Vampires in Early Literature
From as far back as the ancient Sumerians all the way to the modern vampires prowling on the screens of Hollywood blockbusters, the vampire has been an enduring monster that continues to haunt humanities dreams.
Ever since May of 1897 when Dracula by Bram Stoker was first published, the vampire myth has been a strong character in world literature. No other literary monster has worn as many different faces or filled as many roles as the vampire. From hideous monster that stalks our dreams to suave aristocrat to sexy playboy to bit player on a kid’s show, the vampire is a versatile monster that has been a go-to for authors for decades. The reading public can’t seem to get enough vampires as the monster is constantly used in modern literature. Today, let’s look back at some of the vampires in early literature that still influence us today.
While not explicitly about vampires, The Giaour by Lord Byron does contain a section with strong vampiric themes. The poem, written in 1813 after Byron’s Grand Tour, became a critical and commercial success and cemented Byron’s reputation as an author. In the poem, the Ottoman narrator predicts a punishment of being condemned to become a vampire, killing one’s own family by sucking their blood, to his own torment as well as theirs. It is thought that Byron became familiar with the vampire myths on his Grand Tour.
The Vampyre by John William Polidori, written in 1819, is considered one of the first vampire stories to fuse all the myth into a coherent literary genre. Written as part of a contest between friends Polidori, Lord Byron, Percy Shelly, and Mary Shelly, The Vampyre gained popularity due in part because the public was led to believe that Lord Byron had actually written it. Centered around a young Englishman Aubrey, who meets Lord Ruthven, a vampire who has entered London society. Aubrey and Lord Ruthven travel, separate, and reconnect. Although not a full-length novel, The Vampyre has influenced countless authors and playwrights as they have worked on their own vampire fiction.
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SIR FRANCIS VARNEY
Written as a series of weekly pamphlets known as ‘penny dreadfuls,’ Varney the Vampire; or, the Feast of Blood first appeared in 1845 and is variously attributed to James Malcolm Rymer and Thomas Peckett Prest. Running over two years, the total volume comes in at nearly 667,000 words, an epic by any standard. Varney’s adventures are set in locations such as London, Bath, Winchester, Naples, and Venice. Centering around Varney’s interactions with the Bannerworth Family, Varney the Vampire introduces readers to many of the vampire tropes we still see today such as a vampire flying through a window to attack his victim. Varney is presented as a sympathetic character, a victim of circumstances. He tries to save himself but is unable. A powerful figure from the beginning of the vampire myth that still influences today.
From as far back as the ancient Sumerians all the way to the modern vampires prowling on the screens of Hollywood blockbusters, the vampire has been an enduring monster that continues to haunt humanities dreams. These are three great stories to read if you want to see the beginnings of the modern vampire myth. If you dare learn more about the vampire check out the novel, The Darkness of Truth by Leif Erickson.
The Darkness of Truth is the 11th published novel from Leif Erickson. Blending historical mysteries, religious doctrines, political intrigue, and a new twist on the vampire mythology, this new Young Adult novel will keep you turning page far into the night. You’ll no longer fear death, but you will fear those you meet along the way. For more information on author Leif Erickson and to buy his books today, please visit: www.leifericksonwriting.com and see where your imagination can take you.
Jøn, A. Asbjørn (2003). “Vampire Evolution”. METAphor (3): 21. Retrieved 25 November 2015.
Frayling, Christopher (1992), Vampyres: Lord Byron to Count Dracula, London: Faber & Faber, p. 108, ISBN 0-571-16792-6
David J. Skal (1996). V is for Vampire: An A to Z Guide to Everything Undead. Plume. pp. 210–212.
About Leif J. Erickson
Leif J. Erickson is a science fiction and fantasy author from a small farming community in west central Minnesota. Using his time wisely when he was a farmer, Leif developed many ideas, characters, and storylines to create over fifty unique first drafts and outlines for stories. From his start in a small town school, to college at North Dakota State University, back to his family farm, then to the bright lights of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and back to his small farming town, Leif has always had a love of writing.
When Leif isn’t writing he can be found with his wife hiking in state parks, canoeing local lakes and rivers, exploring local and regional ghost towns, experiencing museums, or simply reading or hanging out with friends and family. Leif draws on the local nature and ecology to find inspiration for his writing while he also asks what’s possible for technology and the human race, weaving them together for amazing stories that will stay with the reader for years to come. Leif looks forward to having many novel and story releases in the years to come.
You can see all of Leif’s Books here: Leif’s Amazon Author Page