The Evolution of the Vampire

From the Victoria Advocate

Over the centuries, the image of the vampire has been revamped (pun completely intended) multiple times. From mindless monster to suave, yet cold-hearted artistocrat, to today's incarnation of sympathetic, cursed hero, the evolution of the vampire typically reflects the culture of the time. But although the image of the vampire may change, one thing that doesn't is that they are constantly being resurrected (Bah-ZING!) in popular culture.

Ancient Times

Even the earliest civilizations, such as the Sumerians, had stories of vampire-like beings and blood-sucking demons, according to an article in the American Chronicle. Many of the early tales, though not all, describe vampires as soulless, and in some cases, mindless killers.

1450: The Real-Life Dracula

The historical figure that the character of Dracula is based on is Vlad III, Prince of Wallachia, or as you probably know him, Vlad the Impaler, according to Eric Nuzum, author of "The Dead Travel Fast: Stalking Vampires from Nosferatu to Count Chocula." He wasn't a vampire, nor did he drink blood, but he did murder thousands of his countrymen. His chosen last name "Dracula," a reference to a religious order founded by his father, translates to "son of the devil," according to Nuzum.

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