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How Early Vampire Literature Formed Vampires of Today

The 19th Century is known as the century of the vampire. Vampires were no longer considered evil, ghoulish, dirty beings that one should fear and loathe. Vampires had evolved into creatures of charm, power and sexual beings.

The 19th Century is known as the century of the vampire. Vampires were no longer considered evil, ghoulish, dirty beings that one should fear and loathe. Vampires had evolved into creatures of charm, power and sexual beings. Below are a few vampire tales that fed the mania caused by today's super human vampires.

The Vampyre by John Polidori

Today's modern, passionate vampire got its foundation from this short story which was penned in 1819. Aubrey, a young Englishman is introduced to Lord Ruthven, a man with a mysterious background and a newcomer to London culture. As the two begin travelling through southern Europe, many vampire attacks are taking place. However, Aubrey doesn't figure out what's going on at first. Before long, bandits appear and attack Aubrey and Ruthven, leaving Ruthven fatally wounded. However, on his dyeing bed, Ruthven gets his friend to promise that he will not disclose any details of their journey for a week and a day. Once Aubrey returns to London Aubrey returns to London, he happens upon his friend, Ruthven, who is very much alive and without injury. Nevertheless, Ruthven reminds his friend of the promise he made not so long ago.

Back in London, Ruthven charms the sister of Aubrey. Since Aubrey is not allowed to disclose Ruthven's true identity to his beloved sister, he succumbs to a nervous breakdown and passes away. The love birds are then married and Ruthven murders his new bride on the night of their wedding, and then simply disappears into the night.

Carmilla by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu

Carmilla is a fable that was released in 1872. Carmilla is a female vampire who becomes interested in another woman named Laura. Laura lives in the forests of Styria in a castle with her father. She becomes mesmerized by the hold Carmilla has over her. However, she finds herself torn between attraction and repulsion at the same time with Carmilla, but can't seem to free herself.

In the meantime, peasants are falling ill mysteriously along the countryside. However, Carmilla is eventually fought off by a strong man that has experience with vampires, General Speilsdorf and Laura is eventually saved.

Dracula by Bram Stoker

One of the most well known vampire stories is that of Count Dracula, the vampire that falls in love with Mina Murray. Mina's fiancé', Jonathan Harker, becomes distraught over the obsession Mina has for the Count and his mysterious ways. Jonathan recruits Dr. Van Helsing to assist him in rescuing Mina from Count Dracula's hold.

Many scholars today concur that Carmilla was the basis for the Dracula fable. Bram Stoker, an Irish author, wrote Dracula in 1897 and is credited with creating the most recognized vampire of all time. The similarities between Carmilla and Dracula are quite obvious. They both have a love interest, Laura for Carmilla and Mina for Dracula. Both families come from nobility. Additionally, both stories contain a hero that fights off the vampire, General Speilsdorf in Carmilla and Van Helsing in Dracula. To many it would seem that the story of Dracula has many of the characteristics that are seen in the story of Carmilla.

As anyone knows, today's powerful, sensual and blessed (or cursed, depending on how you view it) with eternal life vampires evolved directly from Dracula as he possessed all of these mesmerizing qualities. These authors have brought about a character that was once loathed to the forefront with their powerful and attractive qualities. Vampires will forever be redefined and have become the focal point of today's most telling horror, but sensual love stories.

Lynn has been writing articles for approximately three years. Come visit her latest website over at http://twilightseriesnews.com which has just about any and everything you want to know about the Twilight Series!

Article Source: How Early Vampire Literature Formed Vampires of Today