The Origins of Vampires and Werewolves: Tracing the Myth Throughout History

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In summary, the conversation covers the announcement of a Blade reboot set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the origins of vampires and werewolves in mythology and ancient cultures, and a debate about who would win in a duel between two vampire characters. The conversation also touches on the possibility of vampires being originally aliens.
  • #1
new6ton
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blade_(film)
"On 20 July 2019, during their 2019 San Diego Comic-Con presentation, Marvel Studios announced a Blade reboot that would be set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with Mahershala Ali staring as Blade.[37]".

Cool. Hope there would be reboot of Underworld too.

I'd like to know where did the story or myth or vampire first originated. Did they come from greek mythology? How about werewolves? What is the first story about werewolves or where did the story first originated? Do ancient cultures have these creatures too?
 
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  • #2
new6ton said:
How about werewolves? What is the first story about werewolves or where did the story first originated? Do ancient cultures have these creatures too?
origins of werewolves
 
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  • #3
phinds said:

Great ideas. So stories of shapeshifting werewolves existed even in the BC. I'm googling present reports of shapeshifting werewolves. Instead I only got google results of shapeshifting reptoids all over.

Anyway. My friends and I have been debating since yesterday who would win in a duel. Selene of Underworld or Brookes of Blade. Both is not affected by garlic and sunlight. Both can heal fast. These are definitely not the characteristics of humans. We were wondering if Vampires were originally aliens.
 

1. What are the origins of the vampire and werewolf myths?

The origins of the vampire and werewolf myths can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia, Greece, and Rome. In these cultures, there were tales of creatures that could transform into animals or had supernatural powers. These stories evolved over time and were influenced by different cultures and beliefs, eventually becoming the vampire and werewolf myths we know today.

2. Are there any real-life creatures that inspired the vampire and werewolf myths?

There are several theories about real-life creatures that may have inspired the vampire and werewolf myths. Some believe that the vampire myth was influenced by diseases such as porphyria, which causes sensitivity to sunlight and a craving for blood. Others suggest that the werewolf myth may have been inspired by people with hypertrichosis, a condition that causes excessive hair growth all over the body.

3. How did the vampire and werewolf myths become so popular in modern culture?

The vampire and werewolf myths became popular in modern culture through literature and film. In the 19th century, writers like Bram Stoker and Mary Shelley popularized these myths through their novels, "Dracula" and "Frankenstein." In the 20th century, these creatures became even more popular with the rise of horror movies and TV shows, solidifying their place in pop culture.

4. Are there any historical figures or events that may have contributed to the vampire and werewolf myths?

There are some historical figures and events that have been linked to the vampire and werewolf myths. For example, Vlad the Impaler, a ruler in Romania in the 15th century, is often cited as the inspiration for the character of Dracula. The belief in werewolves was also prevalent during the witch trials of the 16th and 17th centuries, where people were accused of transforming into wolves and causing harm to others.

5. Why do these myths continue to fascinate people today?

The vampire and werewolf myths continue to fascinate people today because they tap into our fears and desires. These creatures represent the struggle between good and evil, immortality and mortality, and the human desire for power and control. Additionally, the constant reinvention and reinterpretation of these myths in popular culture keep them relevant and intriguing to audiences of all ages.

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