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| According to J Gordon Melton females are the oldest vampiric figures to be found in most cultures, and that the origin of vampirism concerns myths relating to problems with childbirth. This seems to be an often reoccuring theme as to is an association with animals especially birds. Here are some other entities associated with the vampire and vampiric qualities (in no particular order, makes it difficult but hey I'll alphabetise later). |
| KALI- An Indian goddess known for her blood thirst. She is described in early Indian texts as having fangs, wearing a garland of corpses and living in crematorial grounds. Kali also appeared as the consort of Siva, pictorially Kali was often shown in the dominant position on top of Siva while engaging in sexual intercourse. Within Tantric Hinduism Kali became the dominant deity representing the sensual delights of the world. She was referred to as Creatrix, Protectress and Destructress. Kali was a contradiction in the sense that she represented both order through the destruction of demons, as well as the forces that bring about instability, such as her blood drunkenness and frenzied activity. It is believed that in the middle ages Kali survived among the Gypsies as Sara, the Black Goddess when they migrated from India to Europe. |
| PONTIANAK- In Javanese mythology a Pontianak is a woman who has died a virgin or who died while giving birth. They are described as a banshee like creature that flys at night in the form of a bird, attacking men in the form of a beautiful young woman. When attacking it would embrace the man and after one kiss would immediately withdraw, in doing so the hoe in its back was revealed. At this time the victim must pull out a single strand of their long hair or they would be vampirised. Failing the man would die, however if he succeeds he will live a long and happy life. It is also believed the Pontianak would attack and suck the blood of babies due to jelousy of the happiness felt by the mother. Also attributed to the Pontianak were stillborn infants and those dying by unknown causes soon after birth. |
| YAMA- A Hindu vampiric deity and god of death. references to Yama can also be found in Tibetan, Nepalese and Mongolian mythology. Where Yama was depicted with fangs and blood. It is believed that if a person performed evil deeds during their life, after death the soul would depart with the excreta rather than the top of the head. For a period of a year while awaiting judgement from yama, the soul would wander in a state of unhappy restlessness. During this time the god of water prevented it from drinking, thus it was always thirsty. |
| STRIX- A night demon from Roman mythology which attacked infants and drained their blood. it was identified with the screech owl. The Strix was associated with living witches from which the concept of the Strega was derived. A Strega was a witch usually a woman, deemed to have the power to change form and to fly at night in the form of a bird. They were believed to suck human blood and possess a poisonous breath. |
| MULO- An entity to be found in Gypsy beliefs concerning vampires. Mulo means "one who is dead", Death by the Gypsies was viewed as unnatural and occuring when an individual was attacked by evil influences. It is believed the deceased could return as a vampire and search out person(s) who may have offended them. Such as causing this persom's death, not destroying the deceased's belongings according to custom, but rather keeping them for themselves. the vampire's appearance was often normal, sometimes a peculiarity such as animal like appendages or a finger missing could be detected. When returning from the dead the vampire was believed to engage in different activities. Destroying property, attacking relatives in an attempt to suck their blood. Male vampires were considered to have a strong sexual apetite often returning to have sexual relations with a girlfriend, wife or other women. Whereas a female vampire was believed to be able to assume a normal life and if they married their husband became exhausted by the effort of satisfying her sexual demands. |
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| But there are yellow bruises on my body And violet stains; Though no white vampire come with lips bloodcrimsoned To suck my veins! Theophile Gautier- Les Taches Jaunes |
| * excuse spelling and grammar, I'll fix that later. |
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