Vampires are mythical creatures that feed on blood, often depicted with pale cold skin and and sharp canine teeth. The legend of the vampire spread from Slavic peasants in Europe to the Americas and the myth may have originated from a blood disorder called porphyria with one of the symptoms being sensitivity to the sun. Vampires can be weakened by garlic, silver, and crosses, they are unable to see their reflection in mirrors, and can turn other humans into vampires.

The Origin of Dracula

Vlad Drăculea was born in Transylvania, Romania. He ruled Walachia, Romania, off and on between 1448 and 1477. Some historians describe him as a brutally cruel ruler who valiantly fought off the Ottoman Empire. He earned his nickname because his favorite way to kill his enemies was to impale them on a wooden stake. According to legend, Vlad Drăculea enjoyed dining amidst his dying victims and dipping his bread in their blood. Many people believe these stories sparked Stoker’s imagination to create Count Dracula, who was also from Transylvania, sucked his victim’s blood and could be killed by driving a stake through his heart.

https://www.history.com/topics/folklore/vampire-history

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