Revealing Vampire Origins

The topic of vampires has infiltrated pop culture and folklore to the point that their true origins have become blurred. No matter how impractical or illogical, most legends and myths find a basis in fact -- somewhere.

So, are vampires real? Was there ever such thing? How much truth is behind the aspects of an authentic vampire?

Now, don't get me wrong. As you can tell from my articles and blog content, I love the vampire world - as well as other forms of supernatural-based horror. And yet, as rational thinking, intelligent humans, we have to know where that line is. That line where reality ends and fantasy takes flight.


With that said, we acknowledge that a vampire can't possibly exist in the way it is commonly portrayed. Bottom line, that's just the way it is.

And yet, so many of us are fascinated with the possibilities - even to the point of envy and lust. What is the allure of the vampire world? Why do humans become so easily engrossed in the concept - many even crossing the above stated "line."

Dissecting that devilish delight includes recognizing the most prominent vampire features. First, there's the evil and, at times, demonic back story - depending on the author's preference. Painting vampires as dark, malicious creatures to be feared. Stimulating human adrenaline with the possibility of meeting a terrifying death by almost bestial means - being helplessly ripped to shreds.

Secondly, there's the more prevalent tone - one of attractive beings with supernatural origins overshadowing the more "evil" aspects. Super beings with enhanced qualities that play on almost every human's desires. Who doesn't want to be stronger - faster - sexier? Who hasn't considered the benefits of living forever?

I expanded on some of these differences in an article called Vampire Lust, Lore and Allure a while back. In it, I wrote:

"Since vampires don't really exist and we have countless legends to draw upon, we can reinvent vampires in endless variations. But, it's the well-written versions that really suck us in. It's the romanticism of the genre. The dark creatures who live just outside reality, preying on our natural fears and skepticism. And, who among us hasn't admitted, at least once, that it might be fun to become a vampire? To live forever. To control your prey with eye-contact. To flash those deadly fangs and spread bone-chilling fear with just a look."

After that article got huge feedback from vampire lovers around the world, I took it to the next level and dug into the murky backgrounds of vampires. The truths, the old wives tales, the legends, myths and exaggerated fantasy.

What sprang to life, was a 3 part series I simply called "Vampire Origins." Not surprisingly, of all the articles I've written over the years - on a wide variety of topics - this one still draws more viewers than anything else.

According to the legends, Vampires are mythological or folkloric beings that subsist on human and/or animal life force. In most cases, they are reanimated corpses who feed by draining and consuming the blood of living beings. The characteristics of vampires vary widely among different traditions. Some cultures also have stories of non-human vampires, including real animals such as bats, dogs and spiders.

Revealing the facts behind the fiction sheds light on how many of the tastier vampire features mushroomed into the iconic images we all know and... yes... love.

Heck - what's NOT to love? 

Immortality, sex, super powers.

So, next time you're talking to your favorite vampire, give 'em a hug and tell 'em... "Fangs for the memories!"