The History of Vampires: From Ancient Myths to Dracula
- Lyle Perez
- Aug 26, 2025
- 2 min read
Few creatures have captured the human imagination like the vampire. From terrifying folklore to bestselling novels and blockbuster films, vampires continue to haunt our collective consciousness. But where did these legends begin, and how did they evolve into the Dracula we know today?
In this chilling episode of The Halloween Podcast, I sit down with Ronald L. Murphy Jr.—author, historian, and paranormal investigator—to unravel the fascinating history of vampire lore. Together, we trace their story back thousands of years, exploring how these bloodthirsty beings transformed from ancient myths into modern icons of horror.
Vampire legends can be found in some of the world’s earliest civilizations. In ancient Mesopotamia, tales described demonic beings who fed on the blood or life force of the living. In Jewish folklore, the figure of Lilith, often portrayed as a night demon, embodied many of the traits we now associate with vampires. Across cultures, from Greece to India, stories of creatures who rose from the grave to prey on humans persisted, reflecting humanity’s fear of death and the unknown.
By the Middle Ages, vampire hysteria swept through Europe. Villagers reported corpses rising from their graves, and gruesome rituals were carried out to prevent the dead from walking again. This period also gave rise to the connection between vampires and disease, as unexplained plagues were often blamed on supernatural forces.
No discussion of vampires would be complete without Vlad the Impaler, the ruthless 15th-century ruler of Wallachia. His brutal reputation for impaling his enemies and his association with bloodshed helped inspire Bram Stoker’s legendary creation: Count Dracula. First published in 1897, Dracula cemented the vampire as a cultural icon—one that has evolved through countless adaptations in books, television, and movies ever since.
What makes the vampire so enduring is its ability to adapt. From the terrifying Nosferatu of early cinema to the romanticized figures of modern pop culture, vampires have shifted with the times while maintaining their dark allure. They embody our fears of death, disease, and the unknown, while also reflecting deeper themes of power, desire, and immortality.
In our conversation, Ronald L. Murphy Jr. and I explore these themes in detail, uncovering how vampire myths have shaped history and continue to influence the way we tell stories today.
If you’re fascinated by the origins of folklore, the evolution of horror, or just love a good spooky tale, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.
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