🦇 The Vampire Timeline 1500-1900
⚰️ 1500-1600: The Blood Countess and New Legends
In the mid-16th century, vampire lore took on a more sinister tone with the introduction of Erzsebet (Elizabeth) Bathory, the infamous "Blood Countess." Born into nobility in 1560, Bathory's dark desires led her to commit gruesome acts of torture and murder, earning her a legendary status in vampire history. Her insatiable thirst for blood and the horrifying methods she employed became the stuff of nightmares, ensuring her place in the annals of vampiric folklore.
In 1562, the village of Poljica in Croatia was gripped by fear as undead creatures, believed to be vampires, terrorized and killed the inhabitants. The villagers united to eliminate this threat, marking the first documented vampire hunt in Europe and setting a precedent for future encounters with the undead.
🇮🇹 1573: Ambrogio and Selene – The Italian Vampire Tale
In 1573, a romantic and tragic Italian folktale emerged, telling the story of Ambrogio and Selene. This tale of love, passion, and a curse that transformed Ambrogio into a vampire offers a unique perspective on the vampire mythos, blending themes of romance and the supernatural.
📜 1597: Daemonologie by King James VI of Scotland
The late 16th century also saw the publication of Daemonologie by King James VI of Scotland in 1597. This treatise delves into the supernatural, exploring the existence of witches, werewolves, and other demonic creatures, including the undead. King James's work reflects the era's fascination and fear of the supernatural, contributing to the growing body of vampire lore.
🌙 1600-1700: An Era of Darkness and Discovery
The 17th century continued to expand on vampire mythology. In 1610, Elizabeth Bathory was convicted of the gruesome murder of hundreds of girls, rumored to have bathed in their blood to maintain her youth. Her story remains shrouded in mystery and controversy, fueling the dark allure of vampire legends.
In 1645, Leo Allatius published De quorundam Graecorum Opinationibus, a treatise on Greek vampires known as vrykolakas. This work fueled both fear and fascination with vampires across Europe, adding depth to the vampire mythos.
German scholar Phillip Rohr's De Masticatione Mortuorum, published in 1679, provided pioneering insights into vampire origins and habits, igniting further exploration into the realm of the supernatural.
During the early 18th century, the terrifying tale of soldier Arnold Paole spread fear and panic in the town of Meduegna in modern-day Serbia. Paole claimed to have become a vampire, and his story became a focal point of vampire hysteria.
⚱️ 1645-1647: The Jure Grando Legend
The legend of Jure Grando, the alleged Istrian vampire, emerged in the 17th century. Said to have risen from the grave after his death, Grando terrorized his village until he was ultimately destroyed by a group of brave villagers. This tale highlights community efforts against vampiric threats and adds to the rich tapestry of vampire lore.
📚 1700-1800: Vampires in Literature and Language
The 18th century saw significant developments in vampire literature and language. In 1734, the word "vampyre" entered the English language, derived from the Greek word "upir," and soon became synonymous with the undead creatures we now know as vampires.
Lord Byron's 1813 epic poem "The Giaour" featured a vampire character named Lara, shaping the European fear of vampires and influencing subsequent vampire literature.
The serialized gothic novel Varney, the Vampire; or, The Feast of Blood, published between 1845-1847, followed the story of Sir Francis Varney, a vampire who terrorizes a family in England. This sensational tale captivated Victorian audiences and further popularized the vampire mythos.
🏰 1734: The Vampire of Croglin Grange
The terrifying tale of the Vampire of Croglin Grange originated in England in the 18th century. The narrative recounts the chilling events at the Croglin Grange estate, where a vampire was said to have attacked and fed on the residents, leaving a lasting impact on local folklore.
⚔️ 1739: The István Pintér Case
The István Pintér case in 18th-century Hungary reveals the extent of vampire superstition during this time. As fears of vampirism swept through Eastern Europe, Pintér, a soldier, was accused of being a vampire and subsequently exhumed and examined, showcasing the hysteria and cultural impact of vampire myths.
🕰️ 1751: Dom Augustine Calmet's "Treatise on the Vampires of Hungary and Surrounding Regions"
Dom Augustine Calmet, a French scholar, wrote extensively on vampire myths and legends. His 1751 treatise on vampires in Hungary and surrounding areas provided an in-depth examination of vampire beliefs and their cultural origins, influencing the understanding and depiction of vampires in literature and folklore.
📜 1819: The Vampyre by John Polidori
John Polidori's The Vampyre, published in 1819, is considered the first modern vampire story. This groundbreaking work introduced the character of Lord Ruthven, an aristocratic vampire who inspired later vampire literature, including Bram Stoker's Dracula. Polidori's story marked a significant shift in vampire mythology, emphasizing the allure and danger of the vampire figure.
💧 1847: Varney the Vampire, or the Feast of Blood
Varney the Vampire, or the Feast of Blood, published in 1847, delves into the world of penny dreadfuls with its sensational tale of Sir Francis Varney. This serialized story captivated Victorian audiences, further popularizing the vampire mythos and influencing future vampire literature.
🌟 1800: The Birth of an Icon and a Lasting Legacy
In 1847, Bram Stoker, the author of the iconic novel Dracula, was born in Dublin, Ireland. Stoker's legacy continues to inspire countless vampire stories and shape our modern conception of these mythical creatures.
Sheridan Le Fanu's 1871 novella Carmilla explores themes of same-sex attraction and the seductive power of the vampire, pioneering the lesbian vampire subgenre and leaving a lasting impact on vampire literature.
Bram Stoker's Dracula, published in 1897, introduced the infamous Count Dracula. This tale has captivated readers for over a century and continues to be one of the most popular and enduring works in vampire literature, cementing the vampire's place in modern culture.