All About Vampires

Last Updated on Sunday, 22 November 2009 19:14

The vampire, which is where the Zompire Dracularius gets its name, is a legendary creature that feeds off the blood of living creatures.  They are generally described as undead individuals who emerge at night to drink the blood of the living.

The term "vampire" has undergone many different uses, dating back to ancient tales of supernatural beings consuming the blood and flesh of living humans.  The Devil was considered to be synonymous with a vampire.  Almost every nation has associated demons with blood drinking.  In India, tales exist of ghoul-like beings that would inhabit corpses.  Also, the fanged Indian goddess of Kali was linked with the drinking of blood.  Ancient Greek mythology included Empusa, the daughter of Hecate, who would transform into a young woman, seduce men, and feast on their blood as they slept.  This may give some insight into the mind of the feared Zompire Dracularius.

European folklore included myths surrounding vampires.  There was even a frenzy of vampire sightings in Eastern Europe during the 18th century.  This sparked hunts of potential revenants ending in frequent stakings and grave diggings.  Even government officials engaged in the hunting of presumed vampires.  While most legends were quelled during the Age of Enlightenment, the belief in vampires grew dramatically and created mass hysteria throughout Europe.

The vampire has taken on a very different characterization in modern culture.  Bram Stoker created the image of "Dracula", which also makes up the name Zompire Dracularius.  This image has take the vampire to a new cultural level.  The vampire is a very rich subject for the gaming and film industry.  Notable films include Nosferatu, Dracula, Dracula's Daughter, and Hammer Horror.