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thevampirearchive · 2 years

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☾ Vampire lore around the world ☽

[From a black vampire lover - Updated 2024 ]

CW; Contains graphic depictions of vampires, incl. mentions of blood, death and more. Proceed at your own discretion.

Introduction Growing up I always loved all things supernatural, mythology and lore, but being raised christian meant I was not allowed to consume a lot of that type of media. Shows like The Vampire Diaries, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Twilight etc were a no, but somehow I still watched Vampire Of Brookly, and gifted the book series My Sister the Vampire by Sienna Mercer. A I got older, I realized everything boiled down to my parent's love for Eddie Murphy and whether the material in question looked child appropriate. Because to them, vampires were satans foot soldiers; terrorizing, demonic and too sexual (I bet Edward Cullen would have co-signed this in a heartbeat) With the years I got better at hiding my consumption of the terrorizing, demonic and sexy vampires (as teenage girls do) and it didn't take me long to realized that I, a black woman, was never properly represented. It wasn't until I read Twilight for the first time, during Lockdown, that this overwhelming feeling became more heart wrenching because why are we (black people) nowhere to be found in this genre? So of course, I began doing research as well as creating self-insert fics with black vampires. I know that black vampires have been portrayed or featured in western media before, but it was rare to see us be the main lead, an important character, written well or written with a black vampire in mind (oppose to creating a vampire character that happens to be black) The reality is, black and brown vampires in media were always being taken advantage of, mistreated, miserable, had few to little lines, or simply not celebrated as much as none-black vampires despite being cool or even being better, at times.

As I wrote my stories I began to ask my friends if they had any lore in their respective cultures and countries surrounding vampires. I was send a delicious amount of information and furthered my research. And thus began my hunt for the life beyond the living, and here is what I learned...

Disclaimer; All research was done at 3 am, either high or sleep deprived, all sources are cited at the end. If you have more to add or corrections please add it or feel free to DM.

The West and Vampires The Vampyre by John William Polidori (1819) was the first recorded published fictional Vampire Novel, in the West. It was also the first time Vampires had been potrayed as seductive and alluring creatures, whom despite prayed on beautiful (virgin) women, were very much humanized. There was also a sesnualizaton and romantisation of them, unlike previous found material, where vampires were nothing but terroro spreading monsters. Most of the lore that inspired western writers came from Eastern Europe and Aast Asia. The word Vampire itself comes from the Ukranian word Upir - meaning re-animated corpse, and later the word became Vampir in Serbian and by the 1700's the French had adapted it as Vampire. But it's origins date back further, with its origins meaning Witch. Some of the earliest accounts can be found in the later 1500's; In the Croation region of Istria, the villager Jure Grando Alilovic (1579-1656) passed due to illness. He was said to have risen from his grave at night to terrorizing the village for 16 years. He would knock on his victims door, and after a few days, someone from that household would die.In 1672 he was finally decapitated after many attemps of threatening him away, impaling and excorsising him. Simutaniously, in Breslau Germany, a shoemaker took his own life, and out of shame his widow hid his body with the help of her sister. They told people a number of lies to keep the secret of his suicide hidden, but it was not till the ghost of the shoemaker had harrassed the townsfolk for many months - from inflicting nightmares, physical abuse, bruises and punctures, that his body was echumed, cut into pieces and tossed into the river.

By this time, the Vampires in question had for a long time been regarded as the walking dead, resembling zombies moreso then Vampires. It was not till Father Francois Richard wrote of the Greek Vampire the Vrykolakas. This was a seen as a mischivous creature who would prey on their victims in the night - eat all their food, drink their wine, pull off their cloths and proceed to crush them in their sleep. They were said to be stillborn who did not recive their final rites, those concieved or born on a holy day, those who had consumed animals killed improperly, those burried incorrectly, the sinful and those killed by other Vrykolakas. Greece had a reputation of having the most vampires, especially island's such as Santorini.

