VAMPIRE STORY

People have always enjoyed scaring themselves silly with the undead. So vampire stories have a long history, from traditional tales to the latest movie release.
The first vampire stories that we know of came from ancient Babylonia. Demons called Lilu were believed to wander the earth at night, sucking the blood of pregnant women and babies. The word “lilu” was adopted into ancient Hebrew writings as Lilith, the first wife of Adam. Not being a nice person, she was booted out of the Garden of Eden, and became the mother of all vampires. Vampire stories spread through the cultures of the Middle East and were present in Persia, where a vase was found showing a man fighting off a vampire.
From the Middle East vampire stories entered Europe, probably during the Crusades. In the eleventh century vampire tales became prevalent in Europe, and any corpse that didn’t decompose as expected became a cause for concern. By the twelfth century, writers such as Walter Map and William of Newburgh were producing accounts of vampires in England. These accounts have some common threads. Vampires were people who died in a state of sin, they liked to bother people they had known in life, and they could only be stopped by the complete destruction of their corpse.
The belief that vampires caused the plague became common at this time, too. And it’s actually reasonable to think that vampires lurking around and spreading corruption would produce a plague. It’s possible that some plague victims were quickly buried alive in shallow graves, and dug their way out. This would back up both the belief in vampires and the theory that they caused the plague.
We think of vampires as being a part of Eastern European culture, and that region does have a rich heritage of vampire lore. But vampire stories were cnmmon in all parts of Europe, in Russia, and in the British Isles. And, as we know, they didn’t die out after the Middle Ages. Strangely, the eighteenth century, which we call the Age of Reason, saw a surge in vampire tales.
Two incidents in the 1720’s sparked this surge. A man named Plogojowitz died in East Prussia and was said to have come back as a vampire. Then, in Serbia, an ex-soldier named Paole also died and apparently returned as a vampire. It was reported that Paole had been bitten by a vampire years before. The two cases caused a great controversy. The officials who documented the evidence said it was all true, and most scholars said it was not, and that there were no such things as vampires. Before the uproar died down a few years later, people were staking down corpses all over central Europe.

All this led to vampire-themed poems by several German poets. One, by Heinrich August Ossenfelder, is about a young man who is rejected by a very religious girl. He threatens o suck her blood, showing that his evil is stronger than her piety. This is actually not compatible with the Age of Reason, which could be anti-Christian. Even the great Goethe joined in the vampire craze, writing The Bride of Corinth. It was also critical of Christianity; the bride dies and becomes a vampire after the cruel fate of being sent to a convent.
But the eighteenth century was just a prelude to the vampire literature produced by the nineteenth century. It began in 1816 with a contest. Lord Byron, Percy Bysshe Shelley, his wife Mary, and their friend Dr. John Polidori were vacationing in Switzerland. The weather was too bad to go out for several days, and to pass the time the friends decided to see who could write the best horror story. (Mary Shelley is, of course, posterity’s hands-down winner with Frankenstein). Dr. Polidori completed a story called “The Vampyr” that was published in 1819 and was very popular. Byron started a vampire story, also, but it was never finished.
All kinds of vampires then appeared in literary works and popular fiction. Elizabeth Caroline Grey is believed to be the first woman to write a vampire novel. Vampire-themed penny dreadful were very much in demand. On the European continent, Paul Feval produced three vampire novels and Milvan Glisic wrote about a Serbian vampire. Sheridan le Fanu wrote Carmilla, about a female vampire, in 1872.

