The history of the vampire stems from ancient Persia where a vase was found illustrating a man fighting with a large blood sucking creature. The very first prince of Wallachia was Basarab the Great who ruled from 1310-1352, an ancestor of Dracula. Dracula’s Grandfather was Prince Mircea the Old who reigned from 1386 to 1418.
During the late fifteenth century there was trouble in the House of Basarab that resulted in the formation of two rival clans; the descendants of Prince Dan and those of Prince Mircea the Old. Mircea had an illegitimate son, Vlad Tepes (Dracula) who was born between 1430 and 1431 in a Transylvania town called Schassburg (aka Sighisoara).
In 1462 Dracula fled to Transylvania to gain support from the King of Hungary after a Turkish army gained power over Wallachia. Rather than achieving the support he had hoped for he was imprisoned by the Hungarian King. He was kept prisoner of Matthias Corvinus of Hungary for many years.
Years after being held captive, Dracula was released and his popularity began to grow again. Dracula also gained the support he had wanted from the Hungarian king. In 1476 he invaded Wallachia with a small army and was given the power to rule. Dracula was killed fighting the Turks near Bucharest in December of 1476. Dracula’s head was sent to Constantinople where the Sultan put it on display on a stake to show the people that the terrible Impaler had really been killed.
Bram Stoker released his first novel “Dracula” in 1897 inspired by the character of Vlad Drakul. Until this time nobody had connected Dracula with Vlad Drakul.
The majority of people recognise vampires as fictional characters with a supernatural element and a cannibalistic nature. Vampires were never portrayed as nice creatures, real vampires used their power to instil fear and terror like Vlad Drakul.
Vampires have an unquenchable thirst for blood without blood they would probably cease to exist. Vampires are often portrayed as sensual entity’s that seduce victims before sucking the life out of them. Vampires have been known to survive on animal blood, but they need human blood to thrive.
Vampires love to sleep in coffins although they hate churches. Holy Water has been known to kill Vampires and they also cannot stand the sight of garlic or crucifixes. The best way to kill a Vampire seems to be by beheading them if you can catch them first! After beheading them cut their heart out and burn their body on the nearest fire.
The sunlight is also supposed to kill Vampires, but actually this has only been an idea introduced in recent years. In traditional medieval times sunlight didn’t destroy the vampire. In fact, vampires could walk around just like everyone else in the sunlight. In the book, “Dracula” vampires could survive in the sunlight although they were zapped of their strength and powers.
Vampires are absolutely fascinating creatures who take on the appearance of man, but are far from being human. Once bitten by a blood sucking Vampire it is said that you will become immortal and transform into a Vampire as well. So if you have ever fancied being a Vampire then you will have to find one and get them to suck your blood.
Are vampires your favourite mythological creature? Are you going to a fancy dress party or need an outfit for Halloween? Then why not check out our range of Halloween fancy dress costumes including:
- Burlesque Victorian Vampiress Adult Costume – £33.99
This burlesque victorian vampire costume comes complete with dress, which is black and burgundy in colour, with lace detail and lace sleeves. Matching burgundy collar with black choker to give the victorian effect and black hat with burgundy band. - Vampire Costume – £16.90
This vampire costume includes long black jacket with high standing purple collar, purple cuffs and purple detail at the buttons. Also included is a white shirt which features black lace frill at the neck area and a purple tuxedo waist band which matches the costume. Also included is a face mask which has hair. - Vampiress Long Dress – 15.50
This vampiress dress is reasonably short in length at the front of the dress and long at the back, as it has like a tail gate. The top of the dress features a standing collar and has burgundy and yellow design. - Children’s Vampire Cape and Cravat – £14.99
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