The Malleability of the Vampire

Something I see often online is the nitpicking over what does and does not constitute a “vampire.” I have engaged in it myself, on occasion, but only where Sanguivores are concerned. Sanguivores, aka Sanguinarians, are, for those who might not be familiar with the term, human beings who, for whatever reason–and there are many–ingest blood, either human or animal. It’s a pet peeve of mine when I see such a person called a “vampire.” It bugs many of them, too. That’s why they, and I, stress the terms “Sanguivore” and “Sanguinarian.” What, then, are the criteria for a vampire? The answer to that question must needs be a second question: What KIND of vampire are we talking about? Movie vampires? Vampires of Literature? Vampires of Folklore? Psychic vampires? Energy vampires?

I have one main criterion. To be classified as a vampire, the entity in question must be supernatural in nature. That’s it. So whether we’re talking about the putrid vampire of folklore, which may or may not consume blood; or the classic vampire with fangs; or the bat-like vampire of Hindu legend that never was human to begin with; to the vampire that never leaves its grave but exerts an unholy influence nonetheless; to the human body parts-eating fiend from the JEEPERS CREEPERS movies; to the depictions of any and all such entities on film and in books; if asked, which one is a “real” vampire, my answer would be simply “yes.”

By TheCheezman

WAYNE MILLER is the owner and creative director of EVIL CHEEZ PRODUCTIONS, specializing in theatrical performances and haunted attractions. He has written, produced, and directed (and occasionally acted in) over two dozen plays, most of them in the Horror and True Crime genres. He obtained a doctorate in Occult Studies from Miskatonic University and is an active paranormal investigator. Is frequently told he resembles Anton Lavey. And Ming the Merciless. Denn die totden reiten schnell!

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