[Charles]

Recently I watched Dracula 2000 and after watching it, I began to wonder why vampires are weak to certain things. I was wondering, does anyone know why vampires are weak to silver, garlic, crosses, wooden stakes, and light. If I am missing anything, add them to this list also. Also, some general information about the vampire. I know the answers to some of these, but I want other's opinions also. If you could point me to some places where I can find information on this it would also be helpful.
Another reason for my curiosity on this subject is because I am in the process of gathering ideas for writing a book about a new age vampire. Not really a true vampire, but more like a vampire cult. Kind of a vampire serial killer. I have been reading how to become a better writer also, both to help me in my major (history) and just in writing in general. Oh, and it has been a long while since I have posted, sorry if this is somewhere in the threads that I have missed. I tried looking through for stuff on vampires, but I didn't see anything on what I was searching.

[This message has been edited by Charles (edited August 11, 2001).]

[FitzChivalry]

Charles, i'm not sure what are you asking.
I don't think the reasons to WHY the vampires are weak to water, sunlight or garlic are given in myths.
I do know that the garlic for example is a pagan belief, when christianity took over a cross was brought into the legends, to show the power of god on such beings.
The belief about silver is actually relativly new, in the old days, iron was the metal that could hurt vampires in myths. The silver is adoption from werewolves myths it seems.
Some other info, the vampire myth was brought to eastern europe with the gypsies that seem to be originally from India, in the hindu pantheon there are several creatures that feed on blood as well as the goddess Kali, it seems that the gypsies brought the myths with them and they changed some through time.

[Cadfael]

Maybe this is just a coincidence, but Garlic is a mild antiseptic... and helps to purify the blood... hmmm, but I am taking a shot in the dark with that one.

The Crucifix I think speaks for itself, in an age were pagan beliefs prevailed, the Church would promote the idea of the cross being the ultimate protection against evil, and thus became part of the folk-lore.

There was also great debate about where the soul risided in the body, was it the heart, or the brain... thus decapitation of the vampires before burial was belived to kill them off.

But... hell, this is a good question. Having said that Charles... I am now going to move this topic to the Horror forum, I think it belongs there... sorry.

[Erebus]

I once read somewhere that the myth behind a Vampire's pale skin, sensitivity to sunlight and so-called elongated teeth, together with a craving for blood, was actually the result of a rare affliction, apparently. I don't remember the name of the disease, but apparently its sufferers would experience a form of iron deficiency, thus making their skin pale and drawn, especially around the mouth, which in turn made their teeth appear to protrude more than normal. This of course gave rise to the legend of their vampire teeth. Drinking blood alleviated the problem some, and of course, all this was in the days before tranfusions etc. With their skin so pale, any exposure to sunlight led to discomfort and burning.

Who knows? This may all be just another crock of the proverbial, but at least it makes some sense, I guess...?

[This message has been edited by erebus (edited August 12, 2001).]

[FitzChivalry]

Ah, here is this topic... i lost it.
Why move it to here? vampires can be found in fantasy books often too, not only in horror books.
And the thread is about myths of vampires, mythology thread's place should be in the fantasy forum in my opinion.
Unless you want to make a new forum about mythology - legends, origins and history, or something like that.

[This message has been edited by FitzChivlary (edited August 16, 2001).]

[Rob B]

Vampires and Werewolves are two things that constantly overlap in Horror and Fantasy.

Anyway, some trace Vampiric myth and origin as related to rabies or a rabies like disease.

Charles, If you want to read a superb example of vampire fiction, I can't recommend I Am Legend highly enough, by Richard Matheson.

[Cadfael]

I moved this this topic b/c Vampires are most commomly used in the Horror genre... I agree the line is fuzzy at times...

But this topic did not cite any fantast/Sf/ books, just a simple question about vampires. Thus... it belongs in the Horror Forum. Be aware... we shall be moving topics as we feel is appropriate, the other forums need support as well... not just the Fantasy Forum.

Of course... if you feel we are wrong... post your concerns... in The Comments Forum!!

FC... you are being pedantic... with your myth/folklore comments. But I can understand this. FF and myself can give lessons in pedantry http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif



[This message has been edited by dennizm (edited August 16, 2001).]

[FitzChivalry]

It isn't pedantry to comment on something that was pedantic in the first place.

I don't get the "support" comment, granted, other forums need support too, so the moving of this thread was to get the number of posts in Horror higher? i don't think that's a relevant reason.
And because the thread was about the vampire myth and not about vampires in novels (something that isn't clearly horror either) it probably belongs more in Fantasy, as fantasy and mythology have a closer connection.
It's your right as a moderator to do it, but i believe it's my right to speak my mind about it, you can accept criticism right?
No need to get defensive.

[This message has been edited by FitzChivlary (edited August 17, 2001).]

[Aleya]

Even staking is a debatable as far as vampires are concerned. It originated during the European vampire 'plagues' when locals would drive large stakes through the body and into the ground below, in an attempt to physically prevent the vampire from rising - not like our quick stab and dust shower routine today.

One of the first articles I wrote for my webpage, 'Be Prepared', was a light hearted analysis of the various vampire legends and myths which might hopefully provide some of the information you are looking for Charles.
http://silver-oak.com/features/020140.asp

I've been thinking a lot about vamps recently, and how their glory days are kinda gone - sad really. I blame Anne Rice http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif Heh

Aleya - http://silver-oak.com

[Cadfael]

Posted by FitzChivlary... but i believe it's my right to speak my mind about it, you can accept criticism right?

Absolutely... no question about that, I never intended my remarks to give the impression that any member should keep their opinions to themselves about the 'doings' of the moderators...

... I am married, I have to accept criticism http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/biggrin.gif