Vampire Origins:I want to suck your blooood

Vampires and their Origins

The vampire as we know it has only been around since the 18th century. However, the idea of a blood sucking demon has been around since the Persian Empire.

There are many names for the vampire. Ancient Babylon and Assyria called it Lilu which was derived from Hebrew demonology and was referring to a demon named Lillith. Greek and Roman mythology had three names for three different kinds called Empusae, Lamia, and the Striges. South Asia has the bhuta and China has the Jiang Shi.

Some believed that vampires come from the story of Lillith which is the Hebrew myth of another first woman other than Eve. Supposedly Lillith said the Lord’s name that was not to be spoken and was cursed. Others believe the first vampires were direct descendents of Cain who killed his brother Abel and committed the first murder and the legends and myths go on and on. The idea of the vampire we think of today was created by Bram Stoker in “Dracula”. In this story, a vampire based on the romanian ruler Vlad Tepes almost seems romantic as he seeks the woman of his dreams to live eternally with him as a vampire.

Other stories of vampires were written by Stephen King, Anne Rice and many others. The Twilight series has become a phenomenon but is entirely based on anything but a vampire.

We do have real vampires nowadays by the way. Fleas are bloodsucking creatures as well as the mosquito and the bed bug. However you look at them, there is a certain quality to a vampire that keep our interest. Perhaps, it’s the sensual idea of having our necks sucked on.