Mythological Creatures Series - Vampire

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 (Credit: Belfry Hunt by Joseph Vargo)

Hi Guys,

Keeping up with the Hallowe'en theme, we are moving on to some of the mythological creatures associated with this time of year, or at least, some that are represented in the costumes that are favoured around this time.

I have chosen to start with the ever popular vampire.

Cultures such as the Mesopotamians, Hebrews, Ancient Greeks, Manipuri and Romans had tales of demons and spirits which are considered to be precursors to modern vampires. Use of the term vampire seems to originate from 17th Century Europe, but it has no etymology, suggesting that it was already a word in popular use.

These creatures appear in various forms across folklore, and go by many different names.

In the Philippines, for example, they came under the umbrella term of Aswang, which covers many and various shape-shifting evil spirits, including were-creatures, vampires, ghouls and witches among others. They are the embodiment of everything bad and an antithesis of all the good virtues held high in Filipino culture.

The term vampire seemingly comes from the Balkans; in Albania they are referred to as Shtriga; vrykolakas in Greece, and strigoi in Romania - where Bram Stoker's Count Dracula is said to originate from; deep in the heart of the Carpathian Mountains.

In Slavic and Chinese traditions, any human corpse that was jumped over by an animal, particularly a dog or a cat, was feared to become one of the undead.

In Russian folklore, one who was heretical or died with a wound that was not treated with boiling water was feared to become a vampire.

In some cultures, vampires are said to be unable to cross running water, to have no reflection or to have no shadow, possibly in reference to the lack of a soul. They also cannot enter a consecrated space. Some cultures state that the Vampire must be invited into a house by the house owner, and most are NOT considered to be vulnerable to sunlight!

In some areas, vampires are believed to be able to control animals, ranging from 

  • flies, 
  • bugs 
  • spiders 
  • bats 
  • wolves. 
Some are even believed to be able to shape-shift into these creatures, and more besides, including:

  • Dogs/wolves
  • Birds of some description, usually either ravens or crows, or even owls
  • Mist or fog

Various ways to ward vampires away include:

  • Mirrors facing outwards on doors
  • Garlic
  • Poppy Seeds or other grains
  • Wild Rose
  • Hawthorn
  • Rosary
  • Crucifix
  • Holy Water

In popular culture, vampires have appeared in books such as Dracula by Bram Stoker, John Polidori's The Vampyre, and, of course, Anne Rice novels and the Twilight Saga. They also get a mention in Harry Potter, and there is a vampire like creature in Tolkein's The Silmarillion called Thuringwethil.

On film, we have The Munsters, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Supernatural, and many films including Nosferatu, Bram Stoker's Dracula, The Lost Boys, and Vampire Killers to name but a few. 

Many serial killers have also seemingly earned the nickname of vampire. Here are just some:

  • Countess Elizabeth Bathory aka The Blood Countess
  • Fritz Haarman aka Vampire of Hannover
  • Mohammed Bijeh  aka Tehran Desert Vampire
  • Peter Kurten aka Vampire of Dusseldorf
  • Wayne Boden aka Vampire Rapist

The vampire seems to have become increasingly romanticised in recent times, and is seen as a tall, gaunt, rather beauteous figure capable of seduction. Originally, they were risen enshrouded, undead creatures described as bloated and ruddy or dark. that fed off the life force (blood) of their former friends and family, wreaking death and destruction wherever they went.

There are still said to be creatures out there with vampiric tendencies, most notably the vampire bat, and let us not forget Chupacabra!

In order to prevent one becoming undead, there were various means employed across the centuries. Some methods include:

  • Being buried upside down
  • Placing sickles or scythes near the body
  • Staking a corpse through the heart
  • Placing poppy seeds or millet around the gravesite (apparently, the Vampire HAS to count them, thus keeping them occupied)
  • Placing a wax cross or inscribed pottery in the grave
  • Placing coins in the mouth of the deceased

Anything that is incorrect, or that I have missed out, please let us know in the comments below.


Kerenza x

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