Vampires

The idea of vampires has ancient roots, with early myths appearing in various cultures around the world. In European folklore, vampires were often depicted as undead beings who visited loved ones and caused mischief or death in their communities. These early vampires were described as bloated and ruddy, quite different from the pale, gaunt figures popularized in modern fiction. In film and literature, vampires evolved from purely horrific creatures to complex characters with emotional depth grappling with their immortality and moral dilemmas. Notable works include novels such as John Polidori's "The Vampyre" (1819) and Bram Stoker's "Dracula" (1897) and Anne Rice's "Interview with the Vampire" (1976).