Upyr, upier, sanguisuga, brucolacus; this demon of the night is known by many names around the world (Steiger 81). However, it is more commonly known in english by the name of vampire. The vampire is considered to be the most famous monster in the world. Many cultures around the world tell tales about the dead coming back to life to feast on the blood of mortals. These tales inspired many works of literature, allowing the myth of the vampire to spread far and wide, increasing their popularity as time advanced. Today, vampires hold a special place in people's hearts and psyches as one of the most popular creatures to go bump in the night. These unholy monstrosities deserve a closer look through a description of vampires, their history, cases
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pag.), but there are enough common traits to list. A folklorist by the name of Jan L. Perkowski provided a rather useful definition, “A being which derives sustenance from a victim, who is weakened by the experience. The sustenance may be physical or emotional in nature” (Guiley 287). In layman’s terms, a vampire is a being that consumes the blood or essence of their victims. Vampires are usually depicted as undead, creatures that are still active despite not being alive (“Vampire” n. pag.). Traditionally, vampires were nocturnal beings that only came out at night and would return to their graves by the mourning to sleep (Whyte n. pag.). Vampires are generally depicted as pale skinned creatures with long sharp fangs (“Vampire” n. pag.). They were said to lack both a shadow and reflection, and would not show up in photographs or film (“Vampire” n. pag.). Vampires were unable cross running water as well (Whyte n. pag.). Vampires had the ability to shapeshift, and were said to take the form of cats, dogs, sheep, snakes, birds, and even horses. Vampires have been depicted as taking the form of bats in works of literature and pop-culture. However, this ability has never been depicted in the original folktales and lore (Guiley 288). Vampires were also said to have the ability to transform into mist (Whyte n. pag.). Vampires were said to have control over animals and the elements, and …show more content…
It is incredible how the popularity of vampires continues onward despite being around for centuries. These centuries of storytelling have helped to build a lore that is both incredibly expansive and highly interesting. The phenomenon of the vampire has been so intriguing that it has grabbed the attention of the scientific community. Vampires have made such an impact on western mythology, literature, and popular culture. These blood thirsty creatures of the night have become icons the world over. So much so that it is hard to imagine the horror genre without their existence. This is why vampires have become the most famous creatures to go bump in the
pag.), but there are enough common traits to list. A folklorist by the name of Jan L. Perkowski provided a rather useful definition, “A being which derives sustenance from a victim, who is weakened by the experience. The sustenance may be physical or emotional in nature” (Guiley 287). In layman’s terms, a vampire is a being that consumes the blood or essence of their victims. Vampires are usually depicted as undead, creatures that are still active despite not being alive (“Vampire” n. pag.). Traditionally, vampires were nocturnal beings that only came out at night and would return to their graves by the mourning to sleep (Whyte n. pag.). Vampires are generally depicted as pale skinned creatures with long sharp fangs (“Vampire” n. pag.). They were said to lack both a shadow and reflection, and would not show up in photographs or film (“Vampire” n. pag.). Vampires were unable cross running water as well (Whyte n. pag.). Vampires had the ability to shapeshift, and were said to take the form of cats, dogs, sheep, snakes, birds, and even horses. Vampires have been depicted as taking the form of bats in works of literature and pop-culture. However, this ability has never been depicted in the original folktales and lore (Guiley 288). Vampires were also said to have the ability to transform into mist (Whyte n. pag.). Vampires were said to have control over animals and the elements, and …show more content…
It is incredible how the popularity of vampires continues onward despite being around for centuries. These centuries of storytelling have helped to build a lore that is both incredibly expansive and highly interesting. The phenomenon of the vampire has been so intriguing that it has grabbed the attention of the scientific community. Vampires have made such an impact on western mythology, literature, and popular culture. These blood thirsty creatures of the night have become icons the world over. So much so that it is hard to imagine the horror genre without their existence. This is why vampires have become the most famous creatures to go bump in the