our beliefs about supernatural forces. And if you're looking for a little mystery and thrill, they provide a perfect story to get lost in.
The Endless Variations Of Vampires Persists
Thanks to the powerful myth of vampires, writers, film makers and story-tellers continue to find new ways of interpreting and reinventing these creatures of the night. Whether you believe in vampires or not, the idea of them will never die. They remain a symbol of mysterious power, and one that captures our imaginations.