The Truth About Vampires
by Al Reyes

A vampire is a being that feels the need to drink blood in order to survive to gain some type of energy boost.

Vampires are most likely portrayed in movies as a person who wears a black cloak with a medallion wrapped around his neck. The most popular vampire we know is Dracula. The popularity of such belief started after Bram Stoker's death in 1912.

Bram Stoker wrote "The Un-dead" back in 1890s and publishes it under the title "Dracula" in 1897. Although Stoker never really went to Transylvania, his description of the country was more than accurate. His bloodthirsty full-length book fascinated many scholars. The book was no huge success after his death in 1912. He wrote 18 books, including others about vampires.

It is said that there is a true Dracula. His name was Prince Vlad. He lived during the 15th century together with his ruling father. His father was called "Dracul" meaning "dragon" because he belonged to the Order of the Dragon, which fought the Muslim Ottoman Empire. This leads to Prince Vlad's alias as Dracula, which means "son of Dracul" in Romanian.

Although Prince Vlad was a defender of the Christian faith, several people believe that he has an altar at his castle worshipping the likes of Satan. Vlad lived in a time of constant war. Transylvania was at the frontier of two great empires: the Ottoman Turks and the Austrian Hapsburgs. Treachery, vindictiveness, and revenge ruled the day, as young Dracula soon discovered.

From 1448 until his death in 1476, Dracula ruled Walachia and Transylvania, both part of Romania today. Twice he lost and reclaimed his throne, once by fighting his own brother, Radu.

Vampires are also known for their long fangs and the ability to shape-shift into bats during the day. They were believe to sleep in coffins, avoid garlic, dislike mirrors, and to the male species, a charismatic personality for most women.

Another traditional belief is that vampires fear sunlight. They have extraordinary capability like speed and a keen sense of hearing. They sleep for hundreds of years and wakes up craving for blood. They do not age and can only be killed by striking a specially made wooden stake at the creature's heart.

But who are the real vampires? Are they for real? What are the truth and misconceptions about these creatures? Click here to continue…