It’s worth noting that vampires were not just considered fiction in the nineteenth century; belief in them persisted. In Germany people could purchase a vampire-killing kit.
The defining vampire tale of the nineteenth century, and all time, has to be Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Stoker was born in Ireland in 1847. He was a writer and theater critic, and manager of the Lyceum Theater in London. He never went to Eastern Europe, but was intrigued by the idea of the vampire and had a writer’s imaginative gifts. He had originally planned to give his vampire a different name, but while researching for the novel he learned that “Dracula” meant “devil” in Romanian, and so decided on that name. Dracula is written as a series of letters and diary entries, a good technique for adding realism to an improbable story. Stoker’s Dracula is the charming, elegant gentleman portrayed later by Bela Lugosi in film. But the character Jonathan Harker describes his handshake as “cold as ice--more like the hand of a dead than a living man.”
Dracula was published in 1897. It was only a few years later, in 1922, that the first film version of it was produced. The film was called Nosferatu, a strange name with obscure origins. It was probably first introduced into English by travel writer Emily Gerard in 1885. She wrote that Romanians had told her about a vampire-like creature called the nosferatu, but the word has no meaning in Romanian. It’s most likely that she wrote it incorrectly, since she didn’t know Romanian.
Nosferatu was directed by F.W. Murnau. He was one of the most accomplished filmmakers of 1920’s Germany, a very prolific and creative period. The haunting, cadaverous creepiness of its star, Max Schreck, and its brooding use of light and shadow make it a classic. The scene in which the nosferatu is struck by sunlight and killed is riveting. But the movie was not without controversy. Florence Stoker, Bram’s widow, sued the producers of Nosferatu for copyright infringement, and as a result all the names of the characters in the movie were changed; Dracula became Count Orlok. Florence, who had no means of support other than the proceeds from Dracula, continued her suit and asked that all copies of the movie be destroyed. In 1925 a judge agreed to this. A few copies were held back, though, and today Nosferatu is readily available on DVD.
In 1931 Universal Studios produced the film Dracula after studio head Carl Laemmle bought the rights to the story. The plan was for Tod Browning, an experienced director, to direct film star Lon Chaney in the role of Dracula. But by the time filming was ready to begin, Chaney had passed away. No one really wanted Bela Lugosi for the role, but Lugosi was so anxious to have it that he agreed to a very small salary, and so he was finally cast as Dracula. Now it’s hard to imagine anyone else in the film. Lugosi, a native of Hungary and a veteran stage actor, brought a hypnotic and elegant menace to the part. He could suggest more with his eyes than many actors with their entire facial expressions. His thick accent added to the character, and in the film the ladies in England find him exotic and fascinating. With other fine performances, especially Dwight Frye as Renfield, Dracula is*readily available on DVD and well worth seeing.
Vampires continued to be a staple of movies; Christopher Lee played them in the 1960’s and 1970’s with a charming British accent and an evil grace.
In the 1970’s Barnabas Collins became a very popular vampire on the TV soap opera Dark Shadows. Played by Jonathan Frid, Barnabas was a reluctant vampire, having been turned into one by a woman scorned. In the 1700’s Barnabas loves Josette, but Angelique the witch loves Barnabas. When Angelique finally realizes she can’t have him, she sends a bat to bite him and he becomes one of the undead. Barnabas’s wealthy and embarrassed family then seals him up in a coffin; two hundred years later he’s accidentally released, and the story revolves around him looking for ways to cure his vampirism. The production value of Dark Shadows was low and the actors often stumbled over their lines. But the show had absorbing plots and engaging characters, and was a great deal of fun, anyway.
Today the Twilight series and movies are the rage among teenage girls, who have always had a soft spot for vampires. You can read some very interesting background by Stephenie Meyer, the author, at www.stepheniemeyer.com/.

In the future, we’ll enjoy more great vampire stories, because we know from experience that we’ll never get tired of vampires.
 

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The Myths and Legends at Glastonbury

 

There are many Myths and Legends at Glastonbury, two of which deal with Bible stories - one directly and one indirectly. Glastonbury’s tales are often told singularly, as if each telling were the one and only myth of the land, but when taken together they form many connections, like the varied twigs and branches of one great, ancient tree.

