A Halloween Special: The History Of Vampires | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

A Halloween Special: The History Of Vampires

Myths About the Fictitious Beings

25
A Halloween Special: The History Of Vampires
Historic Mysteries

I think that it's fair to assume that every single person in our country has heard myths and stories, seen movies, or read books about vampires. What some people may not know is that the idea of vampires didn't originate with Stephanie Meyer, the author of "The Twilight Saga," or even with Anne Rice, the writer of "Interview With A Vampire."

The idea of vampires came about in the mid 18th century; predominantly in German and French literature. At this point, vampires were assumed to be of extremely high health: they showed little to no traces of decomposition even though they were incredibly pale compared to the living. Additionally, at this time the idea of a vampire, or worse, a group of vampires, coexisting with the common-folk was strongly believed and accepted. Everyone was convinced that there were blood-sucking beasts roaming about with them as though they were no different! Also, it was an accepted fact that vampires were the reincarnations of witches, sinister people or suicide victims.The townspeople even went to such lengths of carrying out rituals in graveyards in an attempt to determine whether or not the dead and buried would return as vampires. Those believed to be vampires were often publicly executed.

The generally known myths about vampires, while entertaining and sometimes a little silly, have been debunked by experts. (On a side note, does this mean that we can become experts on vampires?! Sign me up!). The common myths are as follows: vampires don't show up in mirrors, vampires drink blood as food, vampires sleep in coffins, vampires don't age, vampires and bats are linked, vampires have fangs, vampires can fly, vampires are photosensitive.

The belief that vampires can't see themselves in mirrors came from Bulgarian myth that corpses cannot be in the presence of mirrors or else another death would happen.

Saying that vampires drink blood for food came primarily from those who possess a blood disorder and believed that drinking healthy blood would rid them of their problems.

Vampires are believed to sleep in coffins because they're believed to be dead beings. Who doesn't really associate death with coffins, right?

Vampires don't appear to age because they age at an incredibly slower pace than normal people. They do indeed age and are not immortal.

Bats are associated with vampires because the Romanians believed at one time that if a bat flew over a grave that the person in the grave would rise.

Vampires are photosensitive in the fact that their skin is rather pale. Pale people tend to avoid the sun, if at all possible. I know I do!

It's safe to say that vampires don't exist, right? Right! However, seeing as it's Halloween and I find vampires fascinating, I thought I'd conduct a little research about their history!

If you're interested in delving into some classic literary works regarding vampires, I highly suggest Bram Stoker's Dracula, John Polidari's The Vampyre, and James Malcolm Rymer's Varney the Vampire.

"No man knows till he experiences it, what it is to feel his own life-drawn blood drawn away into the woman he loves." -Bram Stoker, Dracula.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

3969
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

450319
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

22137
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Moana's Top 10 Life Tips

"Moana" is filled with life lessons that involve far more than finding true love as many other Disney movies do.

45059
Animated image of a woman with long dark hair and tattoos
StableDiffusion

1. It's easy to be fooled by shiny things.

Digital image of shiny gemstones in cased in gold. shiny things StableDiffusion

Tamatoa created a liar filled with shiny things simply for the purpose of tricking fish to enter and become his food. He too experiences a lesson in how easy it is to be tricked by shiny things when Moana distracts him by covering herself in glowing algae so Maui can grab his hook.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments