Vampires, Werewolves, and Witches

Vampire lore has been the subject of discussion in many countries during the past few centuries. Bram Stoker's Dracula (1897) was modeled on the 15th-century Wallachian nobleman Vlad Tepes, also known as “Vlad the Impaler” and “Drakul” (Dragon). He was particularly known to be a “vicious and depraved sadist” who enjoyed torturing and murdering peasants who lived within his jurisdiction. Stories circulated about the secret horror chambers in the depths of his castle and how he was believed to be the devil or at least one of his emissaries. Tales evolved suggesting that some vampires could also transform themselves into werewolves. However, vampires usually had but one goal—to drink human blood—whereas werewolves mutilated and cannibalized. Vampires were also believed to be sexually involved with their ...