The Vampyre: The Role Of Vampires In Gothic Literature

Vampires originally originate from Eastern Europe in the late 17th and 18th century. The literary vampire first appeared in 18th-century poetry, before becoming one of the stock figures of gothic fiction with the publication of Polidori's The Vampyre (1819), which was inspired by the life and legend of Lord Byron. Vampires have been known to have many weaknesses, some examples are garlic, cross, sunlight. Vampires are also known for their blood thirsty appetite. Corpses thought to be vampires were generally described as having a healthier appearance than expected, plump and showing little or no signs of decomposition. In some cases, when suspected graves were opened, villagers even described the corpse as having fresh blood from a victim all over its face.

Folkloric vampires could also make their presence felt by engaging in minor poltergeist-like activity, such as hurling stones on roofs or moving household objects, and pressing on people in their sleep. There are ways to kill a vampire though some examples are with staking the most commonly cited method, particularly in southern Slavic cultures, Ash was the preferred wood in Russia and the Baltic states with a record of oak in Silesia. Aspen was also the wood of choice for stakes, as it was believed that Christ's cross was made from aspen (aspen branches on the graves of purported vampires were also believed to prevent their risings at night). Potential vampires were most often staked through the heart, though the mouth was targeted and the