Despite the current craze for urban and contemporary vampires, my favorite vampire stories were written before the earliest part of the twentieth century. So, for Bryony, I drew heavily on traditional vampire lore. Then, I compiled it into one “book” that Melissa reads after she encounters her first vampire, since, other than movies, she doesn’t know much about them.
Some of the “facts” I’ve learned through the years and woven into the story include:
· Vampires are former humans who need fresh blood to survive.
· Vampires most commonly, although not exclusively, target a victim’s neck.
· Vampires often pursue one person, especially if that person is a young girl.
· Vampires must rest in their original burial ground by day.
· Vampires may create new vampires, who become their slaves.
· Those destined to become vampires include the seventh son of a seventh son, illegitimate children, those born with a caul, teeth, fur, or extra digit, and those that die from suicide or murder.
· Vampire bodies show little decay. They have sharp teeth, foul breath, and pale faces.
· Vampires can change shapes, even mimicking ghosts.
· Vampires possess keen senses, formidable strength, and fantastic speed.
· Vampires are resistant to disease. They possess wisdom, hypnotic skills and sexual charm. They control animals and elements. They read minds.
· Direct sunlight, prolonged blood deprivation, driving a wooden stake through its heart, and decapitation by a silver blade are the best methods for killing vampires.
Next week, Sharon Peterson of Incredible Bats (http://www.incrediblebats.com/) will share the real truth about the much-misunderstood vampire bat.
The official blog of Denise M. Baran-Unland, author. Discover her books for all ages at bryonyseries.com.
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