Vampire history and folklore
Vampires have been recorded in many cultures with instances going back to prehistoric times. They have been known by different names, such as vrykolakas in Greece and strigoi inRomania. Folkloric vampires have been described with a wide range of appearances and traits that have evolved over he years to suit different cultures. Below are some resources to find out more about the history and folklore of vampires.
Vampires: The Real History
Radford, Benjamin. "Vampires: The Real History." LiveScience.com. N.p., 29 Oct. 2012. Web. 21 Feb. 2013."Vampires have been part of human culture and folklore in different forms for millennia, and the bloodsuckers show no signs of going away any time soon." Benjamin Radford shares his knowledge of vampire origins, how vampires are believed to be created, how people have protected themselves from vampires, and the few truly vampiric animals.
The Vampire Book: The Encyclopedia of the Undead
Melton, J. Gordon. The Vampire Book: The Encyclopedia of the Undead. Detroit: Visible Ink, 1999. Print and eBookThis vast reference is an alphabetic tour of the macabre world of the blood-sucking undead. Digging deep into the lore, myths, and reported realities of vampires and vampire legends from across the globe, many facets are uncovered—historical, literary, mythological, biographical, and popular. From Vlad the Impaler and Barnabas Collins to Dracula and Lestat, this exhaustive guide furnishes more than 500 essays, a vampire chronology, and 60 pages of vampire resources. Complete with detailed illustrations and photographs, the third edition of this popular authority includes a wealth of current events, including theTwilight phenomenon; contemporary authors of vampire romance; the growth and development of genuine, self-identified vampire communities; and prominent TV shows from Buffy to True Blood. Full eBook available via Google Books.
Vampires, Einstein and Jewish Folklore
Siegel, Shael. "Vampires, Einstein and Jewish Folklore." Rabbi Shael Speaks. N.p., 1 June 2009. Web. 20 Feb. 2013.Rabbi Shael Siegel explores what Jewish sources have to say about vampires and the paranormal. Creatures similar to vampires appear in ancient jewish scriptures. Sigel contemplates the possibility of their existence, whether in our world or another dimension.
Encyclopedia of the Vampire: The Living Dead in Myth, Legend, and Popular Culture
Joshi, S. T. Encyclopedia of the Vampire: The Living Dead in Myth, Legend, and Popular Culture. Santa Barbara, CA: Greenwood, 2011. Print.
"A comprehensive encyclopedia relating to all phases of vampirism—in literature, film, and television; in folklore; and in world culture. Although previous encyclopedias have attempted to chart this terrain, no prior work contains the depth of information, the breadth of scope, and the up-to-date coverage of this volume. With contributions from many leading critics of horror and supernatural literature and media, the encyclopedia offers entries on leading authors of vampire literature (Bram Stoker, Anne Rice, Stephenie Meyer), on important individual literary works (Dracula and Interview with the Vampire), on celebrated vampire films (the many different adaptations of Dracula, the Twilight series, Love at First Bite), and on television shows (Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel). It also covers other significant topics pertaining to vampires, such as vampires in world folklore, humorous vampire films, and vampire lifestyle." - Amazon.com
Preview available through Google Books, with eBook version available for purchase.
This wikipedia page has an excellent table comparing the traits given to vampires in different folklore and fiction. Ranging from the oldest historical records all the way to everyone's favorite breakfast cereal vamp, Count Chocula, this comprehensive list is a great resource to see just how varied representations of vampires can be.
List of vampire traits in folklore and fiction
"List of Vampire Traits in Folklore and Fiction." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 20 Feb. 2013. Web. 21 Feb. 2013.This wikipedia page has an excellent table comparing the traits given to vampires in different folklore and fiction. Ranging from the oldest historical records all the way to everyone's favorite breakfast cereal vamp, Count Chocula, this comprehensive list is a great resource to see just how varied representations of vampires can be.
