The Vampires Myths
The vampire legend has been around since at least Roman times, with the specifics changing somewhat with each culture. Because of this, various vampire lore and legends can be contradictory. Ancient Roman "striges" could change into owls and drink the blood of babies. In medieval Eastern European countries, folklore of vampires as well as vampire slayers was common. The vampire legend was strengthened in 14th century Europe with the brutal deeds of Vlad Tepes Dracula. Bram Soker's 1897 novel Dracula reinforced some vampire lore by putting it into mass print.
Vampires are dead beings that come back to life.
In some legends the vampire becomes a vampire only after death.
In other legends the vampire is born a vampire.
To be born a vampire the child may be the child or grandchild of a vampire.
A child may be born a vampire if it has a caul or alternately a dark caul.
People usually become vampires by being bitten, but not killed, by a vampire.
Some legends have corpses becoming vampires when a cat or dog jumps over it.
Other legends say that a Witch becomes a vampire when s/he dies.
Vampires usually need or crave blood, frequently human.
Vampires usually obtain blood by biting a victim's neck and drinking the blood.
In some legends they suck the blood through long, hollow front incisors.
In other legends the incisors are not hollow, but long and sharp to pierce the victim.
Legend usually states that a wooden stake through a vampire's heart will kill it.
In some versions the vampire needs to be dormant for this to work.
The stake may need to be a certain type of wood, such as hawthorn.
Vampires usually can not tolerate sunlight or fire.
Some legends have vampires warded off by crucifixes, holy water, or garlic.
Vampires may not be able to cross moving water.
Some legends say that a vampire can not enter a building or a room without first being asked.
Some legends say that vampires dislike the sound of bells ringing, especially church bells.
Vampires usually sleep during the day and come out only at night.
Vampires may also come out right at 12 noon for a brief period.
Vampires usually spend the day in a coffin or buried in the ground.
Some legends state that vampires can turn themselves into bats or wolves.
Some legends state that mirrors will not reflect vampires.
Vampires are usually said to be very charming.
Vampires may be compulsive liars.
Some legends state that a vampire's fingernails have a glass-like appearance.
Three medical conditions may have led to people being inaccurately identified as vampires:
Anemia causes a pale skin complexion. This may have looked like vampirism.
Catalepsy can cause a death-like state for a short time to several days. A person coming out of this state will appear to be rising from the dead.
Porphyia is a rare genetic blood disease. It causes pale skin, sensitivity to light, and makes the incisors look bigger. Porphyia almost certainly influenced the vampire legend.
Video: The Thirst - Various Vampires
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