King Arthur

The Arthurian legends stretch out across many lands, but in Glastonbury there seems to be a nexus of sorts. Indeed many believe that this is where fabled Camelot once existed, the backdrop of the famous Knights of the Round Table, Merlin the wizard and the tragic and heroic figure of Arthur himself.

In nearby South Cadbury there is a hill fort, a possible ancient remnant of Camelot proper. There is proof that the hill fort dates back to the early 6th century and this is when many believe the time of Camelot was.

There are more physical hints to possible legendary connections between Glastonbury and famed Camelot. The enchanting hill that rises above the lands of Glastonbury known as the Glastonbury Tor -- is believed by some to be the mythical Isle of Avalon. At first blush it seems like a silly link; after all, shouldn’t an Isle be surrounded by water? But upon further examination it isn’t as silly as it sounds.

In the 6th century the water levels of the region were much higher, which could very well have turned the Tor into an Isle; an Isle often referred to the “Island of Glass” - a possible etymological connection to the word “Glastonbury?”

Indeed the very structures of the land are often linked to Arthurian legend. One such myth suggests that the varying architecture was laid out in conjunction with the landscape to provide a sort of celestial zodiac calendar with Arthurian imagery. Also at the Glastonbury Abby monks claimed in the 12th century to have found a stone marked “Here likes Arthur, king” and under it a man and woman’s skeletons - the bones of Arthur and his wife, Queen Guinevere? 

The Grail

The Holy Grail features prominently in Arthurian legend, which links to another set of myths around a biblical figure - Joseph of Arimathea. Believed to be Jesus’ uncle, this Joseph was supposedly the bearer of the grail from the Holy Land - along with, according to legend - the body of the Messiah.

The grail was supposed to contain a few drops of Jesus’ blood, and legend has it that Joseph buried it at the foot of the Glastonbury Tor, from which sprang a spring of blood. To this day there is the Chalice Well, where the water often has a reddish cast.

Also it was said that when Joseph of Arimathea arrived in Glastonbury he stuck his thorn staff into the ground and it turned into a thorn tree and blossomed. A cutting was taken from that tree and planted in the Glastonbury Abby, where to this day a thorn tree from Palestine blossoms every Christmas.

The Stonehenge Myth

Most people know Stonehenge as the man made ring of ancient stones in England and attribute to it some association with the ancient Druidic and pagan people of that land. What they may not know are the various legends ascribed to the stone ring legends that link its construction to Ireland and even Africa, not to mention wizards and giants.

The Stonehenge Myth

While Stonehenge itself is clearly not a myth, there are myths that surround the origins of the stone ring, especially concerning how, exactly, ancient man was able to lift and move individual stones weighing 50 tons apiece.

Stonehenge is not simply a circle of standing stones, although that is certainly what is the most apparent. The stones stand in a ditch carved out around 3,000 BC, and as the stones themselves (or at least their placement) date to around 2,200 BC, the construction of Stonehenge was not an overnight accomplishment. This is one factor that many legends do not take into account, as they ascribe the erection of the stones to magic or as the work of massive giants, the one myth suggests that King Arthur was responsible for the creation of the stone circle, harnessing the power of 15,000 knights and one wizard to do so. The stones were in Ireland, and obtaining them necessitated the killing of 7,000 Irish, who didn’t want to give up their stones. All the king’s men couldn’t move the stones, however, but Merlin managed to magic them to their resting place in Wiltshire.

And how did the rocks end up in Ireland? According to Geoffrey of Monmouth, the author to first put Arthurian Legend to narration, they were moved from Africa to Ireland by giants, brought to the Emerald Isle because of special healing properties. Geoffrey was known to inject a good deal of his own imagination into his “historical” writings.

The Origin of the Stonehenge Myth

The presence of such a monumental stone circle in the countryside dating back as far as living memory, and for generations, practically demands a myth. With no express explanation in written history for their presence, and thanks to the obvious purpose with which they were placed, Stonehenge was bound to be a place of mystery and legend. The sheer massiveness of each stone demands an explanation that is not forthcoming, and so the myths came about to fill the void.