From Albania we got the lore of the Sampiro, which was a night wandering creatures with glowing eyes, wearing flowing fabrics that covered most of its body, and in a pair of high heels that caused it to sway from side to side. It is said to follow its victim around, making a sound closely resembling kissing noises as it hungers for blood. It was not known to kill its pray, but instead take a larger amount of blood before fleeing again. It would often target the same people and could only be stopped with a stake through its heart. The lore of the Sampiro had it's prejudice as Albanians were conviced that Turks were the once turning into this vampiric creature, due to their mistrust and disdain of the Turkish Ottoman Empire. Alongside the Sampiro, there was also the Lugat (also dubbed the Kukithi), who were known to also not kill their victims but drink smaller amounts of blood to satiate their sensual appetite. It was said to be a shapeshifter who would take the form of a human man, child or animal, who's bite left their victim with psycological or spiritual ailments such as mental disorders, curses or bloodthirst of their own. The way to kill the Lugat was a wolf.

You can imagine there were many more accounts that seemed to appear in journals, letters and more - it wasn't till around 1679 that the matter was taken more serious and investigated. Philip Rohr, Roman theologist, wrote the book 'The Chewing of the Dead' (translaton) where he stated to believe in Vampires existence and that they were not to be hunted through the desecration of graves but instead through the strengthening of faith in God. Many accounts came after disputing the idea of Vampires, while more accounts grew depicting them. With the spredd of more terror across many countries and regions - more living dead were seen roaming hungrilly, drinking from livestock, as well as children and virgin's. It was not til later that physicians would attempt to prove that instantaneous rigor mortis or livor mortis was at play. With shifting corpses and bodies that still contained blood after days of being burried, the creation of devices were created meant to trapped the dead. This was done in metal cages, spiked coffins, decapitation before burrial, removal of teeth, tongue and heart and even the gouging out of eyes. And in some cases, the burning of bodies. Oppositly, devices to insure that no living were accidentally buried were created as well.

Today, many historians explain that these actions were the results of hysteria, which was only further fueled by folklore, as well as the many grave robbers, cannibals, serial killers and farm animal thieves that were present during these times. The panic made it as far as the New World (what we now know as the Americas) but the issue of Withces seemed to rapidly become a bigger problem. As many large events in the world, these stories and occurrences became compelling to artists such as authors and during the 19th century the surge of vampire fiction truly began to gain popularity, specifically in the direction that we recognize today. In our modern time, most see vampires as creatures created to warm young women and children from pale beautiful strangers who seem to never age. But many still believe these creatures existed, or did exist, and that these tales were our ancestors warning us and each other. As stated before, the lore that dominates the west does not always resemble the vampires of the rest of the world. Through research, I’ve found a platter of lore from all over the world, and thus divided them by continent. It is important to note that these versions of vampires have the characteristics of all thirsting for blood, praying on vulnerable people and being overall terrifying. They, on the other hand, do not all resemble the smooth-and perfect skinned pale sunlight-fleeing creatures that we know today to be Vampires. It is therefore important to keep that in mind that not all vampires look the same across the world. I, and many others, classify them as vampires and would like to see more of them respected outside of their respective regions for some flavor.

Africa The first two recorded vampires that I could find were suprisingly two I did not think were regarded as Vampires; From Egypt we have the lion-headed goddess, Sekhmet. As the deity of war (battle and healing) she was created to destroy the enemies of her creator Ra, but she quickly became overly bloodthirsty and was said to be unstopable. It wasn't till a red liquid was created, which was a mixture of wine and human blood (also said to have been beer) that she got drunk and ended her terror. In other versions, it made her fall alseep where her slumber was said to last for 3 days, where she was divided into two goddesses in hopes to end her terror. Her hatred

Despite not being African, the Jewish/Babylonian lore of Lilith, tells the tale of a bloodthirsty woman who would sneak into the homes of people. The ancient lore has inspired popular media, and you may have seen her mention in the Tv-Show True Blood as being the First ever Vampire. The Ashanti Tribe of modern day Ghana, has the obayifo. It is said to appear as human during the day, with shifting eyes and a huge appetite. It has the ability to take flight in search of prey, targeting corpses, children and are often found close to cocoa trees. It has the power to absorbe the lives and energies of its victims - a processes that can take several days. It is often said to be a witche or controlled by one. This is one of the accounts that lean more so towards an energetic vampire more so then the classic blood consuming one. Sometimes it is also closer linked to a zombie then a vampire.

Then we have the Asanbosam, also known as the Sasabonsam - who's lore are more widespread throughout Ghana, Ivory Coast and Togo. They are depicted as human-like creatures with hooked legs, iron teeth and wings that are said to be twenty feet. The Asanbosam live in the trees of the dense forests and feed mainly on those who dare to wander into their domain. They wait silently in their trees to pounce on unsuspecting prey, and rip out their throats with their iron teeth. Other lore depict these creatures as having emaciated bodies and twisted feet, claws, horns and said to be extremely vicious.

The Betsileo tribe of Madagascar has the Ramanga; a creature that is said to work closely with ththe chief(s) or witch doctors, summoned to consumed the blood remaining from surgeries, extractions and accidents. This even included the blood remaining from fallen teeth, nail clippings etc. If they weren’t present, the blood would be preserved and given in ceremonies for when the Ramanga returned. This was not specificed why, but my assumption would be to reward/pay the Vampire for it's work or presence, and to deter it from harming anyone. In the Cape Region of Africa, there’s the lore of a young beautiful man dubbed as the impundulu. He is said to be controlled by a witch, who gained control through female witch line. The witch is said to feed him well with the blood of cattle and humans, as well as even sleep/marry him. All this is done to keep him satiated so he continues to work for her, and to avoid betrayal and rebellion.

The Ewe people of Togo have the lore of the Adze, who takes the shape of a firefly. This creatures form is described as having a hunchback, sharp talons and jet-black skin when they are not fireflies – which is their most dangerous form, as it is then they are able to kill their victims, drink their blood and eat their heart. They favor feasting on young children, so this lore has been said to be the result of warning people from trapping fireflies.

In the southern parts of Africa the lore of the Tikoloshe, which is an energetic Vampire, is said to resemble a freakish baboon. They are said to have a violant appetite, and often assult women and suck their energy. Many believe a witchdoctor can trap and destroy them by luring them with milk.

Most energetic vampires are known to be monsters hiding amongst us, sucking out the energy of those around them to keep young and beautiful. I've added this type of vampire due to the many accounts of them, and it is facinating to imagine more then one type of vampire. The lack of blood consumption is still fascinating, as the thought of a human like creature that can survive off others essence/energy feels just as terrifying as a bloodthirsty ones

Asia

In the Philippines there is the lore of the Manananggal. She is believed to be a shapeshifting woman who sucks the blood of pregnant women’s stomachs. Like many western vampires, she hates garlic and her thirst is endless. She’s often depicted as a flying disembodied sucking nightmare at night, but beautiful by day. There is also the lore of the Aswang, which is often also a generic term for malevolent supernatural entity. She is said to be a beautiful woman who traps her victims, sucks and drains their blood with her proboscis-like tongue. There are many similar lore to her, but she is considered the deadliest.

In Cambodia, my friend told me of the female ghost Krasue; “She is a head with floating organs hanging out of her as she flies around at night looking for victims to suck the blood out off for her survival. She was cursed as a woman for her sins (or something like that) then was reborn this way.” In Malaysia there is the lore of the Bajang - a weasley-like male creature that is inoffensive at first glance. He is said to be created from the bodies of stillborn babies, and that their victims typically are babies, newborns and children. Often, they seek out families with small children, and after being accepted into the family, they feed on the children and rarely spare the parents. Their cries are said to be able to induce illnesses in children, as well as spreading diseases and madness through entire towns. There is also a similar lore but of a small statue like creature that is passed down from generation to generation, that requires blood for it to obay the word of its master. It is not possible to destroy it, but instead appeasing it with blood offerings. Killing its master simply results in it finding a new one. In Indonesia there is the tale of the Leak, a creature that feeds on unborn children and babies. They are believed to be women who have black magic abilities, and who have a strong thirst for human flesh and blood. By day she appears normal, but by nighth er intestines break free and her head floats, hunting for victims. In Japan, there are a few vampire-like mythological creatures, but those that exist are all often depicted the same; As a human-size serpent (or with an animal body) with a woman’s head. They are often found near large bodies of water, and different provinces of Japan, have varying descriptions. What is common is that these creatures are known as merciless killers. An example is the Suiko, which means ‘water tiger’, and they drags humans into rivers and lakes, only to drain them of blood and feast on their souls. They are said to do this to stay in power rather than to satiate thirst or substance. Note; In my research I've observed that many asian vampire lore come from islands of southeast Asia, where similar sightings have been retold (beautiful woman who turns into floating heads, guts hanging out as they roam villages and cities in attempt to satisfy their thirst for blood and bodies) More examples of this is Myanmar's Kephn, who resembles the Malaysian Penanggalan and Bajang.

