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Essay / Vampire Culture: The Evolution of Vampires
The Evolution of VampiresA vampire is a fascinating and terrifying creature. It was generally believed that the dead came out of their graves at night to drink the blood from the necks of the living. It has also been described as a bat-like creature that feeds on mammal or bird blood. It was a perception of the old vampires. Contrary to this, the new generation of vampires have been shown to live among people who serve as their guardian angels. There has been a substantial evolution of these creatures from their initial appearance in literature to current vampire films. Therefore, it is important to explain the history of these fictional creatures by focusing on the drastic changes that have occurred. It is important to note that literature, as Auerbach (2012) reveals, the main purpose of introducing vampires into the world was to warn people of impending dangers. They were also used to encourage people to exercise caution when dealing with issues considered dangerous. However, as evolution began, vampires became a source of entertainment. For example, horror films currently constitute a source of entertainment for many people around the world. As a result, vampire culture emerged. Where people join vampire fan clubs, subscribe to vampire magazines, and purchase vampire-themed products such as clothing and toys. This shows that we are all influenced by vampire culture, either directly or indirectly. Every culture has a different perception of these creatures. However, there are some essential common characteristics regarding vampire myths. For example, vampires have been described as being nocturnal and drinking blood. Literature has shown that when innocent people are corrupted, they eventually turn into vampires. Additionally, the origin of vampires was associated with problems related to childbirth (Shepherd, 2010). In this regard, it is clear that literature and films vary in the ways in which they explore the nature of