“VAMPIRIC ORIGINS AND INSPIRATIONS” #WeirdDarkness
1Digest
This podcast delves into the fascinating world of cryptids and vampires, exploring their origins, evolution, and cultural impact. It begins with a humorous political ad for a cryptid party, highlighting the fascination with creatures like Bigfoot and Mothman. The podcast then examines the human fascination with cryptids, specifically Bigfoot, and its connection to our love for hidden objects. The discussion then shifts to vampires, tracing their evolution from terrifying monsters to glamorous figures in entertainment. The podcast explores the real-life medical conditions, such as porphyria and catalepsy, that may have contributed to the belief in vampires. It also examines the historical figures, like Vlad the Impaler and Countess Elizabeth Bathory, who inspired Bram Stoker's Dracula. The podcast delves into the origins of vampire legends, exploring their presence in various cultures and mythologies. It examines the characteristics of vampires and their evolution over time, from demonic creatures to more complex characters. The podcast also explores the influence of historical events, such as the cholera epidemic in Sligo, Ireland, and the essay "Transylvania Superstitions" by Emily Gerard, on Bram Stoker's Dracula. Finally, the podcast discusses the first vampire to appear in creative literature, Rick Austin Felder's short poem "The Vampire," published in 1748. It also explores other early vampire works, including "Lonore" and "The Vampire" by John Polodori.
Outlines
Cryptids and Vampires: A Journey Through Folklore and Entertainment
This podcast explores the fascinating world of cryptids and vampires, examining their origins, evolution, and cultural impact. It begins with a humorous political ad for a cryptid party, highlighting the fascination with creatures like Bigfoot and Mothman. The podcast then examines the human fascination with cryptids, specifically Bigfoot, and its connection to our love for hidden objects.
The Evolution of Vampires in Entertainment
This chapter discusses the evolution of vampires in entertainment, from frightening monsters to glamorous figures. It introduces the concept of real-life vampire tendencies and the historical figures who inspired Bram Stoker's Dracula.
The Origins of Vampire Legends
This chapter delves into the origins of vampire legends, exploring their presence in various cultures and mythologies. It examines the characteristics of vampires and their evolution over time.
The Inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula
This chapter explores the various inspirations behind Bram Stoker's Dracula, including real-life figures like Vlad the Impaler and Countess Elizabeth Bathory, as well as fictional works like "Varney the Vampire" and "Carmilla."
The Influence of Historical Events on Dracula
This chapter examines the influence of historical events on Bram Stoker's Dracula, including the cholera epidemic in Sligo, Ireland, and the essay "Transylvania Superstitions" by Emily Gerard. It also explores how bats became associated with vampires.
The First Vampire in Creative Literature
This chapter discusses the first vampire to appear in creative literature, Rick Austin Felder's short poem "The Vampire," published in 1748. It also explores other early vampire works, including "Lonore" and "The Vampire" by John Polodori.
Keywords
Cryptids
Cryptids are creatures whose existence is unconfirmed by science but are often the subject of folklore and legend. Examples include Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, and the Yeti.
Vampires
Vampires are creatures of folklore and legend that are often depicted as undead beings who feed on the blood of the living.
Porphyria
A rare genetic disorder affecting the production of heme, a molecule essential for red blood cells. Symptoms include sensitivity to sunlight, abdominal pain, and neurological issues.
Catalepsy
A neurological condition characterized by a state of immobility and rigidity, often mistaken for death in the past. It can be associated with epilepsy, schizophrenia, and other disorders.
Vlad the Impaler
A 15th-century prince of Wallachia, known for his brutality and use of impalement as a form of torture. He is often cited as an inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula.
Countess Elizabeth Bathory
A Hungarian noblewoman known for her torture and murder of young girls. She believed that bathing in their blood would keep her young and healthy.
Bram Stoker
An Irish author best known for his gothic novel "Dracula," which helped to popularize the vampire myth.
Q&A
What are some of the real medical conditions that might have contributed to the belief in vampires?
Porphyria, a rare genetic disorder affecting heme production, and catalepsy, a neurological condition characterized by immobility, are two conditions that could have been mistaken for vampirism in the past.
How did the concept of vampires evolve over time in literature and entertainment?
Vampires have evolved from frightening monsters to glamorous figures in entertainment. Early vampire legends often depicted them as demonic creatures, while later works, like Anne Rice's novels, gave them more complex personalities and emotions.
What are some of the key inspirations behind Bram Stoker's Dracula?
Bram Stoker drew inspiration from various sources for his Dracula, including real-life figures like Vlad the Impaler and Countess Elizabeth Bathory, as well as fictional works like "Varney the Vampire" and "Carmilla."
How did historical events influence Bram Stoker's Dracula?
The cholera epidemic in Sligo, Ireland, and the essay "Transylvania Superstitions" by Emily Gerard are two examples of historical events that likely influenced Bram Stoker's Dracula. The cholera epidemic inspired the idea of premature burials, while Gerard's essay provided detailed information about vampire folklore.
What is the significance of the first vampire to appear in creative literature?
Rick Austin Felder's short poem "The Vampire," published in 1748, is considered the first vampire to appear in creative literature. While not a gruesome tale, it portrays the vampire figure in a sexual manner and suggests a connection between the vampire and the death of Christianity.
Show Notes
IN THIS EPISODE: Everyone knows about Dracula. Most everyone has seen at least one film starring the undead blood-sucker, or has read the novel by Bram Stoker. But only the real fans of Dracula know about the real people and true stories that inspired Bram Stoker to create the character.
SOURCES AND REFERENCES FROM THE EPISODE…
BOOK: “Transylvania Superstitions” by Emily Gerard: https://amzn.to/3vsAqrs
BOOK: “Carmilla” by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu: https://amzn.to/3cw291I
History.com, Ranker.com, AtlasObscura.com, InternationalHero.co.uk, HowStuffWorks.com, Universtiy of Iowa’s Victorian Wiki, Google Books, HistoryIreland.com: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/mnrpdm36,
https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/eeypjjz3, https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/4et6ysvs,
https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/5bcstakc, https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/53vbu5dr, https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/bhd6f7yv,https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/y36n7y9v, https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2nc96tjx, https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2848x4mk
Weird Darkness theme by Alibi Music Library.
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"I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." — John 12:46
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Originally aired: March 16, 2021
CUSTOM LANDING PAGE: https://weirddarkness.com/vampiricorigins/
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