The America's and surrounding islands

Amongst the Wyandot People, indigenouus to North America, the legend of the Hooh-Strah-Dooh is what I found many describe as a cross between a zombie and a vampire. The Hooh-Strah-Dooh is said to be an evil spirit that inhabited recently dead bodies and caused the corpse to rise and devour the living.

In the Carribeans there is the female vampire-like monsters who is often dubbed Soucouyant, Loogaroo and many other names. They are bloodsucking elder women, who are reclusive by day but by night they take off their skin and hide it away to fly across the sky as a fireball in search for victims. They leave their victims bruised black, purple and blue. They are said to suck their victims dry till they die or become like her. To expose them or hinder, it is said to throw rice around the house or on the crossroads of the village. The creature will be distracted by the grains and want to pick every single one up, and by the time she’s done, the night will be over and she is forced to return to her skin. This is believed to be a French-West Indies lore mixed with western African lore and French lore (I could not find which ones).

The Argentinian (and Chilean) Mapuche People have a lore of the Peuchen, a shapeshifter that is often described as gigantic flying snake, who produced strange whistling sounds and has a paralyzing gaze that permits them to suck their victim's blood.

Afro Colmbians, and sometimes Ecuadorians, are said to have believed in the Tunda; a female shapeshifter, who would take on the shape of a loved one, lures her victim in and drinks his blood. They often preyed on men who wandered in the forests or are campt outside.

The Patasola or also known as the "one foot" creature, similar to the former, appears in many South American lore. The Patasola is a jungle monster who appears before male hunters or loggers in the middle of the wilderness. They are said to only appear when men think of women (including their significant other) The creature will take on a beautiful shape and seduce the men, luring him away from his group and deeper into the jungle before feeding on his blood and flesh.

Melanesia

Of the Banks Island, Venuatu, the vampire lore of the talamaur is known as being either good or evil. The evil ones would feed on the energy of the newly dead or dying. Alongside that, they are also known to enslave healthy people's souls by eating their heart. This type of vampire was said to be able to control the ghost of a dead person, and could use them to drain the vitality from the living and the recently deceased.

Nordic

In iceland, the Draugr is rooted in Icelandic Viking and Norse mythology lore - Their motivation is said to come from jealousy and/or greed. They are shapeshifters, associated with the deep forest and nature overall, where they are said to roam and deplenish livestock by either riding them or pursuing them in their hideous form. Despite their consumption of blood and flesh, they are often mostly associated with vampires because of their contagiousness – They are said to be able to spread their likeness (vampirism) through luring others and contaminating them.

Conclusion

The more I research, the more I find many similarities across cultures, continents and different time periods. As I go, I am slowly compiling a vampire reading list (literature) to read, as well as creating the bounds, laws and lore for my own story, with heavy inspirational rooots from those of the past. Even the western vampires of today seem to have strayed far from their roots of Zomie-like vampiric creatures, and I am starting to wonder if we were to have stuck with them would there have ever been the heavily white-supremicst rooted vampires of today? Would it have become a tool to press this immortality-perfection imagery on the world? or would they have found a way to still romantisized the corpse-like, terrifying vampires? Regardless, it is all very interesting and I hope to continue to discover more of these accounts and lore for my own etnertainment purpuse. Finding that there was an abundant amount of BIPOC accounts and tales of Vampires have given me so much inspiration and (sickly enough) joy knowing we do indeed exists within the genre. There is a plethora of different types of vampires, some crossing between zombie, witch and wolf, and all it took is to dig deeper.

Thank you for reading Updated 7/1-24 Sources;

The Vampire Timeline

Vampire Folklore by Region

Vampires of Albanian

The history of Vampires on Santorini

Vampires Before Dracula

Breslau Vampire

Francois Bertrand

American Antiquarian (Contains more source on Vampires)

Jure Grando - The First Recorded Vampire

Obayifo

Manananggal