Today the Stonehenge circle and earthworks are associated with—and used by—many groups claiming there is a magical or spiritual significance there, a power that can be tapped into and harnessed. Historians try to point out, often in vain, that the Druids who may have used Stonehenge in antiquity have very little in common with those that claim that connection today.

Final Thoughts

The Stonehenge myths and legends are in danger of being permanently affected by modern day tourism. Around the turn of the last century many of the stones had fallen or were leaning precariously. A great undertaking restored the monuments, but now a fight is on to move two major roadways that pass right by the ancient site, without damaging it in the process.Things that one would assume would not take thousands of years.

Three thousand years old the Uffington White Horse is one of the more distinct of the many hill figures and chalk figures that dot the English countryside. The White Horse has given rise to many a theory as to the reason it was created; everything from a mystic symbol of power to a road-side advert for a horse market, all contributing to the overall air of mystery for the White Horse Myth.

The Loch Ness

In 1934 a grainy black and white photograph gave the world the first apparent proof that the age old legend of a monstrous creature inhabiting Scotland’s Loch Ness was indeed real. The swan-like neck the head reminiscent of a water dinosaur, the hump suggesting a long, powerful body; how could it not be the fabled Loch Ness Monster?

The Loch Ness Monster Myth

Among the legendary creatures of the world there are a few that stand out and are considered well known regardless of where in the world the tale is told. One of the most endearing—and enduring—is the myth of Nessie, the affectionate nickname of what is better known as the Loch Ness Monster. Said to inhabit Great Britain’s largest freshwater lake, Scotland’s Loch Ness, Nessie has been the subject of a great deal of speculation and scrutiny over the years. While it may seem a fairly modern myth, some references to an unusual creature have been made in writings as early the 7th Century. Sightings are reported by locals, scientists, tourists, and monster hunters, all of whom hope to be the one to provide conclusive proof that the famous Loch Ness Monster is as real as the loch itself.

The Origin of the Loch Ness Monster Myth

That first mention of a monster in the loch came by 7th century writer Adamnan, who was recounting the adventures of Saint Columbia in the year 565. While critics point out that the “Life of St. Columbia” depicts the holy man as something of a monster slayer and use that to discount the reference to the loch monster, it does remain as some proof that the legends of Nessie began long before the “evidence” began to surface.

The Sightings Begin

While tales of water monsters are not unique to Scotland—which in fact has reports of other loch monsters such as “Morag” from Loch Morar—it seemed that Loch Ness had more than its fair share of reported sightings. Naturally many are simple hoaxes, people having a bit of fun and coming along with a popular fantasy. Others are more serious on the part of the reporters, people who claim to have seen either bits and pieces of the monster (a head and neck rising swan-like from the loch, seen at a great distance) or something more fantastic (a couple claiming a creature described much like a dinosaur crossing the road in front of their car before disappearing into the loch). Evidence of the photographic kind began to appear as the technology to support it came along, the most famous of which is the “Surgeon’s Photograph”, taken by Dr. Robert Kenneth Wilson.

This photo, taken in 1934, is often shown cropped down to isolate the image of a head, neck and hump of a back in the water. The effect makes the creature imaged seem much larger than it actually is. Wilson, who never claimed it to be a photo of Nessie but rather “something” he saw in the loch, remained stoic in the face of accusations that it was a fake. Analysis of the ripples in the photo resulted in experts claiming that the “creature” was very small indeed. In the end Wilson admitted, decades later, that it was indeed a fake, so to speak. The “creature” in the photograph was a toy submarine with a crafted head and neck attached.

 

Final Thoughts

Theories have been floated to support sightings in Loch Ness from gassy submerged logs to boat wakes to an actual dinosaur surviving the march of time. In the end, it hardly matters if no evidence to prove the Loch Ness Monster is real ever surfaces, because the legend of Nessie is real enough.