For some of us the term vampire conjures up the image of Bela Lugosi’s Dracula, a tall man with a long cape, pale complexion and jet black hair. For others, it is Christopher Lee, handsome and sensual, luring innocent (but usually buxom) young women into his bed to drain her of her precious blood (and for a few, it is the hideous Max Schreck of Nosferatu). But how do they compare to the vampiric creatures of ancient legends?
The Origins of the Vampire
In ancient Babylonia, a female vampire-like spirit called Lilu was said to roam the earth at night, feeding off pregnant women and newborn babies, her counterpart in ancient Sumeria was the demon Akhkharu, who was believed to perform similar acts. Together with these, Egyptian Goddess Sekhmet was said have become so full of bloodlust after the slaughter of many mortals, that she could only be satisfied by drink alcohol coloured as blood.
The more primitive image most of us hold of the vampire (that of a reanimated corpse stalking victims at night to drain them of their blood) is rooted in the history of Eastern Europe. In Slavic lore, causes of vampirism included dying an “unnatural” death, excommunication and improper burial rituals. The creature in this case would burrow it’s way out of the grave and feed off its family and friends until it was exposed to sunlight or decapitated. Some vigilant people would be sure to bury suspected vampires with a scythe, thus ensuring decapitation occurred before the creature had the opportunity to dig its way out.
In Romania, beliefs differed somewhat. Known as Strigoi, certain versions record them as being living witches who have the ability to send their souls out at night to meet up with other witches.
Vampires around the World
Further afield, in Western Africa for example, the Asasabonsam are tree dwelling vampires with hooks for feet, capturing victims and biting them on the thumb. In south America, there is the alluring Azeman, by day appearing as a human female, by night she transforms into a bat or wolf and prays upon victims.
China is home to the Ch’ing Shih. It is unclear what causes the change from human being to vampire, but the Ch’ing Shih initially appear as a glowing sphere of light before materialising into a livid human, poisoning victims with their breath before draining their blood. Legend holds that keeping a pile of rice by the bedroom window or door will act as protection as the Ch’ing Shih must stop and count every grain before passing, usually taking until morning when they will die of exposure to sunlight.
Perhaps the most unusual vampire of them all, is the Eastern European Gypsy Mulo. Adult male Mulo’s were said to appear to the woman they loved (usually their widows) whereupon they would attempt to regain their favour by helping with the housework. When this example is taken into account, Christopher Lee suddenly doesn’t seem so frightening!
Sources:
Vampires:The Origin of the Myth by Adrian Nicholas McGrath
www.vampires.monstrous.com
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