Mythology/Folklore

European, Slavic

Associated Holidays

Samhain, Halloween

Location 

Throughout Europe, Germany, Slavic Countries, United States

Famous Werewolves in Folklore

Literary: Count Dracula, Lord Ruthven, Carmilla, The Highgate Vampire

Historical: Vlad the Impaler, Elizabeth Báthory, The Vampire of Hanover

Key Points / Halloween Connection

- The "Halloween" vampire comes from European/Slavic folklore

- Vampire lore arrived in America with European/Slavic Immigrants

*Rink Fact: For the purpose of this unit when the term "Vampire" is used, it is specifically referring to the creature from European and Slavic folklore.

Brief Bio

A vampire is a mythical creature that subsists by feeding on the vital essence (generally in the form of blood) of the living. In European folklore, vampires are undead humanoid creatures that often visited loved ones and caused mischief or deaths in the neighbourhoods which they inhabited while they were alive. They wore shrouds and were often described as bloated and of ruddy or dark countenance, markedly different from today's gaunt, pale vampire which dates from the early 19th century.