The History of Vampires - 1397 Words

We currently live in a pop culture world that seems obsessed with vampires. From gothic vampire novels, to endless movies, television and art, the vampire archetype continues to grow in popularity and sophistication. What is behind this seeming obsession with vampires, in our western culture? Why does this archeype endure? What does the vampire have, or do, that makes him/her so attractive and compelling? When did the transformation occur, from foul miscreant to suave tragic hero? Who is the vampire - really? Vampire culture seems in stark contrast with the current technological age and advances in science. Starting out in the dim and obscure recesses of Eastern European folk tales and legends, the vampire has reached center stage in†¦show more content†¦Mercy s desecrated remains were then reburied in a plot next to her sister and mother. Mercy s brother Edwin was not cured and died two months later. Thus ends this tragic, but true tale of vampirism in the U.S. Unfortunately, due to the prevailing folklore and superstitions in the 19th century and the pervasive spread of consumption, these bizarre practices often occurred in Europe and the U.S. In 1897, with the publishing of his novel Dracula, Bram Stoker succesfully transforms the image and the conventions of the Vampire from lowly sub-human parasite, to that of an intelligent, but somewhat evil superhero. Count Dracula resides in a castle, has superhuman powers and unlimited material wealth. He is a mysterious and genious intellect, who is (almost) immortal. The new vampire is fantastically seductive and is almost omnipotent in his knowlege and power over humans. However, he is a tragic hero who s eternal damnation and demise can be hastened by sunlight, and wooden stakes through the heart. He is also vulnerable to the beauty and innocence of attractive mortal women, who he must pursue, corrupt and discard. Although impressively handsome and lonely, he can no longer experience the love and true companionship of a mortal woman and is surrounded by shallow creatures he has already corrupted and who once corrupted, can no longer be desired or loved. The new literary vampire is incredibly popular, as the attractive, evilShow MoreRelatedThe History of Vampires1194 Words   |  5 PagesThe vampire is one of the oldest mythological creatures in the world. It has been around for thousands of years and is found in nearly every culture. There are many different kinds, the red-eyed corpses from China, the Greek Lamia- a woman with the lower body of a winged serpent, the Penanggalang in Malaysia- a woman with a detachable head, etc. The most commonly known, however, is the Romanian vampire, it is used often in pop culture, from movies, to television, to literature. The myth of theRead MoreHistory of the Concept and Image of Vampires807 Words   |  4 PagesVampires are known as mythical beings with white pale glittery skin that drain the essence of life known as blood. As unbelievable as it sounds they actually did exist centuries ago. They weren’t anything like the vampires we see in movies, shows, books, and video games toda y. A vampire or something analogous to it can be found in most culture and folklores going back to the beginning of time, but it is a mistake to think they have familiar attributes of Count Dracula. The term â€Å"vampire† appearedRead MoreVampires in Myth and History Essay1372 Words   |  6 PagesVampires in Myth and History Vampire myths go back thousands of years and occur in almost every culture around the world. Their variety is almost endless; from red eyed monsters with green or pink hair in China to the Greek Lamia which has the upper body of a woman and the lower body of a winged serpent; from vampire foxes in Japan to a head with trailing entrails known as the Penanggalang in Malaysia. However, the vampires we are familiar with today, although mutatedRead MoreThe Different Types of Vampires Throughout History1084 Words   |  5 PagesIconic vampires in pop culture include Dracula, Angel, and Edward Cullen, but the lore can be traced back even further than the earliest thought of each of these icons. Doctor Guiley, a paranormal enthusiast, has researched countless tales of vampires, and has been able to divide her research into five different generalized areas. 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Zombies are something that many people believe that can become real one day, but when it comes to vampires they are just fantasy. People have lost history. In many different cultures’ history, vampires were thought of as possible creatures. There were even humans that believe they had become one. The distorted history of vampires have changed people’s minds because there are certainRead MoreThe Mystery Of The Vampire1583 Words   |  7 PagesThe vampire is the popular character in folklore from early civilization to modern life. The vampire appears in people mind with the passion of immortality, fear, love and mystery. People are attracted with vampire because the superstition of the vampire has done for centuries. Are they real? What are they? Wh ere they come from? There are a few of thousand questions about the beliefs of vampire during many centuries. People don’t stop their curiosity with vampire- the legend that emulates the worldRead MoreVampires : The Myth, Legends, And Lore1730 Words   |  7 Pagesin pop culture. Commonly zombies and vampires are the talk of everyone. To the extent that some people believe that zombies can one day exist and vampires are just a fantasy. But people have lost their history, in many different cultures’ history, vampires were thought of as possible creatures. Vampires have been a thing for centuries, although the term vampire came after. There were even humans that believe they had become one. The distorted history of vampires has changed people’s minds becauseRead MoreComparing The Vs. Vampire Folklore1368 Words   |  6 PagesFinal Essay Different depictions of vampires are commonly exhibited in vampire folklore in past and present literature and film. The diversity of different variations of vampire legends are prominently seen in most literature, but the main ideas and attributes are generally the same. This is not that case when focusing on specific novels discussed in class. The novels I Am Legend by Richard Matheson and Fledgling by Octavia Butler are two contrasting works of vampire folklore. The novels are about differentRead MoreVampires Real?1083 Words   |  5 PagesVampires Are Real With today’s media a fascination with monsters has risen to an all-time high. One monster in particular, though, has become the center point for all attention, the vampire. Many believe the existence of vampires is just a myth. One valid arguments of non-believers is that if vampires did exist, wouldn’t they have depleted their food source? Early legends of vampires are supported by the belief that people suffering from a deadly, but rare, blood disease not vampirism. Believers