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Vampires

Vampires are generally thought of as nocturnal beings that feed off the blood and life force of humans. Usually, they are believed to be undead or supernatural creatures. Vampire stories and legends can be found in almost every culture on earth.

Vampirism itself is a form of cannibalism, by the consumption of human or animal blood and has been regarded throughout history and by certain cultures as a method of gaining supernatural powers. Vampirism was also used as a way to intimidate an enemy throughout history, creating a psychological fear in the opposing army or enemy. Vlad The Impaler, an ancient Romanian Prince that is generally credited with being the inspiration for Dracula as we know him, is a great example of this form of psychological intimidation.

Many different cultures believe that vampires are already dead, therefore cannot be killed. Others believe that only certain methods can be used to eliminate a vampire. Because vampires are regarded as demons by some, holy water is said to be an effective weapon when battling a vampire. In addition to holy water, a crucifix is believed to repel vampires as well. The most widely accepted method for eliminating a vampire, is a wooden stake through the heart. Because of the nocturnal habits of vampires, it has been believed that if you could find a vampire sleeping during the day, you could eliminate them by driving the stake through their heart. This method can probably be traced back to Vlad The Impaler, who would impale his victims on sharpened tree stumps, which would often result in a horrifying and slow death. Vampires are also believed to be highly allergic to sunlight. Exposing a vampire to sunlight is widely thought to be a sure "fire" way of eliminating a vampire. Many people throughout history have actually been killed by these methods after being suspected of being one of the undead.

In ancient demonology, there were vampire like beings called Lilu, and in Sumerian legend, there were Akhkharu, who were believed to stalk during the night killing newborn infants and pregnant women. There are vampire like beings in India, found in Sanskrit folklore, called vetalas, which are thought to be spirits which inhabit corpses. Hinduism has it's own stories of blood-drinking gods, goddesses, and humans. Considering reincarnation is an intricate part of Hinduism, someone who leads a sinful, or unclean life could be reincarnated as a vampire, forced to feed from the blood of the living. The Egyptian goddess Sekhmet became enslaved to her blood lust after killing humans, and was only soothed by drinking alcohol made to look like blood.

Vampires have been a popular subject for books, television and movies for many years. Before the invention of modern luxuries, Vampires were just as popular a subject for legends and tales told. Vampires seem to have an alluring effect on the general public and many people even today, believe in the existence of vampires. Some even claim to be vampires themselves. The fascination with vampires in modern times has grown into an entire sub culture of vampire lovers and vampires. Within the modern vampire subculture there are different types of vampires, as well as a vampire hierarchy.