Staking Claims: The Vampires of Folklore and Fiction
Barber, Paul. "Staking Claims: The Vampires of Folklore and Fiction." Committee for Skeptical Inquiry. Center For Inquiry, Mar. 1996. Web. 21 Feb. 2013.Paul Barber, author of Vampires, Burial, and Death: Folklore and Reality (Yale University Press, 1988) casts a skeptical eye over vampire folklore. In this article he explains that many of the stories that circulate as vampire lore may be misconceptions themselves. Barber's years of research have helped him track down what folklore is legitimate and what stories are just rumors that have been shared so many times they are believed to be true. For those interested in finding out the truth behind vampires this article is a valuable resource.
Vampire Science
Part of the lore of vampires comes from a scientific and medical perspective. In some instances misunderstandings of common natural facts perpetuated fear. Other information points to diseases that are now understood that might present with vampire like symptoms. Below are some articles looking at some of the scientific aspects of vampirism.
A Natural History of Vampires
Johnson, Eric M. "A Natural History of Vampires." The Primate Diaries, Scientific American. N.p., 31 Oct. 2011. Web. 21 Feb. 2013.
In this article, Eric Michael Johnson (a doctoral student in the history of science at University of British Columbia) explores how misconceptions about natural events such as death, decomposition, and the transmission of disease prior to the advent of scientific medicine created and perpetuated myths about Vampires.
In this article, Eric Michael Johnson (a doctoral student in the history of science at University of British Columbia) explores how misconceptions about natural events such as death, decomposition, and the transmission of disease prior to the advent of scientific medicine created and perpetuated myths about Vampires.
Porphyria: The Vampire Disease
Kujtan, Peter W. "Porphyria: The Vampire Disease." The Mississauga News 29 Oct. 2005, Health & Wellness, Medical Matters sec.: n. pag. A Research Guide for Students. Web. 21 Feb. 2013.
Dr. Peter W. Kujtan, B.Sc., M.D., Ph.D, shares his expertise on the disease Porphyria, often known as the vampire disease. Many people believe that those mistake for vampires in the past may in fact have been suffering from Porphyria. Learn about this disease and see for yourself. This website also includes an extensive list of additional sources on the subject.
Rabies - the Vampire's kiss
"Rabies - the Vampire's Kiss." BBC News. BBC, 24 Sept. 1998. Web. 21 Feb. 2013.
Another disease that caused symptoms that may have been mistakenly attributed to Vampirism is Rabies. This article explains that Dr Juan Gomez-Alonso, a neurologist but together the connection between rabies and vampires when watching a Dracula Film. This is a brief glimpse into his findings from the resarach he undertook on rabies.
Vampires in the news
Vampires may have a long history, but they are still making headlines. While it's most common to see vampires in the news these days for breaking box office records, there are still vampire findings around the world. Below are a few recent news stories about vampire activity worldwide.Vampire Threat Terrorizes Serbian Village
Jovanovic, Dragana. "Vampire Threat Terrorizes Serbian Village." ABC News. ABC News Network, 29 Nov. 2012. Web. 21 Feb. 2013.In late 2012 in a small village in Serbia residents feared for their lives when it was believed that a notorious vampire had returned. Vampires have deep roots in europe and for many people the belief in them is very real. This article explains the measures villagers were taking to protect themselves from the imminent threat
Researchers find remains that support medieval 'vampire'
Reuters. "Researchers Find Remains That Support Medieval 'vampire'" The Australian. N.p., 13 Mar. 2009. Web. 20 Feb. 2013.
In 2009, TALIAN researchers believed they had found the remains of a female "vampire" in Venice, buried with a brick jammed between her jaws to prevent her feeding on victims of a plague which swept the city in the 16th century. This early find helped to confirm the theories on how vampire myths started
'Vampire' skeletons found in Bulgaria near Black Sea
"'Vampire' Skeletons Found in Bulgaria near Black Sea." BBC News. BBC, 06 June 2012. Web. 21 Feb. 2013.This This artcile describes another instance of remains being found that show signs of the belief in vampires. The way the bodies were treated, with rods stabbed through their bodies, suggests that locals believed the dead could leave the grave and terrorize the living. The rods were another technique to try to neutralize the vampire threat.