Vampires : A study of the European Vampire through history and it´s function in modern society.

Abstract ”The Vampire from past to present”. This essay studies and compares the early historical Vampire as it is presented in some of the Western Europe countries, primarily Greece, but also Romania and how their descriptions of the Vampire have inspired the portrait of vampires in modern films and literature. The essay aims to answer the questions: How has the historical, traditional, European Vampire developed through the centuries into the modern Vampire of today? Which original facts and perceptions about the Vampire from a Christian and pre-Christian point of view can be observed in the modern Vampire, as it is presented in the chosen films and furthermore, can any new ideas be observed in the films? By studying Vampire literature and poems throughout the centuries, a very interesting picture appears. Therefore lots of stories, poems and historical individuals, both real and fictional, are presented in a part of this essay. Another important fact for this essay, is that the Vampire is historically related to the Werewolf, and therefore this creature is also presented here. The conclusion is that the Vampire seem to fit in every historical context, and has managed to thrive over time. It is still presented as a mean, blood-sucking creature, even though we don´t seem to fear it any longer. It has become more of an ideal for many people; representing our longing for youth, beauty and a never-ending life, than a frightening, dangerous creature as it was presented in the early history