Origins of the vampire mythology

The origins of vampires around the world

The origins of vampire mythology can be traced back to ancient cultures and civilizations, where the belief in blood-sucking creatures that could return from the dead was prevalent.

The first written mention of a vampire-like creature can be found in ancient Mesopotamian and Sumerian texts. These texts describe creatures known as "ekimmu" or "utukku" which were said to be the souls of the deceased that had not been properly buried or that had been killed in violent or unjust ways. They believed these creatures left their graves at night to suck the blood of the living.

• In ancient Greece, the belief in the "vrykolakas" existed, they were undead creatures that rose from the dead to prey on the living.
• In ancient China, the belief in "Jiangshi" existed, which was a corpse that has been reanimated by a powerful sorcerer. They were depicted as stiff-limbed creatures with a distinctive hopping gait.
• In Eastern Europe, the belief in "upir" or "nosferatu" existed, which were blood-sucking creatures that rose from the dead at night to prey on the living.
• In Africa, the belief in "Asanbosam" existed, which are said to have iron teeth and dwells in the forest.

These are just a few examples of the many different vampire myths and legends that have existed throughout history in various cultures around the world. These ancient beliefs in vampire-like creatures have evolved over time and have been adapted and incorporated into modern vampire fiction.

First appearance of vampires in literature

The first literary mention of vampire-like creatures can be found in early 18th-century poetry, specifically in "The Vampire" a poem written by Heinrich August Ossenfelder in 1748. The poem describes a male vampire who preys on young women. The vampire in this poem is not undead, but rather a living man who is cursed.

The first written work to feature vampires as undead and blood-sucking creatures is "The Vampyre" a short story by John Polidori, which was published in 1819. This story is considered to be the inspiration for Bram Stoker's 1897 novel "Dracula", which is considered one of the most famous vampire novels of all time.

Vampire types and variations

Different cultures have their own variations of vampire myths and legends. Some of the most common types of vampires in mythology include:

• The Classical vampire: Also known as the traditional vampire, this is the most commonly recognized vampire in Western culture. It is said to be an undead creature that rises from the grave at night to suck the blood of the living.
• The Nosferatu: A vampire of Eastern European origin, the Nosferatu is often portrayed as a hideous, emaciated creature with elongated fingers and sharp fangs.
• The Chupacabra: A vampire of Latin American origin, the chupacabra is said to be a creature that preys on livestock, particularly goats.
• The Strigoi: A vampire of Romanian origin, the strigoi are said to be the spirits of the dead who have returned to prey on the living. They can be either undead or living, and it can be killed by a stake through the heart.
• The Asanbosam: A vampire of West African origin, the Asanbosam is said to have iron teeth and dwells in the forest.
• The Jiangshi: A vampire of Chinese origin, the jiangshi is said to be a corpse that has been reanimated by a powerful sorcerer. They are depicted as stiff-limbed creatures with a distinctive hopping gait.

These are just a few examples of the many different vampire myths and legends from around the world.

Evolution of the vampire in literature

The vampire archetype has developed significantly in literature over the years. In the early 18th century, vampires were portrayed as cursed individuals, such as in "The Vampyre" by John Polidori. In the late 19th century, Bram Stoker's "Dracula" introduced the vampire as a powerful, aristocratic figure with a strong sexual element.

In the 20th century, vampire literature began to diversify and explore new themes and interpretations of the vampire archetype. For example, Anne Rice's "The Vampire Chronicles" series, featuring the vampire Lestat, brought a new level of complexity and psychological depth to the vampire character, and portrayed him as a tragic, romantic figure.

Additionally, vampires in literature have been adapted to different genres, such as horror, romance, fantasy, and even comedy. Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series brought a new type of vampire which is considered as "vegetarian vampire" that feeds on animals instead of humans and portrayed them as the romantic lead in a love story.

Moreover, vampire literature has also been influenced by popular culture, with the vampire archetype appearing in various forms of media such as TV shows, movies, and video games. With the rise of vampire fiction and vampire-inspired literature, the vampire archetype has become a staple of popular culture.

Why vampires gained popularity

The main reason behinf the vampire's popularity stands in its versatility. Because it can be adapted to different genres, it allows for a wide range of storytelling possibilities, making it appealing to a wide range of readers and audiences.

The vampire archetype can be used to explore deeper themes and issues, such as immortality, power, and the human condition. This makes them a rich source of material for writers to draw from.

Vampires have a long-standing place in popular culture, and have been depicted in various forms of media, such as literature, movies, TV shows, and video games. The popularity of vampire fiction continues to be fed by these other forms of media, and vice versa.

Vampires have a strong appeal to audiences, as they often embody the forbidden and taboo, the allure of immortality, forbidden love and the struggle between good and evil.

The vampire archetype is classic and has stood the test of time, as it continues to be a popular subject in literature, film, and other forms of media. We often use them as a metaphor to explore the darker aspects of human nature, and that resonates with audiences.

In short, the vampire archetype is timeless and continues to be popular in fiction due to its versatility, depth, and endless appeal.

5 most read vampire books of all times

Dracula by Bram Stoker

Published in 1897, this classic novel is widely considered to be one of the most important works of vampire fiction. It tells the story of the vampire Count Dracula and his pursuit of the young woman, Mina Harker.

Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice

Published in 1976, this novel is the first in Rice's "The Vampire Chronicles" series and tells the story of the vampire Lestat and his life over the centuries.

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

Published in 2005, this young adult novel is the first in the "Twilight" series and tells the story of a teenage girl who falls in love with a vampire.

The Vampire Lestat by Anne Rice

Published in 1985, this is the second book in "The Vampire Chronicles" series, and it tells the story of the vampire Lestat and his experiences as a vampire.

Salem's Lot by Stephen King

Published in 1975, this horror novel tells the story of a small New England town that is overrun by vampires.

5 books considered gems in the rough

The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova

Published in 2005, this novel tells the story of a young woman who discovers the dark history of Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula. It's a captivating and well-researched novel that combines history and fiction in an interesting way.

The Strain by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan

Published in 2009, This is the first book of "The Strain Trilogy" and tells the story of a vampire outbreak in New York City that threatens to destroy all of humanity. It's a fresh take on the vampire genre, with a strong emphasis on science and technology.

Let the Right One In by John Ajvide Lindqvist

Published in 2004, this novel is set in a small Swedish town and tells the story of a young boy who befriends a vampire girl. It's a dark and emotionally charged novel that explores themes of loneliness, love, and the cost of immortality.

The Last Vampire by Whitley Strieber

Published in 1990, this novel tells the story of a vampire who has been alive for thousands of years and is now the last of her kind. It's a thought-provoking and introspective novel that explores the nature of immortality and the human condition.

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern.

This novel, published in 2011, is a fantasy novel that tells the story of two young magicians who are forced to compete in a secret and dangerous competition, set in a mysterious and magical circus that only appears at night. The book explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the cost of power, and it's written in a beautiful and evocative prose that immerses the reader in the world of the Night Circus. It is a lesser-known book but it has gained a sizable fanbase and it is considered as a hidden gem in fantasy literature.

These books offer a different perspective on vampire archetype, and are worth reading for their unique style, story-telling and themes they explore.